The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1889-01-17
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

moment and concern in the state govern
ment. 1t ia clear and argumentative in
tone and its conclusions are generally
very pointed. It first considers the
financial condition of the state, and, from
given figures, argues to a demonstration
the impolicy of the action of the extra
session that so radically reduced the tax
rate and now has resulted in presenting
strong probability of deficiency during the
latter half of this year. At the time OF
the extra session q concerted effort was
made to maintain the existing rate OF
taxation, while portion of the taxes
should be RENTED the people. But the
Twentieth legislature yeRrned for the credit
of cutting down the taxes more than 30
per cent, and the result of their financier-
ing is upon us. The governor now, as
solution of the problem presented, recon-
mends a judicious economy, but not a
stinting of the various governmental de-
partments.
The condition of our bonded indebted
ness is pointed out and sinking fund to
meet maturing bonds advised.
Quite good deal of attention is given
the judiciary and a very searching in
auiry is instituted into the present abuses
and fearfully rapidly increasing expenses
in this department. AS method of re-
form here in some respects the message
suggests "careful revision of the Penal
Code, looking to a reduction of the large
percentage of feloDies to misdemeanors."
The whole reference to the judiciary is full
of pith and should command the earnest
attention of the legislature.
The governor pays tribute to the able
land law passed by the Twentieth legisla-
ture, and drafted by Senator Mcdonald,
but points out some defects under it that
need correction. He also recommends
that the state validate the title to the
lands bought under sanction of the acts
of the old "land board"-treating it as a
cass in equity though not at law.
A lengthy history is given of the foun-
dation of the "Reformatory," "Deaf and
Dumb institute for colored youth" and
the "Orphan asylum" and the necessity
urged upon the Legislature of properly
supporting these training and eleemosy
nary institutions.
The fact of the reception by the state
of the new capitol building is recited, and
a scrutiny of the receiving boards action
invited.
The message deals fully with the
University, and in speaking of its financial
condition, says: "Its present insufficient
revenue affords the board of regents, who
are laboring SO patriotically and I'M
selfishly in its interests, much good reason
to impeach the wisdom of the scheme for
the establishment of the medical branch
at Galveston, to be run on a starvation
plan, while putting the University upon
still shorter rations." Also in discussing
the endowment of this noble institution
and the means for securing larger cash
income for it, and while deprecating the
proposition to turn over its lands to the
charge of the University regents, the
governor says: sand at the same time
the history and experience of similar in
terests in other states seem to show that
it has proven wise and judicious i'll the
states mentioned. The legislature is the
trustee charged with the duty of making
all needful regulations for the disposition
of these funds and the proper disposition
and control of its lands, and to your
su perior judgment and discretion l will
most cheerfully defer"
1t is with pleasure we note that particu-
lar attention is called to the libel law, and
the legislature is urged to give the press of
the state much needed relief, while at
the same time Withholding for the citizen
every necessary safeguard.
The question of irrigation and mimi g
are handled in an earnest, progressive
style that binds the state TO prompt and
thorough investigation of these conspicu-
ously important subjects, and presages
wealth and state growth in the near fu-
ture.
The railway situation is handled in q
broad and general way. The governor
contends for the rights of both the people
and these great corporations. At this
time, and from the pressure coming from
every quarter, this would seem to outline
much railroad legislation and also a com.
mission, as the verdict is the people have
not their full rights under the existing
regime.
1t is regretted that the treatment by the
message of the public roads may act rs
rather wet blanket upon the
proposition for the counties to
issue bonds for the construction OIL
good county roads. But we think the
message on this point must be taker
rather az advisory of careful economy
rather than directory of no action in tn,
case. The black laud counties of the stats
are too much in earnest in their deter
mination to throw Of the "mud yoke
which hampers them now to pause il