The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1891-02-13
INFORMATION ADDRESS
Thorn g Hunkins Lime g Cement Co.,
SOLE AGENTS.

other than public, quasi public and such in
dustrial purposes as lie beyond the field of in
dividual endeavor. believe that field Of
corporate and individual enterprise should be
carefully distinguished; whenever individual
enterprise is fully competent TO meet the neees-
sites of the case, corporate enterprises should
be excluded from the field.
1 would also recommend such further re-
strictions as will effectually prevent the form
ing of trusts. Looking to this end, would
suggest the passage of a law requiring every
corporation now in existence in this State to
subscribe by oath to statement (within -
days from going into effect of this law that the
corporation is not now a party 20 n trust, and
does not contemplate IN the future the forming
of a trust, or the entering into any agreement,
oral or written, the effect, import or tendency
of which would be, directly or indirectly, to in
crease the price of what it may have to sell, or
to decrease the price Of what it may have to
buy, above in the one case, or below in the
other, the price that would be fixed by the nat
uraI law of supply and demand; that it be
made the duty Of the Secretary OF state to send
blank afidavits to each corporation President
and Secretary, to be properly signed and certi-
fed. and if they fail to take such oaths when
organized, or at such stated times may be
fixed, or fail to comply with their oblig CATIONS
the same shall be ground of forfeiture of their
charters. Such legislation cannot be hurtful
to honest corporations and cannot fail to be of
service to the public welfare. Therefore it
should meet the appreciation of all minded
men.
INSPECTION OF STATE BANKS.
As State banks have increased and arc in
creasing in numbers, it would be well to look
into the necessity Of having them inspected.
The frequent and often unexpected failures OF
these banks ard the consequent loss to deposit
tors and stockholders makes this subject worthy
of your attention. An inspection authorized
by law would have the effect to strengthen con-
fidence in the State banks and thereby be of
benefit to them while it would protect the peo-
pie from loss either through dishonesty or mis-
ELECTION LAWS.
The almost universal verdict is that the
present election laws are success in freeing
the elective franchise from corruption. The
action of all the states to which my attention
has been directed has been either to commend
the successful operation of these laws, or to
take steps toward adopting them. 1t should
be our aim to strengthen them by remedying
any defects and removing just grounds for
criticism. 1 would suggest that the Dortch
law be extended to all places where registra-
ton applies under existing laws. The defects
in the poll-tax law have already been pointed
out to you, which, 1 hope you will remedy. Tho
publication OF the ballot by means Of these
laws leaves not the shadow of an excuse for
Federal supervision.
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
A knowledge of military affairs in a country
like ours, which keeps no standing army ade-
quate for defense, should certainly be promul-
gated and citizen soldiery with proper equip
ments should be maintained. That there has
been but little actual need for the services Of
the State Guard is not an evidence that it may
not be needed and should not be maintained.
There is no doubt considerable interest
throu ghout the State in having well-organ-
lied militia. The spirit of military pride still
fingers in tho breasts of the old soldiers of the
s.VoIunteer State'' and should be impaired to
our young men.
1t is proper and right that the guard should
receive such encouragement from the law
making power as Will enable them to acquit
themselves as soldiers worthy of the name. In
order that the efficiency Of the guard may be
increased, concur in the suggestion given IN
the message Of my predecessor that, if the mill
tary is to receive the attention which IS due
from the Adjutant- General, he should be re-
lIeved, in part, least, OF the duties of private
secretary and devote the necessary time to the
duties of his office.