The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1894-12-05
THE GOVERNOR MESSAGE.


the general assembly few days ago.
In it attention is called to the need OF re-
form in the states judicial system. 1t
is STYLED "pioneer system" and the
governor says it is not abreast of the
times. The high rate of interest I'D
Georgia is attributed to slowness with
which Justice is dispensed. 1t is stated
that a properly constituted judicial sys-
tenn will bring money to Georgia, and
give an impetus to the growth OF her
enterprises. The governor recommends
that the legislature appoint commlt'ee
whose duty shall be to investigate the
work of the several judicial circuits with
the view to recommending to the next
session of the legislature in what man.
ner the work can be equalized. The
legislature is advised to pass law re-
ouirino the clerks of the superior courts
Of the several counties to make to the
secretary of state annual reports show
inc the condition of the work OF the
superior courts.
A revision of the criminal laws of the
state is urged. On this subject the
governor says: 1.-THE penalties imposed
under our laws are, in many instances,
too harsh, and l respectfully urge that
You revise them in a spirit OF justice ana
humanity. In numerous cases the law
demands punishment for felony when
the offense should, in the discretion OF
the Judge, or the jury, be punished as
misdemeanor under section 431O OF the
code "
, The present county chain gang system
is condemned as areproach to the people
, Governor Northen's words on this sub
iect are commended to the perusal of the
legislators The message declares there
should be state supervision "whether
the convicts are under the control OF
local authorities or in other hands"
! 1t is recited that by recent constitu-
tional amendment the Legislature is
, authorized to pension confederate SOL
oiers, who, by reason of age and poverty,
or intirmity and poverty, are unable TO
provide living for themselves" 1t is
added that this provision of the consti-
tuition be put into effect, 50 that this
class of confederate soldiers may lie
literally provided for.
A change in the fee system is recon-
mended. He says: "TO remove our
officers from unnecessary temptation,
provide Just compensation for them, ard
effectually prevent a wasteful extrava-
gance in the expenditure of public
moneys paid as fees for public service,
[ earnestly recommend that the general
assembly have instituted an inquiry into
the compensation of such state officers
as are paid in part or III full in fees, and
to report by bill, fixing the com
pensation of such of said officers as are
receiving sums in excess Of the value OF
the services rendered. This natter is
worthy of your serious attention. This
| earnestly ask, that you correct such
evils as have grown out of the fee sys-
tenn"
The governor declares the present
election law to be such that ''it is in the
power of every man to see that his vote
is counted as cast. It's added, however,
that there being no registration law i'll
many counties contest is made her
culean task. Ia view of the fact that it
IS difficult to purge the ballot box OF
illegal votes, change of the election
laws, after the most deliberate considera-
ton, as advised We heartily commend
the governors suggestion that the pres
ent system be changed, but we do not
agree with him in the position that the
existing election laws protect every
voter" If 50, why the necessity of a
change?
Liberal encouragement and aid to the
militia is recommended, as is an appro-
priation to the Atlanta exposition. He
also urges that the Legislature give care
full consideration to the disposition Of
the Northeastern railroad.
Taken altogether, the message is a
business-like and creditable document
THE Columbus Enquirer-Sun has this
very suggestive paragraph; eve regret
to see any intimation that the shOrtness
of the session may prevent the perfection
of the bill providing for a general cleo