Smyrna times., 1879-01-08

GOVERNOR CocHRAN's MEssAGE.-The mes.
sage of Gov. Cochran was read at noon on
Tuesday before the Legislature just after its
1t is quite lengthy docu.
ment for so small State, but evinces that,
though small, what effects our interest is of
as much Importance to us as though we
were an empire. We think it will be con-
sidered an able document and full of valua
BILE suggestions.
1t is remarkable for the local character
of its considerations, and in this respect is a
greatimprovementu upon many of our former
messages, nearly half Of which have been
filled with the politics of the nation. Com
ing to hand on the morning of our issue, we
have time and space but for brief synop-
sis. He alludes to the bonded debt and
recommends the issue of four per cent.
bonds to take the place of the six per cent
bonds recommends a reduction in the State
expenses; shows that in the last four
years the State debt has been reduced
$4,000, thus saving nearly $4,000 in an
nual interest; suggests the division of New
Castle county into two counties; thinks
commission, aided by the Judiciary of our
State should supply the defects and provided
the remedies in better laws to protect the
| lives and persons of passengers upon rail
roads; calls attention to the loose manner
in which Levy Court appropriations are
made and suggests more suitable provisions
in this as we'll as insurance companies,
savings banks and other corporations re-
views the condition of the State Library,
charities, boundary question between our
State and New Jersey, cession Of grounds
to the general government for light
the seals of Notaries and Commissioners,
the two years interest arrears Of the Break
water & Frankford r. r. Co. necessitating
a foreclosure, &c. He says during his entire
term he has granted but two remissions
and two pardons. The three items on
which he dwells the most are the State
financial policy, the division of New Castle
county, and the Free School system. In
regard to the latter he says: Since the
Superintendent entered upon his duties
under the new law, better organization O
the schools has been secured, and a more
thorough system introduced into their ad
minstration. By more rigid examination
of teachers, and in more numerous branche
the standard has been elevated, year b,
, year, producing marked improvement il
the qualification of the teachers and
corresponding proficiency in their pupils
The Teachers Institute he thinks hav
been peculiarly beneficial in furnishin
broader views of duty, and more correc
= ideas and methods of instruction, an
I urges some important changes in the exis
. ing school law. In urging the curtailmen
o of State expenses he makes wise sugge
!. ton to the Legislature to shorten its Sc
g sion and to this end recommends that n
n new business be received after the last {
January. He closes with glowing tribut
to our position and natural advantages as
h State, and says:
% "By making our institutions CONNER
surate to our position and advantages;
protecting person and property through
% faithful enforcement of the law and /
is penalties; by preserving industry and caI
4 | tai from the burdens of unnecessary del
=, and unjust taxation; and by improving OF
"a advantages and developing our resourc
1T through broad, progressive, pubic-spirite
st policy which, while preserving praisewortE
il. and conservative habits OF irugality al
:. simplicity, will remove all Instructions al
10 open wide channels to the infowing tide
er useful immigration and needed capital"