The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1903-01-15
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


/ Wilmington Messenger.
| Governor Aycock says that while
the people have been unusually pros
porous and successful in all business
pursuits during the past two years
! the State government has been en-
barassed by want of sufficient reve-
nue. to meet the appropriation made
by the last Legislature. He calls to
the legislators attention the fact
that it will be their duty to provide
for this deficiency and to devise ways
and means for raising sufficient rev.
enue for State purposes without
placing onerous burdens upon the
people and their property. Under
the new assessment of property to
be made this year, he thinks the pres
ent revenue and machinery acts, with
a few notifications will raise the nee
essary funds. The proper adjust
ment of taxation SO that the burden
shall fall equally upon all and III pro-
portion to their ability to pay, he
declares, is a difficult, almost impos-
sible, task. He approves the pres
ent law for taxing railroads and
| thinks it is as fair as could be de-
vised, both towards the corpora
tions and the tangible property in
the hands of individual taxpayers
There is much other property in the
State which is not assessed at it's
true value. The revenue and machin-
cry acts of the last Legislature are
amply sufficient for the needs of the
State, and the Governor recommends
that they be continued in force, with
the notifications suggested by the
Treasurer and the Auditor. All
that is lacking is a fair valuation OF
the taxable property of the State, to
give ample revenue.
! The Governor explains the nature
of the suit against the State by the
State of South Dakota and points
out the danger a decision against
our State would be to her and all
other States which have Outstand-
ing obligations. 1t is new question
and one of great Importance.
The report of the State Tax Com
mission is recommended to the care
full study of the legislators. Atten-
ton is called to some important rec
concentrations made. He endorses
the recommendation of tax for
State purposes on distilleries and
rectifying establishments. The other
changes in the law he neither endorses
nor rejects, but simply urges close
study of them.
On the sub ect OF education the
Governor, Of course, has great deal
to say. He makes a lengthy argu-
ment against the proposed amend
ment to the State Constitution for
applying the school tax paid by the
white people to the education of
white children and that by the ne
groes to the education of their chill
dren. In addition to such action
being unjust, he points out how it
would jeopardize the franchise amend
ment to the Constitution.
| He has high praise for our State
University and the good it is doing
and recommends provision for GER
tain needs pointed out in President
Venable's report. Governor Aycock
believes in making the University a
great State institution, as every
man who takes interest and pride in
| his State should
| The State Normal and Industrial
College and the Agricultural and Me-
chanical College are referred to in
terms of praise and qualification at
the success they have attained and
| the good they are doing in the State
The demand for admission to both
has outgrown their capacity and en-
largement is necessary.
The Governor makes very favOra-
BILE mention of the condition of the
States charitable institutions. He
thinks the course of the managers
of the deaf-mute and blind Institutes
in laying before the parents of unfor-
tunate children the necessity of their
being sent to school will obviate the
necessity of a law compelling attend
ance, such as has been adopted in
many States. He urges provision
for increased accommodation in the
insane asylums. He recommends
other improvements at these insti-
buttons.
| On the question of child labor in
factories the Governor says the State
has the right and it is also it's duty
to look after the welfare of the chill
dren, and prevent their being
dwarfed in body Or mind by too on
erOus or unhealthy kinds of work.
He declares the time seems to be ripe
for some legislation on the subject of
child labor in factories, and he rec
ommends stringent legislation.
He recommends to the Legislators
"discussion and deliberation'' of the
| question Of regulation of the hours of
labor. The State has the right to
regulate the hours of labor and the
Governor thinks the Legislature
| should pass law limiting to eleven
hours days work in factories.
The gratifying announcement is
made that the penitentiary is now
self-supporting and will need no APP
preparation.
On the subject of pardons the Gov
ernOr refers to the many adverse
criticisms on his action, but feels that
he has but done his duty.
| He favOrs the restriction bv the
Legislature of the sale or manufac-
ture OF liquor to the Incorporated
towns.
He has much to say on the subject
OF l,ynchings and denounces them, of
course, under all circumstances.
He strongly advocates creditable
exhibit by our State at the st. Louis
exposition and points out how it can
be done at small expense
| The Governor goes into the condi-
ton of the State debt and shows why
the Treasurer was obliged to obtain
a loan of 100000. He says it is
impossible to meet the floating debt