Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-11-05
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.

The last General Assembly passed two i'm
porlant acts proposing amendments 10 the
constitution and providing for submitting
them to the people for ratification at the next
general election. The first was act 10
amend the constitution by striking therefrom
paragraph 10. section Z, act ,, which pro-
vldes that all special or local bills shall origi
nate in the House of Representatives., aud
prescrloes the manner of introduction and
consideration of such bills.
The other relates to all the objects for which
the Legls AZURE may levy taxes, and Is an act
to amend the last sentence Of article Z, section
l. paragraph l. Of the constitution of 1877, by
adding the following words: 'And TO make
suitable provision for such ex-COnfederate
soldiers as may have been permanently in
Jured IN such service" 50 that said sentence
shall read as follows: TO supply the soldiers
who nave lost limb or limbs In the military
service Of the Confederate States with sulta-
Die artificial limbs during life, and to make
suitable provision for such Confederate SOL
alers as may have been permanently injured
in such service"
In compliance with the requirements of the
acts | caused the amendments to be duly
published and submitted to the quail
fed voters of the State at the general
election held Oct. 6, 1888, when the
same was severallv ratified by a ma
Jorllv OF the electors voting at such election
On Oct 26, 1856, issued A proclamation an
nouncing the resu t and declaring the amend
ment ratified, TIe facility with which this
method of amendment has accomplished the
purpose should commend 1t to the General
Assembly. Whatever defects in our funda-
mental law have been developed by time and
experience may be remedIed by amendments
submitted to the people.
The duty will devolve upon the General
Assembly to provide by suitable legislation
for extending the benefits of the last men
toned amendment TO the class of disabled
Confederate soldiers for whom it was in
tended. Existing laws provide for payments
of communication money to soldiers who lost a
LIMB or linn bs once in three years. The num-
Der of beneficlaries Is rapidly diminishing
"A n ~ sAlH ap1 ha ol.sc
for whom provision IL yet to he made under
the amendment are in like condition of
need. The interval between payne nts has
been reduced from five years to three years.
This period should now be shortened TO two
years, with the view, when the finances of
the State VIII warrant, Of making the allow
ance annually.
CONCLUSION.
An impartial review OF public affairs af-
fected by the ADM n istration OF the S tate gov
eminent since assumed the duties of Cover
nor, presents many reasons for satisfaction.
Georgia deservedlY holds a high rank
amongst the States of the Union. Extent of
territory, variety and salubrlty of climate,
Astounding resources of soil, timber and min
erals. and increasing population, in them
selves, would not be sufficient to give the
State such rank If the government had been
unfaithfully or unwisely adm nistered. 1t
may be truthfuly SAID of our various state,
county and municipal officials that they have
been reasonably Jealous in the discharge Of
duty.
/ am greatly indebted to those connected
with the several departments of the State for
timely and valuable assistance. No admins
tration can be perfect, even if all the laws
were adapted to the needs OF the people. Nor
can all classes be contented and prosperous,
Human wisdom cannot devise or execute
laws capa bic of producing such results.
But In concentrating ourselves upon the
present condition and future prospects of
the cOmmonwe 18th, we should not forget
that the earnest and patriotic efforts
of all citizens, in public or private
station, are necessary to promote
the common welfare through the blessings of
good government.
In conclusion, thank the people of Georgia
for tneir confidence ami k ndness in confer
ring upon me duties OF su n distinction, and
for the generous support accorded to my
efforts 10 serve them,
HENRY d, MCDANIEL,