Mexico weekly ledger., 1885-01-15

pie are best governed who have few
laws, only those absolutely necessa-
y, plainly expressed and vigorously
enforced. II win be my duty, in
strict accordance with the provisions
of the constitution and in compliance
herewith to cause all laws to be
faithfully executed, and TO impartial
" protect the rights Of every citizen
without distinction Of race or color,
and this I will endeayor to do with
out regard to my individual opinions
or 10 the propriety of any particular
law.
The people of Missouri have, from
the earliest period in the history Of
the State, favored and encouraged
education. Laws we're passed from
time to time, setting apart money
arising from various sources for the
purpose of establishing a permanent
fund for the
SUPPORT OF THE COMMON SCHOOLS.
By statutory enactment in 1853
twenty-five per cent of the entire
State revenue was annually set apart
for the support Of the common
schools. That which was done by
statute in 1858 was incorporated in
to the constitution of the State in
1876. In addition to the Is per cent
annually set apart, Missouri has per-
manentIy invested in bonds, State,
county and township, school funds
amounting to nearly 100000, the
interest of which is annually collec-
ted and used for the support of our
common schools. To increase the
sum to be annually expended the
people of the State voluntarily tax
themselves nearly 100000 each
year for the same purpose. Sepa-
rate schools are provided for the
children of colored citizens, by means
| of which all share alike in the bene-
fits arising from our excellent system
of common schools. The State uni
versity located at Columbia, together
with the school of mines and metal
lurgy, located at Rolla, have liberal
investments, of a permanent charac-
ter, provided for their support. The
State has established three Normal
schools in different sections of the
State for the education of the teach
ers of our common schools, and the
Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City,
the latter especially devoted to the
education of teachers for the colored
schools throughout the State, which
gives assurance to the colored citi
zens of Missouri that the education
of their children will not be neglec
ted. When to these are added a large
number of colleges, academies and
schools supported by private means
the people of Missouri are placed
IN THE FRONT RANK
among the friends of education
With such ample provisions thu
made, every child in the State, with
t out regard to race or color, may &C
quire a common-school education.
: Financially, Missouri stand anon
: the foremost States composing th
Federal Union. Under the provis
r ions of the present Constitution. th
debt of the State is diminishing frol
f year to year, and the counties, cite
e and towns are also rapidly iquida
= ing their debts, and being forbidde
by the fundamental law of the Ian
i to contract new debts. The day
not far distant when a new impetr
will be given to the material pro
perity of the State. The either
will not be taxed annually to pay il
terest, and their entire earnings ca
be devoted to increasing their ON
comforts and aiding in developin
the hidden resources of the Stat
IL In conclusion permit me to say tn
it will be my duty, as well as n
pleasure, to cooperate with you
70 all measures that will rebound to Il
advantage and promote the best i
~terest Of our great and grown
y State, and it will be my pleasure
n communicate to you my views, fro
lie time to time, on questions which I
N feet the public welfare.