The age-herald., 1900-11-14

From this it will be seen that the amounts paid this year are nearly double those of last year.
 The total cost of the examining boards State and county, for the last fiscal yeaf as $3140S5-less than 30 cents to each pen sioner. In the light of statements and charges made about this last spring by cer- tain speakers and newspapers, these fig ures will show how utterly reckless par tisanship can become when influenced by prejudice and passion.
 Our present law, whilst needing some amendments is the best we have ever had. Under 1t, after deserving old soldier or his widow has been put on the roll, they are at no further trouble, but to go to the probate judge and receive their warrants. Such amendments should be adopted as will secure to every gallant old soldier and his helpless widow, and to them only, this bounty of a grateful people.
 Military.
 I am gratified to state that our military ! establishment is in admirable condition. We have three regiments of infantry, four troops of cavalry and three batteries of ar tillery. These troops are splendidly com manded, most of the officers having re- ceived valuable instruction as volunteers during the Spanish war. The men are from the very flower of our youth, and the equipment is now almost complete. The dis cipline and conduct of these troops show 
 in this republic, and how thoroughly we can rely upon the patriotism and courage of our citizen soldiers in time of war. They have answered every call made upon them to maintain the law with the greatest alacrity and no service has even brought a murmur of complaint even when cause existed. The whole expense to our treasury for the maintenance and instruction of these troops and their use in suppressing mobs and upholding the law during the four years of my administration, including the salary of the adjutant general, has been $6O, 551 S2, as against SPA, 056.3O for the four years next preceding, as shown by the auditors report.
 Education.
 Progress has been made in our higher institutions of learning; not all that we could wish but 1t Is gratifying to know that the progress is towards better work and higher standards. The school for white girls at Montevallo Is doing admirable work. It is the only institution in our State where our girls have an opportunity anything like that so long enjoyed by the boys. It needs aid and l recommend it to your patriotic consideration.
 I also invite your attention to the first report of the institution Incorporated by you some two years ago for caring for wayward and criminally disposed boys. The good women in charge have done so much with the small sum appropriated and the objects of the institution appeal so Strongly to us, that they merit your aid
 The agricultural schools, with one or two exceptions, whilst doing something for ed ucation, mainly in their several localities, are doing scarcely anything for agriculture, the very thing they were created to de- velop.
 Common Schools.
 We certainly have great cause to rejoice in the progress of our common schools. Our appropriations now for this cause are over one million dollars, nearly double what they were in 1896 Laws have been enacted to secure more competent teachers; these may need some changes, but have certainly been steps in the right direction. The pres ent capable and faithful superintendent has put his whole heart in the work with grat- flying results. Public officials who have the courage to stand for the right methods against any kind of clamor, will always in the end have the approval of those whose approval Is desirable. Qualified bounty su- perintendents will strengthen the system. The people of the State stand almost as
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