The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-01-18

out this additional Inconvenience, and
it is indeed proud moment to me, that
can stand In my place and make this au-
nouDcement. And yet, Sir, 1 would do in
justice 10 The promptings of my heart did l
not avail myself of the opportunity TO here
express my appreciation and gratitude
for this signal distinction In their past.
As l review my association with the
representatives of Texas since 1 have
served in her eOunsels, L can find nothing
TO eensure but everything to commend.
True as the needle TO the pole, with the
unselishness of patriots and faithful in
the discharge OF duty, no wonder, as they
have aspired to higher positions. they
have met with endorsement and received
the plaudrt of ''well done, good aud faith
full servants, for they have proven them
selves
Statesmen. yet friends to truth, of souls
sincere,
In action bold, in honor clear"
AS far, sir, as in my power lies shall en-
deayor TO emulate the examples of those
who have gone before US and contribute
my mite to the efforts Of my associates, in
adding fresh impetus to the gigantic
strides which Texas is making to glory
and renown. By such a course conceive
faVorE. and thereby best secure the ap-
proval of my conscience and advance the
inter esis of my constituents.
thank you, sir, and the house, for par
hitting this trespass on your time.
A substitute offered by Mr.. Gavin,
of Harrison, for the previous one
pending prior to Mr.. C.'s address was
adopted. as follows:
Resolved, That a committee of
three be appointed to wait upon the
senate and inform them that the
house is organized and ready for bust
ness; and also a joint committee of
three to act with like committee
from the senate to wait upon his eX-
cellency, the governor. and inform
him that the two houses are organ
lied and ready for any communication
he may make.
The house adjourned till p. ~, be-
fore the committees were named
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The LJuse met at the appointed
hour.
The speaker announced as commit
tees, in accordance with resolution
previously adopted, Messrs. Nash,
WurZbach and Fisher to wait on the
senate; and Messrs. Upton, Gavin and
Chambers OF Collin, to wait on the
governor.
a resolution to have five pages was
amended for eight, to be appointed by
the speaker, and paid 81 per day, and,
as amended, was passed.
Mr.. WurZbach asked that the mem
Der from Anderson, Mr.. Tucker, be
sworn. Mr.. w. said that there was a
paper in the Office of the secretary of
state showing that Col. Tucker had
ITO majority, which he considered
equivalent to u certificate. Besides,
the senator from the district who acted
us teller would testify to the result.
Mr.. Sharp, of Milan, asked to with
draw the papers which had been sent
had reported.
Mr.. Gavin moved to refer to a
special committee. SO referred.
The business required to the ques-
ton of choosing seats, the resolution
having been adopted.
The members, as required, retired to
the lobby and came forward and took
their seats by choice, us their names
were called by lot by the clerk; the
names Of the several members having
been placed in hat, from which they
were drawn.
Mr.. Upton, from the committee ap-
pointed to wait on the governor, re-
ported compliance with that duty.
a message was announced from the
governor.
a report was read from the special
committee on the election of Mr..
Tucker, covering evidence of his cleo
ton from papers in the office of secre-
tary of state.
On motion, the gentleman was
sworn.
a resolution was offered that the
speaker appoint an assistant clerk,
whose pay shall be the same as that of
chief clerk, to be allowed only in alb
sence of that officer. The resolution
failed.
Mr.. Rogers, of Neuces, moved that
the house stand adjourned till 10
o'clock Thursday, and that the gov
errors message be made the special
order for 10:l5 a. III.
The motion, however, failed, and
the clerk proceeded to read the mes
sage of the governor, as follows:
MESSAGE OF GOV. ROBERTS.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, AUSTIN, TEXAS, !
January 10, 1885.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives i'll the Legislature assembled
You, as the representatives OF the people of
Texas, have come 10 the capital to enact laws
for their government, at a most important
period of the history of the state.
Your fellow citizens feel assured that they,
through your agency, shape the government
tn IN hE of i,a
majority, under the powers, limitations and
restrictions of the constitution.
The blessings of good government have been
secured by their previous efforts, and III its
enjoyment they are now II satisfied people.
An eXuberant prosperity nils the country to
Overlooking at the present time. The glowing
prospects for Its future advancement in the
elements of greatness is equally encouraging.
Its progress during the last ten years has been
unprecedented i'll the annals of states on this
continent. 1t has, i'll that time, emerged from
comparative obScurity 10 a favorable appreci-
alton throughout our sister states and through
out the nations of Europe. The foundations
for much of that progress were laid before l
was elected and became governor OF the state,
four years ago. During my two administrd-
tons the policy pursued was plainly marked
out 1t was the practical reformation Of all OF
the governmental operations in existence,
with such additions only as were in accord
with the spirit OF the age, and as were prompt
ed by the existing condition OF the country,
and Its pressing wants.
In the pursuit of that policy there has been
i'll the main a harmonious cooperation by the
legislature and the executive officers, sanction
ed by the general appreciation of the people.
Its results in SO short time have been re-
markable.
The ad valOrem taxes have been reduced
from fifty to thirty cents on the one hundred
dollars worth OF property. and the occupation
taxes nearly ill the same proportion. An
Overii0wing treasury now gives promise of an
ability for L further reduction. A signal inl-
provement in the collection of taxes has been
accomplished.
The debt of the state has been reduced, APP
proximately in round numbers, from 81, HOO coo
on the first of january, 1879, 10 S4,OO0,OO0 on
the first OF january, 1888, Il difference of about
81 100000. The interest thereof has been re-
duced prOportiOnally greater. by calling in the
ten per cent bonds and issuing five per cent
bonds in place OF them, in which there was an
annual diininutiOn of over $50 900 interest. The
interest on the public debt was annually $685.
600 on the first OF january, 1879, and ON the
first of january, 1888, SLY 200, making differ
ence of about $4,000 i'll the interest.
Of the Si.OO0000 of bonded debt less than
81 100000 OF it IS owned by individuals, and
over &, 100000 of it is in the state treasury,
owned by the special school funds, the univer-
sity and other funds, the interest on which
amount is annually paid to these funds for
our own benefit.
Our public credit has been so enhanced that
it has been difficult to buy our six per cent
bonds at j premium Of forty dollars to the one
The taxable property has increased from
$3.50 600, 900 i'll 1877 to S410,OO5O0o as estimated
in 1882.
Tie permanent fund of the public free
schools has increased by the sale of its lands
from 81 629O to 50 1851 900 on the first of jan
uary, 1888, with probable increase shortly OF
over a million of dollars more by the sales Of
the reserved lands.
The common free schools have been improv-
ed. the length of their terms have increased
every year. and the amounts annually apprO-
priated to them have been greater, being this
scholastic year over one million OF dollars, and
the scholastic population has increased over
ten per cent upon the number of each preced-
nd lharl