The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1884-05-24
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
In the volumfhous message which he
transmitted to the General Assembly last
week, Gov. McEnery praises the existing
revenue Law and RECOMMENDS the reten-
ton Of its salient features, but proposes
that tax sales be made in February and
final settlements in April. The losses by
the overflow of 1882 are spoken of as much
greater than those Of the current year, ag-
gregating over twelve million dollars in
sixteen parishes. The condition of the lev
ees and the levee fund is described at length,
and the suggestions of the Board of State
Engineers for the repair and preservation
of the levees are commended to thoughtful
consideration. The bonded debt Of the
State is given as 1s,2o6, 1856 20, and legis-
lation suggested that will prevent any de-
fault in the matter of interest and place
the State on cash basis for 1884, The
adoption of the debt amendment to the
constitution ELECTS approving comment.
Compulsory education is favored, and an
entire charge 10 the school system proposed
by which the control and maintenance OF
the schools shall be reIegated to local su-
pervision and local taxation in larger de-
gree than at present. The penitentiary
lease is approved, by implication if not di-
rectly. The people are congratulated upon
the gratifying condition of the public health
and the State Board Of Health is highly
complimented. A general law for the
maintenance of public roads is urged, in
Guiding stringent provisions requiring all
able-bodied men to work on the roads or
pay money equivalent for their labor.
Changes in the election laws and in the
time for holding the State election are rec
commended and a plea made for the "re-
striction of the right of suffrage to those
who can intelligently exercise it"-or, il
other words, for the establishment of ass
educational qualification az a prerequisite
to the privilege of voting. A number of
changes in the laws relating to the selection
of juries are proposed. The recommends
ton made in 1882 for revision of the
Civil Code, Code of Practice and Revised
Statutes is renewed. Legislation is asked
relative to the extradition of criminals, the
payment of attorneys fees incurred under
Act No. % of 1880, the sale or lease of the
st. Louis Hotel property in New Orleans,
the distribution of State documents, the
providing of increased and improved ac-
commodations for deaf-mutes and blind
persons committed to the care of the State,
and the amendment of the militia laws.
Attention is called to the satisfactory con-
dition of the New Basin canal and shell
road, the Charity Hospital, the State In
sane Asylum, the Southern University for
colored students and our public institu-
tons generally, and liberal appropriations
in their behalf and to secure a grand ex-
hibit at the Worlds CentenniaFand Cotton
are suggested. A special mes
sage on the last named subject is promised.
Legislators are cautioned not to overlook
Article 30 of the Constitution, which for
bids the passage of bills appropriating mon
~ in the last five days of their session. Re-
viewing the general situation of the COM
the Governor claims that
abor is better and more remunerative;
'ace issues are disappearing from our po-
ltlcal contests; capital has come into the
State and there are more railroads and
'ther enterprises completed and in progress
han ever before, taxation is more equal
md uniform; nearly $40, GOO, 600 have been
added to the assessment rolls during this
administrations; agricultural, mechanical
md manufacturing interests have advanced
md our financial condition betokens fu-
ure of continued prosperity.
The message, taken as 4 whole, is cred
table document, evincing great familiarity
With the affairs of the commonwealth and
ubmitting views and recommendations
which are in the main wise and commenda-
lie. In several instances, however. the views
# the Governor are open to unfayorable
and to these we shall refer in
uture numbers of the CHIEF.