The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-01-07
MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
AcKsoN. Mss, january 6, 1885,

the people great and sacred trust has been com
your hands to be administered for the welfare
without regard to section, class, or
party affiliations | sincerely trust that your dehoera-
lions will characterized by wisdom, peace and har-
moy earnestly invoking the guidance and assistance
Almighty God, that the result OF your labors VIII De
entite you His blessings and to the graft
tude OF the people you represent
year succeeding the adjournment OF the last Legs
ature was attended by disasters unparalleled IN the
Mississippi terrible epidemic, more malignant
character and fatal than ever before KNOWN In
many OF the State spreading DEATH devas
gloom wherever went Thousands OF our TEL
low citizens fell victims TO the dreadful scourge and
numerous whole families were borne away as it
were. a common grave Many OF our most honored
citizens numbered among the dead For many months
the whole melancholy scene OF suffering, des-
olaton and mourning But IN the midst OF their distress
the charitable world with unsnted hand, mnisered to
the relief suffering people From the cItIes towns
and villages North East West and South large sums oil
money many needed supplies forwarded to our
lief associations; and several large donations were recev
ed from foreign countries The different Masonic bodes,
odd Fellows and other benevolent institutions throughout
the country, most conspicuous and liberal IN their
deeds Of charity and | advised OF no instance III
which the sick suffered for want Of money supplies
necessities made known, and they could
be reached by any of transportation.
The relief thus contributed transported and distri
buted by railroad express and steamboat companies, free
charge; and all correspondence for purposes OF relief
appertaning thereto, was transmitted by telegraph
companies upon the Such generosity the
part Of the people everywhere and the valuable services
rendered by the transportation and telegraph companies,
claim recognition from the OF thoSe VINO
were the beneciaries of their muniiicent bounues
4 partial failure the cotton portions OF the
State, and the unremunerave prices received for it,
created feeling OF discomfort among plantation aDorers,
which, together with other exraneous influences, caused
some abandon their crops in the spring to seek
homes the West For time the planting interest in
excitement soon subsidized and the supply of labor conn-
ned about equal to the demand.
During he year just closed the people, with the
cepton of those Of three small villages have been
favored with unusually good health and fair yield OF
the crop together with the satisfactory price received Tor
has. great measure alayed the apprehensions felt
of the threatened ganzaon of the labor
system. The trade and industries OF the State have
greatly revived and there unmakable evidences of
returning prosperity At no time since the close OF the
has general spirit OF contentment prevailed
among all classes Of citizens. and all seem to look
forward with confidence to bright and happy future:
With few exceptions. peace and order have prevailed
during the last two years; aud the laws for the
punishment Of crime have, as rule been prompt
Iv vigorously and successfully administered. | de-
sire bear testimony to the aithulness with
which the Judges, District Attorneys, and other officers
charged with the administration OF the criminal laws
have performed their duties. Too much cannot be sad
in their commentator.
The political through which have recently
passed exciting but far as ! am informed
the election was peaceabe no serious disturbance hay
ing occurred anywhere within the State
Ii will deyolve upon you the first Legislature since
the adoption OF the Constitutional amendment providing
biennial sessions, adjust the laws regulating the
various departments of the State government to the
nSed order of things. All existing laws enacted
with view to annual sessions q the legislature and the
required changes must be Many annual NM reports
essening the expenses and tending simplify the oper
atiOns of the departments.
In performing the duty assigned me by the Constitu-
ton give you Information of the state of the govern
ment. and TO recommend for your consideration such
measures as may deem necessary and expedien need
make but few recommendations in reference to the gen
era laws of the State farther than commend to
careful consideration the various changes proposed the
Code, which, it is believed comprises all the general
legislation required
BY an At OF the last Legislature Hon J. A. P Camp
bell authorized to revise and cody all the laws of
the State of general nature, and required to submit the
the Legislature, at its regular session in 1850 In
accordance with said Act Judge Campbell has been dill
gently engaged IN performing the work assigned him. and
ready submit the result of his arduous labOrs to
your honorable bodies No specific having been
provided for submitting the draft Code the Legsature it
has been deposited this office be transmitted you
at such time and IN such manner, you may direct.
The Code has been prepared wih great with
view Of perecng the laws the wants of all
classes and the eminent ability and large experience of
the dstn guished urist who has made the revision and
The with which he has devoted himself TO the task
render quite certain that the work it from his
hands is nearly perfect as 1t can be made L trust
that all amendments proposed to the work will be
fully scruuniTed and not adopted without mature con-
sideration.
The modification the registration and election laws
dispensing with their complex machinery by aboshing
State and County Boards of Registration const
tued seems 10 me wise and economical provision The
requirements Of the Constitution will be met, the
traon and election complete and satisfactory, and at
much expense The system recommended is believ
ed to be the simplest and least expensive that be
adopted to conform the constitutional demand.
The amendment Of the law in relation to public officers
and their duties which continues deputy IN office after
the death of his principal to be Just, since the
deputy accredited to the public by the officer in his
life time 1t viii in many instances prevent Interrupt
tons in the duties of important offices and promote the
public welfare
The Revenue law is made plain, harmonious, and sim
pie The provision fer the assessment OF persons and
property which escaped taxation in former years; and
for the sale for of lands not sod from any at
fixed for the regular sale for taxes, impor
ant and much needed improvement; and that in relation
to tay privileges equitable and just. If
the principle of imposing privileges be correct,
the amount Of should be regulated by the extent OF
The simple and easy mode proposed for the enrolment
and organization the militia cannot fail to commend
itself to your Judgment,
The amendments to the laws in relation to the Courts,
from Justices of the Peace to the Supreme Court
intended perfect their machinery; to make definite
and certain some things open discussion; to make