The Van Buren press., 1879-01-14
M E S S A G E
WILL lam r. MILLER.
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
CEN ERAL ASSEMBLY.

fe7o Ce"s Of e Senate House of Representatives:
In complying with the constitutional requirement upon
the Executive convey you, this time, information
cenng the condition of the State together with recommends
tons for your consideration, of deemed expedent
for the public interest take occasion congratulate you upon
the steady advances toward prosperity, the part of
people since the last meeting of the General Assembly
While sudden remarkable change has taken place
the public condition. the fruits of settled and free home gov
ermen evident in the normal growth of industry and
substantial welbeng the influx of respectable if still
ny immigration the almost cessation from the bitter
political strife of classes and the general and encouraging
dininution of individual indebtedness The demonstration
afforded by exemption from that terrible scomgethe
fcvtro he superior heathfuness of climate
population it, increase wealth. For
all these happy circumstances deep debt of gratitude
Divine Providence We have only it, that by
Just and conservative, and at the time enlightened and
progressive of policy maintain honorable stand
ing among the of the Unon order that may
be enabled speedily the position which great
natural advantages render certain for the ultimate future
The day when constituted isolated community removed
by barriers of distance and of from the great world
around, is forever passed. We portion of that
world judged by its maxims if to prosper
must prosper in the deserved good opinion and part and
parcel of the busy and progressive and the influence of
these considerations should be every public
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
The Secretary of State invited
deserving careful consideration.
HOUSE AND GROUNDS
The condition of the public grounds the Capital is
credabe The State House is greatly dlapdated, and the
ward needs Improvement The appropriation for these pur-
poses has been insufficient has also that pay
watcmen. The labor of through the day. the pres
of single guard at night and provision for additional
watch special occasions all plainly required do
regard insignificant, matter which the State be
affected in the of citizens from other portions of the
country which concerns public
and property.
LIBRARY.
The Secretarys recommendation of the employment
Librarian in his office, my approval ta
The condition of the Library demands improvement The
separated should be united and the books fifty
ranged and cataogued; and this alone will constitute,
competent person. the task of year. As stand
library of thousand volumes half useless
.... LAW. a.
The recommendation that law be enacted providing
uniform system of pobooks and abstracts of elections
gard as of Importance.
ENROLMENT
The subject of the enrolment acts of the General As
semby lies within the exclusive control Of the Houses
sufficient in addition the of the Secretary
State that ncompeency and carelessness in this
gard have wrought trfng mischief and the calls
for serious attention.
COMMISSIONS.
agree with the Seeretarys suggestion of a
practice formerly accepted of forwarding civil commissions
through the clerks of counties. -... .s.-.#
.....- FINANCE.
The Reports of the Auditor and Treasurer of State present
the condition of the public finances The total of
drawn upon the treasury during the fiscal years past
has been 296, ,s596 of which $422 977 81
pended payment of the expenses of the Government
To the latter should be added $26 1872
tfcaes of Indebtedness against the State Total expended
during the years. exclusive of interest paid bonds
s49 769.s average of 1921, 1884 80, per annum Not
less, however, than $4,000, of any outstanding LA
bes of the present administration has been paid for special
expenses remaining from the administration preceding
that 81 900 may be taken the ordinary expenses
of the Government for year. Z..=-=
From the Teasurers report appears that there
the different funds, amounts follows:
GENERAL REVENUE
etae % - " " " " oas
is @
..
PERMANENT .=-
nted stne Currency
Stas H hoaas @ - ;
Iii mu t