The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-10-28
The eovernor,s Message.

3 - P0bAt6uc0 eASehoA pok0 Va
this issue, 10 clear and comprehensive
statement OF the affairs or the various de-
partments Of the state government, to-
gethsr with recommendation to the legis-
laturs relative to matters Of the greatest
Importance to the public. Ii shows that the
governor has the states business we'll in
hand, and that he is thoroughly acquainted
with ell the questions that are in any way
connected with her affairs. 1t is evident
from his treatment OF these questions and
his recommendations that be is a progressive
man and favors whatever tends to develop
the material resources of the state and con-
! tribute 10 the moral and intellectual elevs-
ton OF the people and the promotion Of
their happiness and prosperity.
The message shows the states credit is
good and that her financial affairs are in
healthy condition. The appropriations have
met the obligations except In two or three
minor instances, and in those instances it
was impossible TO estimate exactly the
amounts Of the obligations. Although the
additional pension obligations have made an
increase IN taxation necessary, the taxes have
been paid promptly and willingly.
The governor is particularly anxious that
the military organizations and the public
| schools shall be dealt with literally. The
Importance OF an efficient military force
cannot, he thinks, be overest1mated, and be
favors a very great increase i'll the appro-
priation for the volunteer forces. He
recognizes the fact that the volunteers at
tend to their military duties at a great
sacrifice Of time and money, and he ex-
presses the opinion that the legislature also
| ought 10 recognize the fact, and be guided
| by it in making the states contribution to
| the militia's support.
The public schools have always had the
governors earnest assistance. He regards
them as one Of the great sources Of the
states prosperity. He wants better school
houses and the best teachers that can be OBJ
tanned. He is particularly anxious for a
normal school that shall be open throughout
the year, believing that the summer session
for which there is now provision does not
answer the states needs That his position
in this matter is correct there IL no doubt
With a good normal school it would
not be long before the state would
be supplied with better teachers
for the public schools. 1t would require
quite large annual expenditure to provide
such q normal school as the governor would
like to see established, but the state could
well afford to be liberal In preparing men
and women to take charge Of her public |
schools.
The governor would like some legisla- !
ton to prevent speculation in the rail |
roads of the state, and he calls the attention |
of the legislature TO suggestions relative to /
that subject submitted by the railroad COM
mission. The consolidation Of railroads aud |
speculation in their stocks are things difficult |
10 prevent. The legislature itself is largely |
responsible for the mlsfortunes that have |
overtaken SO many OF the railroads Of
the state. II has not hesitated |
to grant charters TO railroads that it knew
would greatly injurs railroads already
established, and that, It must have known,
were to be used for speculative purposes.
Under such circumstances consolidation |
frequently becomes an urgent necessity.
The convict camps are not prolific in |
scandals and are apparently humanely COM |
Quoted. The death rate Is comparatively |
low, showing that the sanitary surround |
ings OF the camps are good and that |
attention is paid to the health OF the con-
viots. Nothing more clearly shows the
superior moral condition of the white people
OF the state than the small percentage OF
the white convjous or the convicts 80 per
cent, are black and only 10 per cent. white.
The moral condition of the blacks is steadily
growing better, however, and In proportion
as it improves the difference between the
number OF the white aud the number of the
black convicts will become less marked.
What the governor says about county
jails is timely. From all accounts there are
iails in this state that reflect injuriously
upon the people Of the counties in which
they are located. They are unfit for human
beings to occupy. To confine prisoners in
them is almost equal TO a sentence TO death.
1t is crying shame that there is not a
stronger public sentiment in favor Of tax
ing from the supreme court some OF the
burden that rests upon it. When the court
was organized forty-five years ago only
shout 100 decisions a year were rem
dered. Last year 635 were rendered
How 10 it possible for judges to render
decisions that command respect when they
have not the time TO consider cases thor
ougblyl The number OF the judges should
be increased and they should be better paid.
The governor again urges the necessity
for a state board OF health. Such an insti-
tuition ia a good thing in wise hands, but IL
it has at the head of it a man of little judg-
ment 1t does a vast amount Of harm in a
very little time in an emergency.
The whole country will commend what
the governor says on ths subject OF lynch
ing. The legislature would make no mis-
take if it should adopt his suggestions with
regard to 1t. There should be no lynchings
in state like this. The courts are amply
able to administer the laws.
The message is an excellent one, and be-
sides giving the people pretty thorough
view Of the states affairs, 1t will be helpful
to the legislature.
Savannah's Advantages.