The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-01-17
INAUGURAL ADDRESS:
IF tho Tavaa T a vfaIatura.

the Senate Mcdonald, delivered the fol-
lowing
INAUGURAL ADDRESS:
Mem bers of the Texas Legislatures;
My excuse for appearing before you af-
ter the very eloquent address of our dis
tinguished executive is in response to q
custom which requires the lieutenant
governor to say something on this occa-
sion.
Through the kindness and generosity of
the people of Texas, again occupy the
position of acknowledgement. For this
indication of their continued confidence,
and the honor conferred on me, wish to
express my gratitude and assure them
that will endesvor to do my whole duty
to the people of this great commonwealth.
Having been raised in this state, 1 am
proud of Texas, her history and traditions,
her present greatness and future possibili-
ties. 1 do not believe any true Texan can
contemplate the history of our state,or the
character of the men who made that his
tory, without being imbued with a
pride which will tend to make him a
patriot and lover of Texas. Men of other
countries have been immortalized in
poetry and song, but none of any country
or age deserve more the commentator of
our race than the patriots, statesmen and
heroes who bequeathed to us this vast en-
pire. By their sacrifices and heroism
they secured and gave to US territory
SO extensive that it includes almost
every variety of climate and soil so
varied and prolific that it produces every
product necessary for the support and
comfort of man.
Our state is in such CLOSE proximity to
Mexico and the South American states,
that we can, with ordinary industry and
enterprise, supply those markets with all
the needed manufactured goods at cheaper
rates than any other state or country.
Our geographical position is so advant-
ageous, lying as we do across the natural
pathway of the great northwest to the
ocean, if the general government will leg
islate judiciously in regard to the Indian
Territory and give as deep water
on our coast, many new
trunk railway lines will invade
our territory from the north and north
west and bring the products of all that
wealthy and extensive region to Texas
ports. With the advantages here indi-
Gated, and many more which our state pos
sesses, it only requires continuance of a
liberal, wise, conservative government to
make Texas the greatest of all the grand
states of this wonderful union.
But we should not forget that with the
bequest of this great territory and its un-
equaled resources came many ponderous
responsibilities which have been nobly
met by those who have controlled its des-
TIMES. These responsibilities in aug
mented proportions are to-day sthrust
upon US as the servants and representa-
tives of the people.
Many important and difficult questions
which demand the deepest thought and
wisest action must receive attention. But
when 1 look over the men assembled
here to-day feel that we
will have inst and states
manlike legislation. In your conduct as
legislators know you will be inspired by
the patriotic impulses of those noble
rulers who have gone before, and will be
imbued with that high sense of duty which
will sacrifice every individual interest to
the good of the public service and the
welfare of the state.
1t is not my province as lieutenant
BONtruOE " lDdho any ouESooulOho iC-
garding legislation, but l will take the
liberty of expressing a few thoughts on
questions agitating the public mind.
AS the perpetuity of our free institu-
tions depends upon the intelligence of the
people, our public school system, as
rapidly as the financial condition of the
state will permit, should be made such
that every child in Texas can receive a
good common school education at the
least possible cost to the people.
1 would like to see our normal schools
so efficient that Texas teachers could be
thoroughly prepared to teach Texas
children.
Let the State university and all of its
branches, as soon as practicable,be put in
such perfect condition that they cannot
be excelled, so that Texas, sons and
daughters will remain in Texas and re-
ceive classical education in our own in
situations. Being thus educated our peo-
pie, while not possessing Objectionable
provincial prejudice, will have that COM
mendable state pride which is necessary
L. ohal