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

Elsewhere IN t1is Issue Will De founO
the full text Of Governor McDaniePs
message. The Governor reviews briefly
out intellicently the operations of the
different branches of the State govern
ment for the last year, and furnishes
statements OF the condition of the differ
ent State institutions. He calls attention
TO recommendations Of State officers and
approves those which he regards as pos
sessing merit.
The financial condition OF the State Is
certainly excellent. The high credit
which il now enjoys is, 10 a very consd-
cradle extent, due to the admirable way
in which Gov. Mcdaniel has administered
tue affairs OF his office, and to the eff
cheney with which other State officers
have discharged their duties.
The work on tne State capitol is being
pushed forward vigorously, and there
does not seem to be any reason for doubt
Ing that the building will be completed
within the time and for the sum men,
toned IN the act authorizing its construc-
ton. The building was not begun
as soon as was contemplated, and,
hence, some legislation relative to the
payments 10 the contractors. if it is to be
finished in the time stipulated, is neces-
ssry. Doubtless the Governors recon-
mendation ic this mater, as it is in the
line of economy, will meet with the APP
prevail Of the Legislature.
There are now 1927 convicts, and the
principal keeper expresses the opinion
baf ba a INN no.
is sincerely to be hoped that his opinion
is well founded. There is great dissatis-
faction with the present convict system,
and this Legislature will doubtless
consider the advisability OF trying
to improve it. The problem of the proper
disposition of convicts is a very difficult
one. and the satisfactory solution of 1t
will hardly be reached without expert
ments. The people are sufficiently bur-
dened by the expense of getting the con-
victs into the penitentiary, and are not
willing to support them there in compare
tive idleness. Perhaps the National
Prison Reform Association, which meets
at Atlanta next week, may throw out
some valuable suggestions bearing upon
TINS matter. T ere is no doubt that ln-
creased educational facilities and greater
restrictions on the sale of intoxicating
liquors would tend to decrease the num-
Der of convicts.
The Governor calls attention to the
fact that there is a falling off in the re-
ceipts from fees for analyzing fertilizers,
and suggests that perhaps the farmers
are beginning to utilize the materials for
fertilizing purposes which are to he found
upon their farms. If the suggestion is
correct the farmers are making progress
in the right direction. They have never
ully understood the Importance of max
ny the most Of home materials for enrich
ing their lands.
The school fund of the State appears to
be well handled and to be made to pro-
duce the best possible results. Last year
the State school fund amounted to $685.
1913 0S, and towns and counties raj sed by
special taxes S209, 1928 0S more. The en-
tir- amount, therefore, that was availa-
BILE for school purposes was $7l5, 791 81.
The state School Commissioner, VINO is
one OF the most prog educators in
the South, thinks that the Legislature
would act wisely by levying a tax of one
tenth OF one per cent for school purposes.
| This would bring TO the school fund $780,
4S9, and would permit the schools to be
kept open four months each year. The
Commissioner also thinks that grand jul
ries should be clothed with the power of
evying taxes for school purposes in coun-
ties where the people favor such taxes.
The Governor may approve of the views
OF the Commissioner, but he does not
commit himself to them. He contents
himself with asking the Legislature to
| give them Its careful consideration.
The Governor has good word to say
for the military organizations, He evil
IDENTITY believes that the State ought to
lend them helping hand, and ne is not
alone in that belief. The different State
institutions appear to be in reasonably
satisfactory condition. The lunatic asy-
lum is rather crowded, and the Lsgisla-
ture would do we'll to consider the advisa-
bility OF enlarging its accommodations.
The Governor says, very truly, that one OF
the chief reasons why the State is in a
prosperous condition and it's people salts
ted, is that its affairs are honestly and in
diligently administered.