The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1893-01-11
THE OATH
Taken by Indiana's
New Governor.
Gov. Matthews in His In
augural Address
Urges the Legislature to Be Pru-
dent and Economical.
lie Takes . Strong Stand Against
Railroad Corporations.


1 tutta 6ubrA ~ no ElDItN3AA11a - - ~
senators ny the People and Creation
OF = sinking Fund Recommended.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Jan. 1.-THE in
auguration Of Claude Matthews as gov,
ernor Of Indiana and Mortimer Nye as
lieutenant-governor, was held Monday
| afternoon. The south corridor OF the
state capitol was the scene OF the in
auguration, and q distinguished body
OF men and women witnessed the sim-
pie bnt impressive ceremony. The
decorations were in harmony with the
building and the occasion. The follow
ing is Gov. Matthews inaugural ad-
dress:
GKNrLEmEN or rfIE SENATE AND HOUSE, o.
REPRESENTATIVES,: II is with a deep feeling OF
the sacred responsibilities of tho cath ] have
Just taken THAI Taskutie tie dniies of the ofice
OF governor, Of Indiana. and / desire 10 return
10 the people Of our state through you. their
legislative representatives, my profound graft
tude FOR the honor ard rsy earnest assurances
that IL shallsbe my constant aim and effort 10
faithfully execute and discharge the duties 81
This high ofice iii accordance with the constitu-
tion and their wishes. as these may be expressed
or fairly Inferred from time to time through
current events
The results Of recent election, ia my Judgment,
| clearly Indicate that The people desire that
| greater economy should be praeiiced ia admin
istering the government both national and state.
and that taxation should not only be iessened,
but be eqnitably distributed.
II 10 an unbeatable fact that IN years rccantly
passed there had been q growing tendency In
legislation 70 too greatly favor corporations
and monopoiies, at the expense Of the farmers.
the laborers and the business classes who make
up the great body OF our citizens
Il ~ TAsAEnNfAnNA ~ fhta rfaf1.a&awagSnH n444fnne n
Law was wisely passed BY the last leglsiasure.
the intention of which was 70 secure fuller and
fairer assessments OF property for taxable pur-
poses In this state
This law has worked weli, and I believe viii
meet this intention, 20 far as the assess
cerned.
Tho persistent efforts OF some Of the repre-
sentatives Of railroad corpora lions, not only TO
eyade and resist the law, but to defeat persons
OF the elections because they had honestly and
faithfully endeavored to enforce n, show That
every just and proper means should be used TO
make these corporations perform their duty 70
the state; and / would favor such amendment
10 this law as may be needed 10 secure THAI re-
suit Aside from this. with 8 few clearer def.
nitions and eorrections Of some minor ineon-
| siBtcncics, ! would not suggest that the general
system of this law be tempered With
There has been a wide departure from the
| original laws creating building, loan and savings
associations Instead Of remaining true TO the
original intent, q means OF furnishing a safein-
Investment for the saving and security Of weekly
and monthly wages OF certain classes Of our
| citizens, thereby encouraging the building and
ownership Of homes. these have now driftcd In
10 banking and brokerage institutions and LEM
ders OF money upon a large and dangerous
tscale.
II is undoubtedly truc that for many years
there has been a growing extravaganza In ma
tional. state and local governments This Is an
entire departure from correct principles, and
the people who have the taxes 70 pay have
wisely called a halt TO the march Of this grow
ing evil
/ favor the most rigid economy consistent
with good government in all departments Of
the state. The surest way 10 accomplish q re
duction year by year Of the state debt would
be the creation Of q sinking fund 70 be used
solely for that purpose. and be applied as rapid
ly as accumulated. With this In view, invite
your attention TO the present schooiiax levy,
which could be reduced without injury to that
great and needed work. II would be gratifying
to\the people II q reduction could be made In
the aggregate or six cents in the school and
general levies, and / believe This can be done
without injury to the public service.
Our constitution-and no state has a better
one-waa framed by body Of eminent states
men and was approved by the almost unani
nous vote Of the people. The experience OF
over forty years has proved is beneiicent char.
acter and wisdom, and II wisely provides a.
plain and intelligent way for amending II, when
amendments are necessary. and thus avoiding
the great expense Of . convention, the con-
fusion and long litigation which always follows
the adjustment Of The laws Of q state 70 new
constitution
In my Judgment, II changes are desirable In
the constitution. it would be best 10 make them
in the manner tic people have them
selves provided In that instrument Itself,
which we have all sworn 10 support
but radical changes In either the constitution
or laws OF q state should not be made without
the matnrcst elaboration and The grayest con-
sideration.
Bad Legislation Is worse than no legislation.
There fs often q feeling among. legislators that
they must do something, and III The Multiplicity
OF bills introduced there p always danger that
some may contain provisions that II passed
would bring injury alike to the country-a vi.
tisnately to their authors and supporters.
Our present election laws seem to be work
ing well, and IL changed NJ all II should be
done with tho greatest caution Indeed. / am
fully p rsuaded that 1t would best serve
the PUBLIC interest TO allow the people 10 be
come fully acquainted with and accustomed 70
its provisions and the system 10 become thor
soughiy established before changes are made.
Tho election Of United States senators by The
people V a measure now very widely and favor
ably considered. not only by the people OF In
diana, tpt Of many other states III the union.
The time has come incur history when the In
nuence and action Of The masses Of our fellow
citizcrs ought 10 be more directly and distinct
IL impressed upon the member 81 the national
legislature. Nothing would promote this more
than the choice. By direct vote OF the people OF
the ssair Of the members of the United States
senate. The proposed constitutional amend
meni having this for lis object IS worthy or
careful, earnest md iinscly consideration
lheS Improvement of our common road SIS
TEN i 40 Important matter that is now receix
lAr ~ ~ affsnffAR frcmh the frflot.F and Il ~ m
mend lhis SUBJECT 10 your serious consideration
The liquidation OF all trueM prosperity and
v alih rests more largely nfon agriculture
than ahy otter Interest II should be the duty
10 encourage ind foster this and hold to a care
ful avoidance 81 placing any additional burdens
upon this interest
The old law has many valuable featurcs thai
eommcnd themselves 10 the people. and Is not =