The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1889-01-19
THE GOVERNORS ADDRESS.
ur. Francis Takes the Oath and
Speaks to the LcgiSlaturc.

anu CSCOEI EUlGE-
ed, and the house and senate rose TO
receive them. The governor and
governor-elect assembled to the speakers
stand, where the oath was administered
in all inaudible tone by Chief Justice
Ray. Then Governor Francis was
introduced by Senator johnson, and
there was liberal round of applause
Governor Francis then spoke as fol-
lows:-
Gentlemen of the Thirty. fifth AS
sembly and Citizens OF Missouri: In
assuming the duties of the office OF
governor of this commonwealth l ap-
preciate the labor it entails, the obliga-
ton it imposes, the responsibility it
conveys and the dignity it possesses.
A position ennobled by long line of
| illustrious predecessors and consecrated
through the unhampered choice OF
intelligent freemen, impresses me with
a deep sense of gratitude for the honor
conferred and inspires me on accepting
the trust with grave apprehensions as
to my ability to meet its requirements.
The constitution, state and federal to
which we have solemnized our tealty
by the oaths we have taken, are the
great bills of rights, the supreme laws
of the land. The observance made it
possible for us to celebrate the centen-
NAL of our independence and will
enable us within few months 10 COM
memOrate the hundredth anniversary
of the Inauguration of the first presi-
dent of the republic. The state con-
| stitutions have had numerous revisions
and evidence a growing disposition on
! thn nf tho nonnla IN att,int fhn
powers of their legislations; and the
federal constitution has been preserved
in its main features as 1t came from
the bands of its immortal trainers.
The relations between state and fed
eral governments. tor long time
subjected to such varied and varying
constructions, may be said to be
established and understood, if not
clearly defined. An arbitrament of
arms, the costliest and bloodiest in
history, decided the long contested
controversy and settle it TO the saiisfac-
tion OF the participants, as well as TO
tie qualification of those who have
come after. The indissolubility of the
union is unquestioned and uneuestion-
able, but il is a unIon of sovereign
states with their autonomy reserved.
The passions engendered by the war
were inclined to ignore and trample
under foot the rights of the states, but
the equilibrium has been restored and
there is no longer any occasion for con-
fiict or doubt as to the especial jurisdic-
ton of the commonwealth or the
nation. No one considers the Union a
federation merely, but all will concede
| that ii is the creature OF the states and
can not exist without them. A system
of government which permits the
minority of the popular vote to control
its affairs, admits the political inde-
pendence OF its component parts. In
avoiding the Scylla OF disintegration,
let us not run into the Charybdis of a
centralized despotism. The patriot
statesmen who framed our free institu-
tions foresaw and forewarned us of the
dangers of each; every true American
will condemn and oppose any encroach-
ments on the rights of the states or any
one them. The rights of Texas are as
dear to her people and should be as
ljealously guarded as those of Maine
The sovereignty of Massachusetts is as
invioladle as that of Mississippi. There
is no occasion for alarm. The sober
thought of the people is correct and
true, and will countenance no unjust
interference with the rights of the state
in time of peace.
The wonderful growth and prospect
ty of Missouri during the past few
years have attracted the attention OF
the nation, and have imbued the people
of the state with firm faith in the
granduer of its future. The enactment
of wise statutes and their impartia
enforcement, by inducing the Investment
OF capital and the immigration of gocC
citizens, can materially celebrate tht
development of its extensive ana varieC
resources. No period in the history o
the state has been OF greater import
!, ance to It's destiny that is the present
The country is throbbing with u new
life. IL is advancing with an increased
strength, and with quicker step
New conditions have been created ant
new problems present themselves. How
to meet them to the advantage of tn
state will require the best intelligence
Affirmative and positive action i
necessary if we would advance tn
Interests of the people, and push Mis-
souri, forward to hi CHER place among
the great states of the nation
AS legislators you have a Difficult
and important task to perform, cailin
for the exercise of wise discretion
diligent application and unswervin
fidelity. Your earnest cooperation
essential to the successful administra
ton OF the state. The session upo
which you are entering promises to be
notable one. The statute laws of tn
state are to be revised
Legislation will be proposed on mat
ters pertaining to education, TO tn
collection of the revenue, the netho
of exercising the right OF suffrage, til
regulation of the liquor traffic, TIL
regulation of railroad, telegraph, tele
u phone, express and sleeping car con
panies, of banks and insurance compa
nies, OF the storage, inspection and sal
of grain, the introduction of under
ground wire systems, the perfection {
sanitary methods, the inspection [
cattle, the organization and maintei
|; ance of the militia. the government {
3 state institutions, the adjustment an
creation of Offices, and by no mean
the least important, the encouragement
of immi- ration.
In revising the dramshop laws noN
on our statute books their incongru
ties should be reconcied, their impraC
ticable features eliminated, their Opel
alton made effective and the respons
hilit,t ENr THAR nninrpnInnnI m ShnnIl h