The Russellville Democrat., 1881-01-27

as we'll as from the states of this union ts come anu settle among us.
 The question of immigration in all new countries is the most impcr- tant that can engage the attention of their rulers and legislatsrs, as it is upon the extent and rapidity with which thelr population is increased and their progress in all that makes . state mostly depends.
 A kindred subject to this is that of public schools. The state should encourage a most liberal system of education. It would be difficult for us to do too much in that direction, and l confidently express the hope that the general assembly will earn estly second the efforts of our pres snt able and most worthy state superintendent iH psrfecting our school laws and rendering them sf- fective. His untiring zeal and sner- gy have already accomplished much, and with the proper legislative as sistance and encouragement given him freely and without reserve, it is safe to cay that we soon can have . common school system that will compare favorably with that of any other state n the union.
 Upon the subject of internal in- provsmsnts, 1 feel that your action will be wise and liberal, fostering and encouraging all enterprises of . public character, while of course guarding the interests of the public in any legislation that may be had on this subject.
 An asylum for the insane should be provided for, and it is to be hoped the necessary steps will be taken by your honorable body for the estab- lishment of such an institution. deem the mere mention of the fact sufficient, as all know and fully ap- preciats the great necessity Of early actisn.
 Among the grave questions that will engage your attention willsbe . revision Of our revenue laws and the matter of the statc debt. l can only say that Iieel an abiding confidence that wisdom will guide your coun- ss,s, and that your labors will result in the protection of the honor of the state and interests of our heavily burdensd taxpayers.
 In connection with the matter of the state debt it is proper to say that there are outstanding certain militia claims, arising under the administration of Gov. Clayton, and which.havs been brought to the at- tentidn of the general assembly by each of my two immediate prede- cessors.
 I submit the matter for your con sideration, as those claims are most ly due to our own people for prop srty forcibly taken from them with out compensation. Should you find them to b. just, you should not hesi- tate to make some provision for their payment.
 It would, of course, be out of taste for me, in this my mere inaugural address, to go into the details of the many subjects which will arse for consideration at your hands. My honored predecessor having all the official documents and information at hand, has in his very able message called your attention to tho leading and most important of these subjects, and has given us many wise and valuable suggestions which we should profit by when not antago- nistic to our fixed and settled con- victions.
 It is gratifying to know that with bountiful harvests and . spirit of law and order pervading all classes of the people, the state was never more prosperous and quiet.
 We should bs dsvoutl thankful to Almighty God for the great bless ings He has spread before us, and earnestly seek to improve the glo- rious opportunities He has given us as . people. I confess I have not the language in which to express gratitude to the people of Arkansas for the high honor conferred upon ne, but with heart filled with faith and truth to them and their best in terssts, l can give them the assur ance that have accepted this exalt- ed office with a full sense of the great responsibilities belonging to it.
 Let us all labor unsslfishly in the cause, and for the good of these peo- pie, until we shall feel and know that in the galaxy of states in this American Union, there is not one star brighter than our own beloved rksn~as