St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-05-23

May %, 1908.
GOVERNORS INAUGURAL ADDRESS


strength of the administration in both houses |
VIII DE equal to the passage of such laws as may
pc recommended, and the accomplishment of this |
made easier by the sound judgment and logical
conclusions in the important subjects handled
The most bitter fight in sight and the one that
VIII be best generated is the fight for prohibi-
Clon The Governors remarks on this subject
are sensible and indicate the action that will be
taken by the legislature. To force prohibition
upon people who are unwilling to accept it
would mean simply the enforcement of the law
IN some communities and illicit dealing in Others
minimum license of $500 and a strict enforce
ment of proper laws will probably soon be the
conditions under which liquor is sold in the par
ishes
While the necessity for good roads is admitted
we would like to have seen more attention given
to this subject. There is no single question be-
fore the people Of the State to-day that is of
more Importance in it's relation to prosperous
conditions. The building of factories, the in
crease IN population, educational advantages
and health and pleasure, all hinge upon the
question of good roads. There is no investment
that will bring greater returns to the State and
to the parish, and from the school-child to the
businessman there should be recognition of it's
Importance
Louisiana has every reason to be proud of her
Governor, and to those of his supporters who
have ever had pride in his honor and integrity,
it will be gratifying to note the true ring Of his
manly acceptance of the responsibilities of his
office, and his renewed pledges to the people, in
his concluding remarks:
In conclusion, want to assure all the people
of Louisiana that every pledge made by me in
my canvass for the position of Governor of this
commonwealth will be-. as far as it lies within
my power, carried out both in the letter and in
the spirit. have this day taken an oath that
would support the Constitution and the laws
of the State of Louisiana. Every law upon the
statute books must be enforced, and as far as it
lies within the power of the Governor so to do,
it will be enforced"
Following is a condensed report of his address
as given in the Picayune:
The Lobby Everything that lies within the
power of the Governor will be done to see that
legislation is conducted free from any influence
whatever, save the wishes and the welfare of
the people.
State Institutions Must be kept to highest
point Of efficiency and must be literally provided
for, but heads of these institutions must not take
time from their work to come to Baton Rouge to
lobby for appropriations.
Dual Office-holding-Is wrong in principal and
bad in practice, and can only result in detriment
to the public service. Members Of Legislature
should not hold office of honor, trust or profit,
under the State or any Of its political subdi--
visions or boards, either within the purvieW of
the Constitution, as salaried officer or en-
ploye.
Corporate Taxation Property of the corpora
ton and the individual must be treated fairly
and on terms of equality
Appropriations Should be limited to the ne
cessities of government.
Extinguishment of State Debt-Interest tax
fund is and must be sacred tax fund dedicated
to retirment of the State debt, and all surplus
funds arising from whatever source should be
applied to the payment of this debt.
Refunding of State debt Amounting to SILL
1O8 800 will mature Jan. l, 1914, and present
Legislature should take steps to refund before
maturity at lower rate of interest.
borrowing by the Governor Should be pro-
hibited without express authority IN law. In
emergencies, State Board Of Liquidation should
be convened to authorize
Checking and Auditing-Modern system with
nroper supervision will be recommended. Will
s render defalcation practically impossible.
Railroad Commission - Constitutional amend
ments gave additional power, but it more legis-
lation is needed it should be given
t5. Good Roads-Are a necessity.
Leyees-Must be kept in highest state of
efficiency.
be extended
Child Labor Laws Prohibit employment of
children amid surroundings that will dwarf them
nhysically and mentally.
Confederate Pensions Survivors should be
literally provided for, and start should be made
in marking battlefields.
Public Education The primary duty of the
State is to develop it's citizens and equip them
for success in living. All grades should be close
II correlated State Board of Education should
be given advisory control over higher State in
situations. Parish superintendent should hold
! professional certificate from the State Board.
Teachers' Institutes and Summer Normals are
accomplishing great work. State Superintend-
ent should get SIS, 600 and more assistants State
appropriation should be increased from 1920
mills to / 3-4 mills and minimum parish appro-
nriations should be mills. Appropriations will
be recommended for. Normal School and for each
approved high school. Manual training schools