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

wh.. is absolutely Necessary Tor the
proper maintenance OF their respective
institutions. They should send in their
reports, and then without lobbying or
unduly pressing their demands, leave
the am cunts to be given TO the wisdom
and patriotism OF the Legislature. 1t
might be wise for the General Assem-
bly, TO require OF the Governor, before
submitting his message, to visit all
State institutions, TO the end, that after
personal investigation, he could better
speak OF their needs and management.
The little costs incident to such Visits
would bs mora than saved by the
knowledge acquired and furnished to
the law-makin, powers.
PARDcNs.
In exercising the pardoning power
Justice will he tenn pered with mercy
and every case considered on its mer-
Its. The Executive, however, Is only
co ordinate branch OF the govern
ment and, therefore will not attempt
to usurp or review the acts OF the ]u-
dietary, and knowing as do the VIE
dom, fairness and tenderness With
which our Judges administer the law,
| shall deem it wise and right when
A Judge, grand jury and petit jury and
the Supreme Court pronounce per-
son guilty, to be very slow to disturb
the judgment, unless on consideration
OF matters arising after the trial, and
will never do 80 without first consult
ing the trial judge and solicitor. The
constitution of North Carolina recog-
n,zes conditional pardons, but to this
day no legislation has been adopted to
give it effect. It seems to|
me to abound in wisdom, and should
com mend itself to the thoughtful con-
s;deration of the Legislature.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Upon you, gentlemen OF the General
Assembly. devolve most grave and i'm
portant duties. Fresh from the peo-
pls in whom our constitution vests all
political power, you know their wants,
and l feel that the members now sit
ing will be sufficiently brave, broad
minded and patriotic to meet every
and overcome every obstacle
that stands IN the way OF the upbuild-
Ing and betterment of our State. Your
power is truly great, and should be
exercised wisely and With discretion,
fer you can enact, amend, suspend or
repeal all laws, thus having in your
keeping the veal or woe of the State.
Matters of appropriation, increase
OF salaries, settlements of the States
debts, amendments to school and reve-
nue laws, legalized primary law, the
temperance and divorce questions and
a stronger and more stringent vagrant
law, laws to help the old Confederate
veterans, these, and much more, will
doubtless be considered by you with
patierce and wisdom, and such laws
enacted as public necessity requires.
As chief of the Executive Depart
ment 1t is made my duty TO cooperate
with the other branches OF tho State |
government, in all that tends to the
States welfare. With no desire to in
fringe upon or usurp any of the pre-
negatives vested in the other two
branches, will strictly adhere to my
1ut;es and from time to time inform
The General Assembly Of the affairs of
he State and recommend to it such
measures as to me seem expedient and
asst. Whether the Legislature rejects
II adopts my suggestions is matter
'r its wisdom, but as the Chief Exec
ltlve OF the State I will enforce the
avs you enac-, and hold all who re-
use to obey them to the strictest &C.
I hope freely to con-
sr with your members at all times,
md on all subjects, and I respectfully
ender to you access to the papers, re-
lords or information possessed by this
'fice which might help in your inves-
gation or aid in the proper Enactment
II laws.
Elevated by the people to the pos.
ion OF Chief Magistrate and loving my
State dsvotedly, it will be my honest
pleasure and desire to conserve its best
ind highest Interest. Mistakes, 1 will
make, and often my best en-
Icavors may prove my worst failures
have taken a solemn oath to perform
he duty of this high office, and to
tsep that oath will be my one purpose
lad constant prayer. I feel deeply the
1 have assumed, and beg
he hearty support Of all who Ioye the
State and rejoice in Its success. I un-
lerstand, that some fear because q
,alous partisan, will prove a parti-
Woods Seeds.
I