The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1912-01-19

/ the duties ana pOWtIS VI thc
enlarged, with manifest advantage to the
people ana without imposing any burden
on the carriers.
The inequalities in freight rates that
nrevail in many localities, and the made
ouate facilities which are provided in
MANY cases, are matters which affect
vitality the prosperity welfare OF
whole communities, and the laws OF the
State should be extended, and the func-
lions OF the commission ~broadened, so
hat ample authority may be vested in
the commission to grant and enforce
remedial and preventive relief against
all unjust action on the part of any COM
mon carrier doing business in the State
of Mississippi. The commission should
be made an effective agency to conserve
and protect the rights of the business
interests of the State, and l snail cheer
fully cooperate with the Legislature in
every measure looking to the accom-
plishment of that end.
The Banking interests.
Intimately associated with the welfare
of the people is a proper administration
of the affairs of all persons and associa-
tions who may be engaged in the con-
duct of banking in the State. Under the
modern rules Of business, practically all
financial transactions are handled
through banks, either by the making of
deposits of money therein or by the
drawing of checks thereon.
Il is essential not only to the protec-
ton of confding depositors from loss,
but TO the stability and security of all
business, that q sound, safe system of
banking should be exacted of those en-
gagged in the management OF such insti-
tutions.
The designing schemer who would fitch
from trusting depositors h hard earn
ings of years Of toll is deserving OF no
more consideration than the hardy high
wayman who robs the unprotected trav-
eler.
The laws TO punish such crimes as de-
veloped by recent decisions Of the courts
are entirely inadequate to meet the de-
mands of the situation and they should
be amended and made clear to cover
without cavil every case of the kim that
can arise.
Mushroom banks are capable of doihg
as much harm and causing as much loss,
and as many hardships, as dishonesty
managed or reckiessly m~ismanaged
banks. Misfortune may often come to
the public from honest errors of judg-
ment in the management of banks and a
series of honest mistakes not speedily
and radically corrected, will assuredly
lead to the ruin of many and the unset
Ting of public confidence, frequently as
disastrous in consequences as if these ills
arose from other sources.
Mississippi has grown so greatly in
the recent past, and its prospects for in,
creased prosperity and development along
industrial and commercial lines are toe
bright and promising to be blighted or
delayed by inattention to this important
adjunct of sound banking.
Mississippi has no laws which afford
any protection to the public in any such
cases. No good bank would object to
reasonable examination OF its affairs
and methods of conducting business
, and no bank that is not good or that is
mismanaged for any cause, should be
permitted to prey upon an unsuspectine
public.
l commend this subject to your atten
ton and shall feel that a great public
service will have been performed if a
suitable law is passed to cover within
proper restrictions all phases of the
banking interests of the State.
, The material interests of the State are
not all that must command our atten
: ton.
There is another side of the functions
| of government which does not look tt
revenue results, or the mere protection
, of property.
There are other charges committed t.
our care and keeping which should b
5 second to none, in their place in our con
: sideration. No State can maintain al
t honorable, much less distinguished place
among all the States in this age of prog
ress and advancement, unless thu
thoughts of those on whom rests the re
s sponsibility of government are directed
e towards the establishment and perpetu
alton of comprehensive, co-ordinated ant
e scientific system of education.
e The men of Mississippi have Responded
e to the demands made upon them unde
all circumstances, whether in the forum
or in the halls of national or State legis
lation, or whether destiny has fate'
them to embrace distinction on the fata
field of battle ~ the final discharge o
the claims of patriotic citizenship. Othe
d Other States OF the Union than our owl
have profited by the wisdom and patriot
y ism of Mississippi's sons. They hav
contributed, and are now contributin,
elsewhere, and here as we, to the ad
Ndncen1ent ana Well-Delng OF unelr cOm
y mon country. The knowledge whiel
d these illustrious men have bestowet
upon their divergent and varied task
was not all learned from the books, blu
the strength of mind and learning whicl
makes them shine forth above their fel
lows had foundation in the training o
the schools OF our State and where fort
d une favored, in its highest institution
of learning. Our common schools an
n these higher institutions of ~learnin
n have ever been the pride of the State
f. While we have done much for the educa
ton Of the children of the State, an
ID while they in full measure have availe
1t themselves of such splendid advantages
l there still remains much to be accom-
IS plished before the end desired can be oil
te tanned. 1t will not do to rest in par
ID contented, until we hay schools not onl
ID convenient to every child, but the bes
Y schools wherein are taught by thorough
ly trained and qualified instructors tina
10 kind of knowledge which will aid an