The citizen., 1900-01-19

col0red population to AID me.
Among the latter class it has un-
doubleday been true, as repeated
ly charged upon the hustings
during the late campaign and al.
SO made apparent through the
public press, that a reckless dis.
regard of law and order has pre-
vailed. The low, the vicious and
the ignorant among that class OF
our population have been respon
sible tor the condition of things
alluded TO. There are many in.
telligent and respectable colored
people among us, however, who
regret and condemn the lawless-
ness existing among their own
race. | shall look to such per.
sons to aid as far as possible in
checking the criminal course of
their wayward brethren.
"But whether they do so OF
not, | want TO say here aud now,
at the very threshold ol the ad
minlStratiOn about to assume the
responsibility of the government.
that the violations of law to
which | have referred must and
shall be stopped, and there shall
be no mercy for those who wilful-
ly and ruthlessly attempt to ride
rOughShod over the laws intended
to afford protection to the life.
liberty, safety and property OF
our people.
GOVERNOR LOWNDE'S MESSAGE.
"The retiring Governor. who
to-day surrenders the trust com
mitted to his keeping four years
ago, has, in the fulfllment of the
duty imposed upon him by tile
Constitution, communicated to
the General Assembly, his views
upon public questions, and in his
message has recommended much
wise and wholesome legislation.
Il beg you Senators and gen
tlemen of the House of Delegates.
to give respectful and due consid
grafton to his communication and
the recommendation contained
therein. His four years exper-
ience in the Executive chair has
made him familiar with public af
fairs and with the needs of the
State. His views, therefore. are
entitled to careful thought and
deliberation at the hands OF the
Senate and House of Delegates.
"Should the occasion at any
time during the present session
require it, | shall exercise my
Constitutional prerogative of
communicating with you for the
purpose OF recommending such
laws as in my judgment may be
wise and for the public good.
"The Comptroller of the Treas.
ury has likewise sent in his re-
port toyou concerning the finan-
clal condition of the State. This
report should be carefully studied.
that every member of the General
Assembly may become familiar
with its details; and thus be en-.
abled to discuss intelligently and
to vote wisely upon any bill that
may affect the revenues of our
State.
ESTATES FINANCIAL CONDITION.
"Fortunately both political par.
ties while in power have managed
our finances wisely and well. 1t
gives me much pleasure to say
TINS, Nothing so closely touches
the people as taxes. There is no
public question about which they
are so sensitive. The tax gather
er levies his tribute, directly or
indirectly upon every man,
woman and child in the State
The rich, who own property. and
the poor, who pay rent; the bond.
holder, the laborer. the farmer.
the mechanic, all are compelled
to contribute more or less toward
the cost and expenses of govern.
ment.
"Our conduct of public affairs
VIII be very carefully scrutinized
Oy all the citizens of the State.
Lt nehooyes us, therefore, to be
1t is incumbent upon us
70 be economical. | do not mean
1y this, however, that we should
% parsimonious. In whatever
direction the public good re.
lures US to expend money. ri
snail be heartily in favor of AN
for the purpose.
SCHOOLS AND CHARITIES
"lhe cause ofpublic education.
n my Judgment, is one in which
the State would be justified in ex.
'rclslng wise and prudent lib.
| believe our public
schools should receive from the
state Treasury a more generous
allowance than has heretofore
leen granted them. IF retrencb- |
nent III other directions is neces. |
'ary to bring this about then LEFT
Is have such retrenchment.
Nor should our many public
'harltles be overlooked. The
'oor we have with us always