The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1905-01-19

button OF the funds in accord with
their just needs and requirements.
This equitable division is alre sdy
made in many counties, but should be
alike in all. No Constitutional amend.
ment..is required to effect this arrange
ment. 1t can be done under the ad.
mlnistration of the State Superintend.
ent of Public Instruction, or, by laws
established by the wisdom of the Gener.
al Assembly.
At present great interest through
out the State is being taken in our
highways, and today many counties
have good roads, while Others are be-
ginning to sgltate this much desired
improvement. The General Assem- bly,
should therefore encourage every effort
that Is being made to improve our de-
fective road system, aud provide all
needed laws to aid in the construction
Of good roads. An up-todate road law
should be enacted, and every county or
township that desires it, should he
given chance to improve their high
ways by bond issue or other mode Of
taxation. 1t is said that next to lllit-
eracy, mud levies the highest tax on a
State. This is true, for with good roads
to our markets the value OF our lands
and farm products would be greatly
enhanced, and the taxes paid for the
construction Of good roads, moro than
restore to the citizen the tax he pays
by the increasing facilities in hauling
heavy loads, time saved in going and
coming and by the protecting of our
live stock and vehicles from the wear
and wreck of mud and stones.
MORALS.
In morals there has been a marked
improvement throughout tho State,
and our people were never so sober or
industrious as they are today.
While temperance cannot be forced
upon y man; etil!, the fact that bust
ness concerns no longer knowingly
drunkards, and legislation has
rendered 1t more difficult to get strong
drink, has certainly conducted to peace
and order, and been OF incaicuIable
benefit to the manners and morals OF
our young men.
And while adyiee the real friends of
temperance not to be too Jealous in
their demands, until the beneficial ct.
tects of the present laws be recognized
and upheld by all good citlzsns; still
We must take no backward steps In a
cause which is so significant of good in
the State. II the Watts law needs
amendment to make 1t more effective
and less discriminating, let it lie done,
but the cause OF good morals should
not allow the sale or manufacture OF
liquor anywhere In the State unless
municipal protection, or something
equal thereto, Is guaranteed. For far
above the right which any man has to
sell liquor as business, there stand.
the sacred duty OF the State to g,ar"
and protect its men, women and Chi
dren and its schools and churches.
When the people at fair election
have voted out liquor they are entitled
to have "blind tigers" suppressed and
if the police and county officers will do
their full duty in making arrests, and
our judges enforce the law by adequate
ly Furnishing those who DEFY it, we
will have no liquor traffic unless the
people again vote its return.
DIVORCES.
Most earnestly do join the retiring
Governor in recommending to you the
the repeal of all divorce laws enacted
since the adoption of the Code of 1888.
Divorces are now too easily obtained
and are often granted to the offending
or guilty party. "Whom God hath
Joined together, let no man put asund-
err. is sale rule and law for public
guidance and should certainly never be
in granting absolute divorces
for any less reasons than those men,
toned in the present Code.
BY adopting this law few hard
ships may follow and soma deserving
persons may be made to suffer, but the
benefit to the general public and the
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