The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1909-01-14
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE
A Comprehensive Review of States
Condition and Needs.

- "a III WOUIO nA6-
essltate only a very low rate. 1T
would advertise the State to advan-
tage and invite capital and settlers.
More than forty-fve counties receive
more from the State than, thew paw
into the treasury.
Valuations are so lacking in uni-
formity as to do great injustice to
the just. Taxes collected since last
Legislature have, fallen below appro-
prlatlons from lack of uniformity.
The Governor urges that the present
law of equalization be repealed as it
IS too costly with no method of n
forcing it properly or of securing uni
formity. He, says:
81 suggest that you appoint a very
strong finance committee who shall
consult with the Auditor, Treasurer
and Corporation Commission, and,
after considering all suggestions made,
make such a law as will properly adj
vertise the true value of the States
property and allow the rate. to be
fixed at a lower amount. While the
assessment was made last year, there
is no constitutional provision that
prevents this Legislature from requir-
ing a new valuation"
Primary Elections.
The Governor notes the great ex-
pense and annoyance of candidates
for public Office begetting a tendency
of good men to shirk from duty while
bad men are liable to secure the
places to the jeopardy of the State.
He recommends legalized primaries
and a law requiring candidates or
persons working for them in pri-
maries or elections to give a strict
account under oath for all moneys
collected or expended in the cam
paign under penalty for misdemeanor
and .debarment from ever holding
public office in the State. He would
also have newspapers and public
speakers punished for d~efamatory
assaults against a candidate unless
satisfactory roofs are at hand. He
thinks we should have more polling
places and that the polls should be
closed at 4 O'Clock. /,
Criminal Procedure.
| The Governor notes the crowded
condition of the court dockets and
recommends that recorders be APP
pointed or elected in every city and
town or township to try all INSIDE
mcanors and favors a division of the
State into two circuits thus dividing
equally the judicial districts in which
the judges should rotate. 1t would
save expense Npd time and all nee
essary changes could still be made
under certain euaditions.
He would give the State an equal
number of challenges of jurors as
the defendant in criminal cases since
the defendent is allowed to testify in
his own behalf. He further says:
ct also insist that you thoroughly
examine all the judicial districts,
~equalize them in accordance with the
amount of work necessary to be done,
and then put Solicitors on a salary"
He recommends that executions be
made in the State ~penitentiary and
that they be by electricity instead of
the present mode of hanging. He
thinks the change can be made in the
mode without changing the constitu-
ton.
Corporation Commission.
The Governor speaks in high praise
of the good work of the Corporation
Commission and says Of its sphere
and power:
"Instead of being curtailed, as
they were by the last General Assem-
bly,, should be extended and enlarged.
1t should be given all power neces-
sary to regulate all interstate pas
senger and freight rates, to prevent
railroads from unjust discrimination,
to require connecting lines to make
close connections, and to do anything
and all things necessary to control
and regulate all railroads. steamboats,,
telephone lines and banks, with full
power to enforce its orders by con-
tempt proceedings. / therefore sug-
gest that you carefully go over with
the Commission all the present laws
and make such amendments al will
restore its power and thus make it
more efficient and valuable to the
State"
Insurance Commission.
The taxes collected for the last
fiscal year were $224,680.58, and are
increasing every year. Each Gen
eraI Assembly must necessarily fur
nish needed helpif for this department
Buerau Of Labor and Printing.
The amount of useful work done
by this bureau is little understood
and appreciated. It is the only de
partment that gathers statistics In
regard to all our industrial and agri-
cultural pursuits, and when these
statistics are published and sent
broadcast over the country, they ad'
yertise our as can be done
in no other way. This bureau visits
factories and examines into labor
conditions, such as proper labor hours
and the child=labor problem.
He thinks that if the Bureau did
nothing else than the State print.
ing it would still be profitable. He
would have the salary of the Com
missioner raised to $4,000, and his
power and field Of usefulness en-
larged.
Agricultural Department.
This department he, saws, has been
| of great benefit to the State in ad'
~ ~ L-1-,la1o. ~