Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-12
GOV. OATES MESSAGE.

att GOV. OATES MESSAGE.
{ Gov Oates biennial message was laid
before the general assembly yesterday
and is a very lengthy document in
pamphlet form and containing seventy
six pages.
After brief address to the members of
the general assembly the message begins
by taking up the subject of the bonded
debt of the state, which is as follows
Glass A, $6, S59, 900; class b, $57S, 900; class
G, 1856, 900; $954,000 making an aggregate
of SO, ,357, 600. This bond debt cannot be
increased as the constitution prohibits
any increase beyond the bonded debt
which resulted from carrying out the
debt settlement. By failure to ex-
change bonds under debt settlement
act of 1876 the total bonded indebtedness
is decreased $185,400, saving the people OF
the state about SO, 900 in interest annually.
AN EFFORT TO REDUCE INTEREST.
The Governor recommends the passage
of an act providing for the refunding Of
the bonded debt at maturity.
THE FINANCIAL CONDITION.
According to the auditors report the
revenue from all sources during the pres
ent fiscal year will lack about $146,000 of
meeting the expenditures. An economi-
cal administration during the year of
1S97-9S will extinquish the deficiency and
will once more lift the state above the
necessity of temporary loans.
THE CONTINGENT FUND.
The appropriation for contingent ex-
penses for each of the past two years
was Sc ,000 about 81 500 of which remains
In the treasury.
ASSESSMENT OF TAXES.
The message states that the present
rate of taxation is high enough but rec
ommends legislation to prevent property
legally taxable from escaping and to OBJ
tain assessments at a fair valuation. 1t
recommends the adjustment of the coun-
ty boards Of equalization.
THE COUNTY CONVICT QUESTION.
Is touched upon and the Governor rec
ommends the abolition of the present
county convict system. 1t favors re-
formatory for the punishment and train
ing of young criminals and cites Sprig-
ner's as the best place. Such an institu-
tion would work the inmates two-thirds
of the day and allow them to attend
school the remaining third.
The message touches upon the pardon
ing power and the governors rights in
this respect.
Referring to the act of December IA,
1894. to amend section 80 of the code of
1856, in reference to political disabilities,
he recommends that 1t should be amend
ed and sets forth the errors of the exist
ing law.
AS to carrying concealed weapons, the
governor recommends that the offense
be made a felony.
In discussing the question of lynch
ing he recommends that power be given
a sheriff to kill If necessary to prevent
such action.
The mental or physical disabilities of
an officer are not dealt with in the code,
and he suggests that steps be taken to
regulate the error. He cites the case
of Solicitor Little of this county. While
on the subject he pays the gentleman
high compliment as an officer of the
court
Too many elections are held, says the
governor. Then, too, he says the pres
ent election law is defective and should
be remedied.
The state troops are reviewed at length
He asks that the history of the state
be preserved and recommends the ap-
propriatong IL a stated sum to be paid
to state historian.
The state capitol is in need of repairs.
not covered by the appropriation already
made, and he recommends that 1t be not
used for political gatherings in order to
better preserve it.
He strongly urges gubernatorial man.
sion.
State lands are referred to in the vol
luminous article.
is eulogized highly and his work referred
The railroad commission is also COM
pIimented.
The examiner of public accounts and
secretary of state also receive favorable
notice at his hands.
He recommends an Increase In the
charges for using the great seal OF the
state and suggests 81 as the fee..
The auditor, attorney-generai and
state treasurer are complimented.
The governor recommends that solici-
tors be allowed fees.
The agricultural bureau, its head and
the educational department are also men
toned favorably.
An earnest recommendation is made
that a tax be laid exclusively for main
tenance of public schools and suggests
mode of distribution of sauce.
The state institutions are referred to In
complimentary terms.
A tribute is paid the late DR.. jerome
Cochran, state health officer.
Several pages of the message are de-
voted to the Bryce Insane Hospital
The concluding remarks of the message
are as follows: -.
AS my official connection with you will
soon terminate trust that you will par
don brief reference thereto. AS an
Alabamian / am proud to nave enjoyed
the honor of serving one term as her
Governor. 1t is the highest office the
gift of the people and / am profo Idly
grateful for their generous confidence.
have made over two thousand appoint
ments to office, great and small, and per-
haps made some few mistakes In conse-
quence of a lack of accurate information.
My administration has been one of rigid
economy to improve the financial condi-
ton of the state. I have encountered ad-
versities and have had many intricate
problems to solve, but have in all things
done my duty as ] saw 1t. ! am con-
scious of having labored to the best of
and T 70 uphold the dignity sniilyy and hohof 81
our beloved state I trust that no act OF
mine. as the chief executive, will ever
tarnish her good name, and as time rolls
the Judgment of the people that am en-
titled to the credit OF having been an
industrious. attentive and faithful serv-
ant. and in this will find my reward.
May God endow you with wisdom in
your deliberations and may the people be
blessed with peace, happiness and pros
perity.