The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1903-01-15

wisely determined thsk during vaca-
ton their superintendent shall visit
the homes where blind children are to
be found and seek to influence the par
! ents OF guardians to permit them to be
sent to this institution. The superin-
tendent engaged last Summer in this
work with the result abnve set out.
The blind always appeal to us. There
is deeper pathos about this affliction
than almost any other: The State owes
to the blind the duty of bringing light
to them. 1t is hoped that the parents
Of the State will respond to the efforts
made in this direction and put all the
blind in the school. Many States COM
Pei their attendance, but 1 believe that
the course Of the board OF directors in
going to the homes and laying the adj
vantages of this institution before the
parents and guardians will perhaps
obviate the necessity Of law conpell-
Ing attendance. The report of the board
Of directors and the superintendent
and other officers OF the Institution ac-
companying this message will give you
the detailed Information as to tie work
for the past two years and the needs
for the future.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD
Accompanying this message will be
found the repor: Of the Adiutant Gen.
eral Of the North Carolina State
Guard. I concur in the recommenda-
tons Of the Adjutant General. Ii is
gratifying to know that the general
condition of the State Guard shows de-
cided improvement. There is no more
powerful agency for the preservation
CT the peace and good order OF the
State than is furnished by our citizen
solciery. They respond promptly 10
every call for their services and give
freely Of their time in any service
which tie State demands. They are
entitled to the fostering care CO the
State and the grateful appreciation of
ali lovers of peace and quiet.
THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
From the report OF the Secretary OF
the State Board of Health. which is
herewith transmitted, 1t appears that
much work of the character expected
OF such boards has been accomplished
during the past two years. This in
cludes among other things sanitary in
spection of the States Institutions: OF
all public water supplies, and OF sus-
pected private supplies on request; ad-
VICE anu luSIl OCllOAS " Aui4iNA pow
ties; health officers and individual cit
liens; the collection of vital statistics
and the dissemination among the peo-
pie of varied information as to the
preservation OF health. The educa-
tional effect of this work Is apparent
in the improved public sentiment Oh
this very important subject.
THE PENITENTIARY
The Governor expresses gratifc.stica
at the good showing made by the
board of penitentiary directors.
STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE IN
SANE.
This institution makes a good show
ing It's needs should be carefully
looked after.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
The State Geological Survey has
done great deal to promote the well
fare of the State. 1t should be amply
crowded for in the prosecution of its
work.
BOARD OF PUBLIC CHARITIES.
The work of the Board OF Public
Charities has been labor of love. The
members OF this board have accom-
piished great deal, and deserve the
gratitude of every individual in the
State.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF STATE
INSTITUTIONS.
Under an act OF the last General AS
sambly l caused to he mailed to each
member of the General Assembly dur
ing the month Of November. 1902,
printed copy Of the report OF the Board
CT Examiners OF State Institutions.
This board was created by the last
General Assembly and the report
shows the result OF its first work. Full
and detailed Information in regard to
each of the institutions investigated is
to be found in said report, together
with the recommendations OF the hoard
for legislation.
PARDONS.
The Governor transmits a list Of
pardons granted, with his reasons for
granting the same.
SALE AND MANUFACTURE OF
LIQUOR.
The Governor tievctes a section of
his IN essage to consideration OF this
subject His recommendatiCn are for
uniform law. giving the highest re-
striction to the business.
LYNCHINGs.
The recommendations are for the
elimination, as far as possible, Of the
cause of 1ynchings, and the removal of
the cause.
PUBLIC ROADS.
A section of the message is devoted
TO the question OF public roads. with
appropriate suggestions.
GENERAL THOMAS F. TOON.
On the 10Th of February, 1902. Gen
eral Thomas r. Toon, Superintendent
OF Public Instruction for the State. fell
on sleep. His record is one of which
the State may well be proud. He en-
tered the Confederate army young
man as a private and without outside
influence, by merit alone, won promo
ton after promotion until he became
a Brigadier General. He freely offered
his life for the independence Of his
section. He finally gave it in behalf OF
the education of the children. He was
engaged in canvassing the State in adj
vocacy of larger educational facilities
when he was attacked by pneumonia.
He ended his life as he had spent it. in
patriotic service for the State. As SOL
der, as citizen, as officer. he was al
ways faithful and gave to the cause
which he espoused his full devotion.
He died as he lived without other fear
than that which we are told is the he