Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-01-08

"While some of our State officials
should give way To those more closely
allied in principle to the party in power,
vet we should heed the demand for Civil
Service Reform, and extend wherever
practicable in this State, aud its princi-
pal cities, the merit system of appoint
ments to office.
81 should he glad to see the right Of
selection of many OF our public officers
restored to the people wherever 1t eau he
done with due regard for the public in
terest; this being in harmony with our
theory of government and safeguard
against Capitalization of political power
in the hands of the Governor.
''Our public school system should he
brought up to the highest standard of
efficiency; removed from politics, made
subservient only to the great end and
aim of its creation, the free education of
all. l am ready to cooperate IN the ac-
complishment of this object, and to al,-
prove any proper measure looking to the
furnishing of free school books.
"The colored people of ourState should
be protected in the enjoyment of those
rights and privileges of citizenship which
they have under the Constitution and
laws of the United States, and be assis-
ted in their laudable efforts for advance
ment. They have a right to ask at our
hands fostering of the present system
of separate free schools for their chill
dren. with teachers of their own race
il they SO desire them. Their growing
intelligence seeks only an equal Oppor-
tunity under the laws to work out their
own advancement by equality of politi-
cal rights to secure the civil rights which
are their due.
"There are other subjects of import
ance to our progress and welfare which
would seem to call for special mention,
hut cannot now be considered at length.
There is need Of legislation TO develop
the agricultural interests of the State:
the encouragement of ofimmigration more
important under conservative republi-
can administration than ever before; the
better regulation of the liquor traffic:
Limitation of the debt incurring capacity
of our counties and cities; the correction
of the partisan abuse of the Oyster Po-
lice; the preservation to the people Of
the oyster industry; a liberal policy en-
couTaging the building of good roads.
and an honest purpose to hear and heed
the Just demands Of the wOrkingmen.
These are subjects in which the General
Assembly may rely upon my hearty CO.
operation.
"There is very urgent demand being
made for modification Of our pilot laws
in the interest of trade with the port OF
Baltimore. | commend this subject to
the careful consideration of the General
Assembly.
''Let us remember after the election
that we are all fellow citizens Of an an
cient and noble commonwealth, that the
offices are few and the people are many,
and those who hold the offices, hold them
not for power or preferment, but for a
specific fulfllment of pledges to the peo-
pie. Thus we may early convince the
good people of Maryland that Republi-
can administration is to becomea bless
ing.
"While ! am deeply indebted for my
election to the political party to which
/ belong, yet am aware, unless ! had
had the support of many independent
thinkers, / could not have been success
full, and while shall try to do my part
towards my party. | shall also remember
am the Governor Of the whole people
of Maryland, and as such give all due
consideration.
"I ask you, Senators and Gentlemen
of the House of Delegates to help me to
bear the responsibilities of my Office, and
with an honest purpose to advance every
reform, and make this administration
an era of good govern ment, invoke the
guidance of a Divine hand in all our
endeavors.
81 am now ready, Mr.. Chief Justice,
TO take the oath of Office.
While the ceremonies on the stand
were in progress, the members of both
Houses of the Legislature assem- mbled in
in the Senate Chamber, to which room
Governor Lowndes repaired as soon as
he had finished speaking, and took the
following oath of Office, which was adj
ministered by Chief Judge Robinson.
and signed the Constitution in the test
book which had been placed upon the
President 8 desk by Clerk ]. Frank Ford,
of the Court of Appeals.
THE OATH OF OFFICE.
81 do swear that i will support the
Constitution of the United States and
that will be faithful and bear true ale
glance to the State Of Maryland and sup.
port the constitution and laws thereof,
and that will, to the best of my skill
and judgment, diligently and faithfully,
without partiality or prejudice, execute
the Office of Governor according TO the
constitution and laws Of this State, and
that will not, directly or Indirectly, re
ceive the profits or any part Of the pro
| fits Of any other Office during the term
Of my acting as Governor.