The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1900-05-26
GOV HEARD'S ADDRESS.

GOV. HEAfDS ADDNESo.
Gov. Heard's inaugural address,
which was delivered at Baton Rouge ,
last Tuesday, is brief, clear and
business like. Mr.. Heard modestly,
but firmly, expresses his views on
those matters which are likely to re-
ceive his attention. The inaugural
address of Mr.. Heard is evidently
the work Of man who understands
his duties and who will do his best
to discharge them conscientiously.
No one doubts the ability of the
new governor and no one questions
his honesty Of purpose. 1t is there
fore safe to predict that his admin
istration will be eminently salts
factory to the people of Louisiana.
Mr.. Heard's address contains the
| following which will touch tesp"n
sive chord in the hear, OF every
true Louisianian:
While shall endeavor, the best of my
ability, to administer properly those affairs,
in far as the executive power extends, on
party lines of puolic policy, shall never be
| unmindful that am the governor OF the
whole State, and, such, the representative
OF both the majority and minority of the
suffragans, and therefore in duty bound to
see that equal and impartial lustc: shall be
rendered to all regardless of partisan divi-
sions.
Gov. Heard's official life has
been characterized by devotion to
duty and it is not surprising that he
is an earnest advocate of the SUI
premacy of the law. On this subject
he says:
Obedience to, and respect for, the law is
the source of all the blessings of civilization.
Any violation of the law, however extenua-
ting may be the circumstances under which
it is committed, paves the way for the spirit
of anarchy, than which no greater evil can
: possibly exist in any State or community.
There is but one safe and efficient way OF
Y redressing any violation of law, and that is
by 4 tribunal duly constituted and supported
by courageous and enlightened public
: sentiment.
4 1t is only by showing that we are law
respecting and law-abidng people, that
S we can hope to- make our social and Politi-
l cal advantages as attractive to the intelligent
soils and industrial products. Desirable
: people looking for homes, and capitalists
seeking profitable fields for the investment
of their money, de ;;.s a5ove everyth. ing
sacredly respected by the citizens and in
e violablv projected by the law. Surely this
s is not an unreasonable expectation.
With the support of an enlightened and
= patriotic pu bile sentiment, the incoming adj
q | ministration pledges itself to a strict and
rigid enforcement of the laws, SO far as
v within its power lies, and to the protection
- of every individual whether rich or poor, in
the full enjoyment of life, liberty and pro-
r erty.
n The address contains strong
# plea for public education. The
governor calls upon the Legislature
J. to adopt liberal policy toward the
:, schools. He commends to the con.
y sideration of the Legislators the es.
y Enlistment of a textile department
d at the Ruston Industrial School O1
= State University. In view of the
! popularity Of the cotton mill move
# ment in Louisiana the necessity O
y textile instruction in one of th'
J. State schools is apparent to all.
After paying some attention t.
.e the levees and agriculture Gov
N Heards urges the people to built
d manufactures. He counsels JUS
&c but firm treatment of the corpora
v tons which are necessary to develop
le the great resources of the State
l. But the governor draws the line be
"a tween the legitimate combination
t of capital and the trusts which
&c he terms s'insolent oppressors."
lie Some humane system is recon-
~ mended for the care of the State
lie convicts and a law regulating pri
81 81 mary election is advocated.
Of Our limited space does not per
-, ,e nit a more extended notice of tn
IN inaugural address. Suffice to sa
" that it is a plain statement givin
he an outline of the policies of Mr.
~, W Heard's administration. 1t is a
m able paper; it reads we'll and has tn
III right ring throughout
C Gov. Heard concludes as follows
~ therefore confidently rely upon the &C
~ operation and assistance of every good cit
-, ze. in the proper transaction of the bushes
-. of the State, and with their help and that {
u. an all wise and merciful Providence, l hoI
~ to assist IN advancing the great State
ca Louisiana onward and upward high'
i. plane of prosperity, happiness and we'll b.
10 ing than she has heretofore occupied in he
ev | history.
nd ..After suffering from severe dyspeps