The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1901-01-17

governor of Missouri-elect will have
administered to him the oath of Of
flee by Judge Burgess of the supreme
court"
Judge Burgess delivered the formal
oath in low tone of voice, so low
that it could be heard but few feet
away. When the new governor
bowed and said: Il do" the Joint
assembly and the great crowd of
visitors broke into hearty applause
that extended far out into the hall
where the members of the Jefferson
club of st. Louis were struggling to
get within hearing distance. When
the applause died out Governor
Dockery adjusted his glasses and,
standing at the speakers desk, read
his inaugural address, as follows:
Senators and Representatives:
Conscious though | am of an honest
purpose to be true to the obligations
here and now assumed to the people
of this great commonwealth, | am
frank to confess that l approach the
high duties they have contided to
me with some distrust of my ability
to meet their generous expectations.
although the executive depart
ment is independent by the mandate
of the constitution, yet it is at the
same time coordinate with the legis-
lative branch of the state govern
ment, and |, as chief executive, am
responsible to the same people who
commissioned you. Our mutual aim
| should therefore be to cooperate
heartily in the beneficent purpose OF
promoting Just government, OF de-
veloping the vast and varied re-
sources of our glorious state and OF
accelerating it's march toyet grander
achievements.
We have Just recently witnessed the
close of a century rich in industrial
renown and triumphs of inventive
fgenius-rich in progress, without
parallel in the establishment OF lib
erty. rich in the advancement of
Christian civilization, and in the gen
eral uplifting of mankind. The preg-
nant forces of the past century have
wrought inestimable benefactions to
the whole human race. Everywhere
we see to-day, by visible and unmls-
taxable evidences, more OF progress,
more of philanthropy, more OF lib
ertv and more of all the other hard
won attainments that ennoble and
dignity our race than the world
dreamed of an hundred years ago.
THE LOWEST STATE TAXES.
"The rate of state taxation has
been reduced one-half and is now the
lowest tax rate levied by any state
of the union to meet the ordinary ex-
penses of the state government. The
debt OF the state has been largely
diminished and is now represented
bv only 81 ,S72,O0O of outstanding g
bonds and by $4,393, ,S39.42 OF
school fund certificates. These GER
tificates are sacred obligations due
the school and seminary funds, and
both the honor and the resources Oi
the people are pledged in their be-
half.
THE principle OF arbitration as a
potent factor in the adjustment ol
differences between capital and labor
has been fully recognized, and if fur
ther legislation be needed to unite
capital and labor in the bonds o
, fraternity and mutual interest II
should be promptly provided.
.All these policies have enhanced
the prosperity of our state and the
happiness of our people, and L dc
not need now to invite your atten
tion to any considerable detail tc
subjects of future legislation If al
any time deem it proper to submit
particular recommendations affect
, ing the public welfare | shall do sc
by special message. | confess havt
deep-seated conviction that often
times there is too much legislation
Nevertheless we should fully redeem
all the pledges we have solemnly
made to the people, at the same tim'
taking care to avoid Grade and hast1
enactments.
! FOR 4 FRANCHISE TAN.
: And among the first measures
q which | most earnestly commend tt
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