The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-11
GOVERNOR Moryr.s MESSAGE.

II Is the privilege OF Governor Mount. at
the close of his term of service. to present
TO the Legislature a most gratifying show
ing OF the States finances. In the past two
years the debt OF the State has been re-
duced s1,096, Oe0, The general expenses OF
the State and the sinking fund cost II cents
on each 800. one of the lowest levies of any
State in the Union. And yet, while Gov
ernor Mount urges carefulness and econo-
my In appropriations, he advocates a lib
eral policy in regard TO those institutions
upon whose proper maintenance depend the
prosperity and progress of the State. He
believes that money expended upon such in
situations as Purdue is a good investment.
He believes in widespread intelligence,
therefore he would extend the advantages of
the travelling libraries. In respect to public
institutions the Governor takes the most
advanced grounds. He would have judges
empowered TO suspend the sentence of ju-
venile offenders for the first ofense: he
s~ustains the recommendations of the Board
of Charities looking to the prevention of
criminaI-making by taking care of depend
ent children; he urges that provision be
made for the care of epileptics in a sepa-
rate institution; and that further provision
be made to protect society against the con-
tamination Of the feeble-minded. Upon this
last subject Governor Mount speaks
plainly. On all these important topics in
telligent people cannot have two opinions.
Governor Mount the county
and township laws of the last Legislature.
He quotes the figures of the report of the
Board of Charities to show that under wise
legislation and supervision the expense of
the outdoor relief for the poor was reduced
from s69O.1 les during 1895 to $219, $50. % during
19Oo-a most remarkable reduction. Under
the nonpartisan management of the Re-
publican legislation the per capita cost of
those cared for by the State in its institu-
tions has been so reduced that an actual
saving of $4,000 is made, with better care.
Governor Mount commends most heartily
the good work of the Board of State Chari-
ties.
What the Governor say in regard to the
recent lynchings will meet the hearty APP
prevail of all intelligent supporters of law
and order. The evil arises from lax enforce
ment of the law. 1t is not a pleasant thing
to say, but those who nave watched the
proceedings in many criminal trials must
admit that there is great force in what he
says in condemnation of the delay in trials
and the dallying with criminals. Public
opinion rather than legislation can effect
raF1rrn IN chic -ro l-@ -
lation the Governor and the Attorney Gen.
eral nave suggested is the result of ex-
perience, and is, therefore, entitled to con-
sideration. The better enforcement of the
criminal law is, however, a surer remedy
for lawlessness than the enactment of laws
which will be ignored.
Governor Mount approves a law for the
regulation of primaries. He would punish
both those who sell and those who buy
votes. He is of opinion that the bill pre-
pared by the salary commission, so far as
1t adds to the fixed salaries OF county Of
fcers a percentage of the fees, is wise.
but he does not indorse the general increase
of salaries. He recommends that the SOL
diers' monument be protected from sacri-
lege by adequate legislation. These recon-
mendations will meet with general approx
al. The suggestion hat it would be better
to elect United States senators by a direct
vote of the people is a topic concerning
which there is a wide difference of opinion.
In recent years. where there have been con-
tests there is reason to believe that legis-
Iatures have selected the men whom the
people would have chosen. There are other
points of the message treating topics only
incidentally connected with state affairs
concerning which there is ground for differ
ence of opinion, but on all affairs pertaining
to the State administration and the duties
OF the State to its institutions the opinions
Of Governor Mount are sound and pro-
gressive.