The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-01-15

eTty n by taxation help to 81 the
states burdens, are also often insane.
and they and their people desire that
they should be treated in their own
state. n not be compelled TO 10 else
w~here-often far away from home and
loved ones. Therefore. In my opinion.
general assembly should provide
only suitable and sufficient hospt-
tails for the INDECENT insane. but for all
giving. OF course. under the law. the
preference to the INDECENT and reQuir-
ing the ~non-indigent TO pay enough &c
the state for its actual ex-
penSe in caring for them.
The insane are not only INDECENT and
n~on-indigent. from the standpoint OF
but are also durable or incur
able. harmless and dangerous. as well
as those who are epileptics and
idiots, Humanity demands that the
state should take care Of all these
classes. excep the harmless idiots. and
Tor these strong laws should
be enacted. requiring their
TO properly care for them. un-
less provided for by their own people.
II is Il fatal mistake not 10 care for thu
epileptics. for often they are the most
most dangerous OF all classes. Hun
drcds of these unfortunate persons are
incurable; but this does not lessen our
legal and moral obligation 10 provide
for them. There are Others who with
proper treatment and good surround
ings can be cured and return r-stored
in mind, 10 home and family.
The state can afford 10 take an in
san persons out OF the common jaIls
and county homes and properly treat
them in hospitals provided for that
purpose. and God will lot bless or al
low a sta" To prosper that negleCts "a
care for His afflicted. | send you the
reports from all the hopitals, and ask
your careful consideration of their
requests.
The state hospital at Morganton wifi
ask for an additional building to fur
nish room for hunreds asking admit
tance. and for an increase in Its year
ly allowance.
AS TO these hospitals, | would make
the broad suggestion that you send for
their superintendent II find out
what is required TO put them in CON
ditiOn to receive all now applying for
admittance, or who may apply in the
ACAt IS" NtdlSs IL Nit wv 80 -
right for their proper support
1t has been suggested that the states
prison is not now needed for cOnvicts,
and could be made an elegant hospital
for the epileptic and dangerous insane:
and | would advise that you appoint
a committee. and have them, together
with suitable architects, TO inspect the
building and see If this plan Is feast
BILE.
Unless necessary. do not issue bonds.
bu if for humanity's sake, and the
best development Of the material. edu-
%cationaI, and moral upbuilding Of the
state. such a course il necessary, do
not for fear of criticism refrain from
doing your full duty, for the people to-
day are far ahead of the politicians In
desiring all tc be done hat Is really
for the states development.
The state is practically out Of debt. 1t
owes in bonds about $1,000. 900. bear
ing four and six per cent. interest;
but we own over 81, 000, 900 worth OF
stock IN the NCrth Carolina and At
lantic and North Carolina railroad
paying five and seven per cent. divi-
dends; so we really owe nothing, but
have a small surplus.
1t has been wisely suggested that
the state authorize the issuing or two
million dollars worth Of bonds, bear
ing three or three and one-half per
cent. interest, payable in SO years and
with the proceeds put all OF the pub
lie buildings and institutions, especial
ly those for the care of our afflicted.
in frst-class condition., and sufficient
for their requirements for years to
come. In doing this the current tax
would keep the interest paid, and main
tain the institutions, and posterity, Tor
whose benefit the improvements were
made, would pay me principal OF these
bonds in the enhanced value or Its
property. The rae or taxes would
not be increased % pay the interest.
the new bonds woult only lie issued as
tlev were wanted, AMI the Improve
nGnts in our institutions would 70
made ermanen and not patched Al
at present, and North Carolina would
g,Cr be the irIt state IN the south
Much as / am ordinarily opposed to a
bcrd issue. | "an see tho wisdom or
the above suggestion, and II the de-
mands require -, believe IL should be
adopted by you. 10 make AL the I'm
yrCvements asked for BY the dinerent
institutions. Is well rs meet othe-
demands, will re@Ire about W or two
anG a half ull'1n dollars We VIII
have a surplus this year, according 70
the t~reasurer's estimate. Of nearly nail
! a UilIion. and .he new assessment may
make il even mora; 90. perhaps, not al
the bonds autnO.Iel may DE needed
fcrtile purpose demaGded.
SALAI,IES.
TIE cost OF living has 50 greatly
ir,reased that many employees. and
seine stae officers, canno live on thcii
salaries. The de)E tIncnt employees
such as janitors, night watchmen. q
flee boys, etc, nae faithfully served
the state, and / ak shat their wage
be increased At least ten or fifteen per