The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1891-01-21

Having been chosen by my fellow
citizens for the chief magistracy and
having taken the prescribed oaths OF
Office ! now, In accordance with long
established custom, proceed to make
such observations and suggestions
concerning the affairs of State as
deem appropriate to the occasion and
invite attention to those matters
which Importantly touch upon the in
terest and welfare OF our people.
FINANCES.
The gratifying condition of the
States treasury should be entirely
satisfactory to the people, exhibiting,
as IL does, a surplus to assets in ex-
cess OF State obligations and attesting
tho fidelity and wise hushandry with
which the finances of the State have,
in the main, been conducted through
out long and trying period.
BY frugal administration of our
moderate resources every pecuniary
obligation of the State has been
promptly met and discharged, and the
naturally placed the financial credit of
the State in the first rank, and the
consequent benefit OF paying the
lowest rites of interest upon our out
standing bonds has accrued to our
citizens latest amount refunded
having been $3.50 900 at the rate OF
three per eentum. The effect of this
strict maintenance of our public
credit creates anexample and Influence
most beneficial to all within the COM
! munity.
He then spoke of the sources of the
| States income, and recommended that
legislation be enacted which will pre-
vent any one using the States funds
for his personal benefit.
In the next clause he condemned the
tariff recently enacted by Congress,
and claimed that high tariff has de-
pressing effect upon the farmers of
Delaware, and impoyerishes IL other
classes.
FREE SCHOOLS.
In this pursuit Of economy tho duties
of u well ordered State to secure the
opportunity of sound elementary edu-
cation to every child within Its borders
should not be, and have not been,
neglected, in Delaware.
In connection with this important
subject ! submit, for the consldera-
ton OF the General Assembly, tho ex-
pediency of creating State superin-
tendency of public schools in addition
to the existing county superinten-
dency, the object being to harmonize
oul bNhpOl ogottHh W.
jectionable features arising from
county differences in general plan OF
instruction and school regulation. To
the State superintendent should also
be entrusted the supervision of the
colored schools and the responsible ad-
ministration of the funds appropri-
ated for their support.
SCHOOL BOOKS.
The children who attend our public
schools have, in many instances, am
credlbly informed, been Obliged to dis
continue their pupilage for tho sole
reason of the inability OF their parents
to purchase the required school books.
This reason should not be suffered to
stand In the way of public interest and
the performance of its duty by gov
enment based upon popular intelli-
gence to avert tho perilS arising from
popular ignorance. Therefore, l would
recommend the supply, by the State,
OF the required books, free of cost, to
the pupils. The increase OF the reve-
nue. for school purposes derived from
licenses issued TO inns or taverns for
the sale of Intoxicating liquors under
the existing law provides ample funds
for this to be done without without the
levy of any additional tax the reve-
nue. from this source being S23, ,6S9. 81
4
: and 985, 1884 for the year 1899 under
the new law-showlng an increase oi
ga. .093. II for 1870 over 1889.
He thought that all the school funds
should be paid to, and disbursed by
the State Treasurer, and secured by
his official bond.
COUNTY GovERNAi RNTs.
The reorganization and reform in
our county governments was the sub
J ject OF much consideration by the last
: Legislature and measures We're pre-
, sented and debated In both houses
proposing changes in the organization
, of the levy court for New Castle coun.
, ty but without definite results. These
, propositions will doubtless be renewed
at the present session. During the
late canvass the same subject was re.
: felred TO in the political platforms ol
both parties, and largely entered into
/ public consideration.
: He thought that great care should
be exercised in making any change In
, established laws, and that when such
, changes are made they should be done
. in hon-partlsan spirit.
, ELECTIONS.
One of the earliest duties of the Gen
:, eral Assembly will be to reform the
methods and protect the purity oil
i elections by the enactment of sucl
regulations the ballot as shall Sc
cure the honest expression of public
, opinion at tho polls. A free. unpur
, chased, unintimidated ballot is the
essential basis of free government
; and in the exercise of suffrage it is the
; duty of the State to throw every safe
guard around each voter for the Sc
. cure enjoyment OF his individual ant
! private right to cast his ballot accord
!. ing to his own free will and con
science.
i the australian system" of balloi
= has been the subject OF favorable com
ment. OF this / recommend the ex
. animation, and comparison of tht
!. late legislation on this subject by
I, many of the other States, In order thai
4 VIC may draw from their eXperienc,
aud statutes the best features for thu
a protection OF the individual voter ant
q the exclusion of all intrusions upol
. his sacred rights.
Z This subject Is second to none tina
Z will engage tho attention of the Legis
y lature and urgently recommend In,
? prompt formation OF joint commit
;, tee OF two houses who shall havs
q authority to employ and compensate
able counsel to assist them in the pre-
4 tparation Ola judlcious ballot law Ii
. harmony with the constitution of oul
!. State and our system of assessment
!, and tax laws.
He condemned the appointment Of
, United States Marshals and claimet
:, that their presence at the polls ten
y ded to cause confusion and disorder