The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-26
GOV. LOWRY'S RESPONSE
TO THE TOAST MISSISSIPPI AT THE
BANKERS CONVENTION.
He Discusses Questions OF Public I'm.
port That Will Be OF Interest to All
Miss!ssippians-He Lays Particular
Stress on the Schools.

The following is the substance Of the re-
Spouse made by Gov. Lowry at the ban
quet given TO the Bankers Association OF
Mississippi, at jackson, on Wednesday
evening last, to the toast, mississippi"
| Mr.. President-I am called upon TO re-
spond to toast before an association
which, it is said, deals in an article in
which there is no sentiment Yet, when
| look at your surroundings, | am re-
minded that this is the season for rare and
fragrant flowers, and that fair hands have
dispensed them this evening in the taste
ful decorations OF your beautiful hall. The
toast, Mr.. President affords a wide field
for discussion. | believe that may haz-
ard nothing in saying that Mississippi is
in a prosperous condition; this, at all
events, is the information that reaches me
from all parts of the State. The same,
believe, may be said OF all the Southern
States. The wealth Of the South has in
creased in the last few years 81 200, 900, 600
or $1,000, 100000. In Mississippi, since
1882 the miles OF railroads have increased
more than 100 per cent. You then had
$40 miles. You now have 1900 miles.
The capital invested in factories has in
creased in like proportion. The increased
prosperity and acreage in our chief pro-
duet has caused the building OF congresses
in quite u number OF towns in the State.
Rairoadshave opened up large scopes Of
country that are now adding TO the States
revenue. l predict, Mr.. President, that
before five years many factories now in
operation in the Northern states will be
dismantled and the machinery brought 10
our cotton fields. Everything points in
that direction now.
In addition, gentlemen, TO the interests
mentioned, | may refer 10 our colleges,
public and private, and TO our graded and
common schools. Our State University Is
second in the South only to the University
OF Virginia. Oxford has graduated dis.
tinguished judges, diyincs, lawyers, doc.
tors, merchants and farmers. The Agri-
cultural and Mechanical College has done
a world OF good, and its teachings are per-
meating almost every county in the state
And in this connection | want TO say that
four years ago Mississippi established and
provided for the education OF the white
girls OF the State. To keep pace with in
telligent progress the girls must be cdu-
Gated. and to the extent OF my parlicipa-
ton in recommending and approving the
measure for the establishment OF the In
dustrial Institute and College for white
girls am indeed proud. We have now
graded schools IN many Of the towns OF
the State, well conducted aud thoroughly
Endorsed and largely patronizod. rhe
common schools have been systemaiized
Tor the first time, and are nov IN splendid
working order. Ii We were to appropriate
an equal amount, in addition to what is
now given by tile State. TO that paid by
some OF our neighboring States, ~ annual
interest on their PAYABLE debt, the show
ing would asionisli aud encourage ia,
most sanguine educators in the Govern
mcnt.
said, Mr.. President, that our State Il
prosperous in all iu varied interests.
, presume. without having inquired, that
, there arc more than iiiiy banks In tie
state, a majority Of which arc represented
here tonight. This Is evidence Ul prosper
. Ivy. Money is much cheaper tnan II wa
a lew years ago; commerce Is IN u healthy
condition aud keeping pace with ugricui
4 ture. Money Is associated together ant
enterprises encouraged.
, Mr. President, rs pghI.c man in at
! humble way, have always asserted my
sell on any measure that might become
subject of discussion. ! am, sir. In iavo
Of more railroads aud would see liberia
= charters given them. when the construc
= ton aud building Is assured. favor NOR
j factories, the introduction OF capital
. healthy immigration; In truth, | iayoi
d everything IN the shape OF measures Of
3 enterprises that will add 10 the wealth ant
: prosperity OF our state. just here | wan
u TO say, Mr.. President, that | am not ia ne
cord with the narrow view enunciatcd by
] some Of our people. II what il dcnonii
u mated ''wool.haiism" means TO obstruc
o that prosperity which nov pcryadcs every
Z interest OF our State. anu opposed TO an,
G have no sympathy with IT,
! As my second term OF Office expires IL
, January next may be excused for falling
: Into line with others aud mentioning III,
! character Of man ! would like 10 see Gov
u ernor. ! know Of no peculiar compiica
tons that will probably arise demanding
an expert in diplomacy, but speaking 10
myself alone | want 10 see man O
breadth. a broad gaugcd, liberal minded
Q progressive gentleman, and IL is unneccs
j. sary TO say that We have number Of thi
a makeup.
!. Now, Mr.. President, your association !
composed Of an intelligent body Of bushes
; men, aud with that funkness that ha
Z characterized my course ~ an agcu; Of TIA,
u people. trusted With important position,
:. am going 10 say another thing. There J
q much talk Ia tho public prints about
Constitutional Convention. 1 have no
heard, nor have / read from the pen u
g any gentleman iavorngsuch a convon lon
" any well conceived or digcsied scheme 10
l. such an important stop. II such q schcm
were presented, supported by reasons tia
would carry conviction with the PROPOSE
ton, should give IL my sanction. but d
the absence Of such wcllconslcrcd fchom
b aud reasons, Ia my Judgment, II il a dan
gcrOus experiment ! am not prepared {
% say that our condition Is favorable 4
tho delicate duty Of blo.iing on
the present organic law and framing VI
entire new one. II Is an important work
and the great diversity Of opinion cnicI
tanned by our people renders such ~
undertaking most difficult and delicat
n one. Such convention involves III
y whole Constitution TO cure some parl'
h about which the trainers may disagree
Such q convention controls the legisa
= lure and the Treasury. In my opinion
unless reasons not heretofore made public
and about which clear minority Of Oh
b. people Of the State are agreed, the oxper
Dr. ment IL fraught with serious danger. i
IN governmental. as IN individual matters,
i N doubtful what 10 do, Il h much safe
10 do nothing.
And now. Mr. President. IN conclusion