Smyrna times., 1883-01-17


posed for the benefit of the State, a
good Winters work.
He commenced by thanking the |
people for the confidence reposed in |
him by electing him to the Office, and |
promised to zealously dedicate himself |
to its duties, looking for aids in the
counsels of the well-tried intelligence |
and virtue of his fellow citizens and
the protection and guidance of the
Almighty Ruler of the Universe, in
whose hands are the destinies of States
and men,"
The people of our State are largely
interested in the business of ship build
ing both iron and wood, and the ex-
cessive burdens of direct and indirect
taxation prevent the employment of
American vessels in the foreign trade,
enhances the cost of their material and
adds to the cost of living and he con-
graduates the people on the hopeful
promise of a reformation in the pres
ent unwise, antiquated and ill-arrang-
ed system of tariff taxation"
He believes the time has arrived IN
the history and growth of the State
when changes should be made in the
organic law, but recommends that such
constitutional amendments be effected
by legislative enactments rather than
by convention.
On the subject of increased represen-
tation he recommends an increase of
the House to not more than thirty
members 1.-THE present number is twen-
ty-one) the same to be distributed
fairly and equitably between the sever
al countless" and the Senate not to
consist of more than fifteen members,
each county to have an equal number
thereof" thus making the House rep
resent population and the Senate terri
tory. If the above is approved, he
further recommends limiting the session
to period of sixty days.
In the matter of reform of the Judi
ciary system he suggests they be gov
erned by the legal minds of the State.
On the important subject of Free
Schools, he recommends in lieu of a
State Superintendent and Assistant,
that there be three Superintendents,
one for each county. On the matter OF
education he cheerfully concurs with
, his predecessor in recommending an
increase of the School Fund whereby
the system would be rendered more
efficient and that ample appropriation;
be made that will establish a more
liberal and higher standard of educa
ton. He takes over page of the
address in stating the status of the
negro as clothed with the full rights o
. citizenship by the Constitution of thu
, United States. He says:
"As citizens they will continue Il
} exercise the privileges of freemen, anC
, the great question, for all lovers o
g good government, is to resolve upoI
s what best qualities for the proper dis
charge of their duties to society anC
t the State"
: To qualify them for this citizenship
: he recommends that liberal, and gener
Gus assistance be rendered by tn
+. Legislature, but always in separat
D schools.
= He refers to the question of Temper
i ance as q subject claiming the atten
Y tion of the people generally, and says
n "In my judgement, we'll regulated
e judicious and stringent license system
promptly and faithfully executed j
y every particular, would more effectual
e ly restrain the great evils cOmplaine
q of than any other legislation"
' He dwells on the evils of inoperativ
n and unexecuted laws, and says {
Y secure the proper and honest enforct
q meRt of such law, it is the duty of a
$ good citizens to aid in its execution.
On the subject of bribery at electior
he says he is at loss to suggest
d sufficient remedy. The present la
oi against bribery he says is defective an
le recommends such legislation as wi
impose " like" penalties (whatev'
or they are) upon all persons participa
- y ing in such corrupt practices.
no He recommends the abolition of Il
is Uniform Ballot Law" as suspectib
I'd of being used to the prejudice al
= detriment of the elector.
is He urgently recommends the ere
IN ton Of Board of migration to deVel'
d, our agricultural, manufacturing aI
al mechanical interest, congratulates }
"A fellow citizens on the condition Of u
N. finances, c0ncurs with his predecess
Is, in recommending "reformatory"
ID youthful criminals, and closed by e
t@ pressing his high esteem for his ret
iHg predecessor and reminding t
be members of the Legislature that
ne becomes their duty to protect the gr'
ne ne interest of the State by legislati
'as action as it is his to take care that
to laws be faithfully executed.
wn
let The position of the Governor on
ee: whole is progressive, though there
M Ma9 be a wide difference Of opinion on so
ust @ of the measures he proposes. That
hat relations to abolishiag the state Sup
ity intendency Of our Public Schools
ne most certainly meet with opposition
,S., ars retrogression rather than progressi
not With a State Superintendent there
bat unity of action throughout the ST