The Forrest City times., 1913-01-17
INAUGURAL
 ADDRESS IF
 GOVERNOR JOE T. ROBINSON TELLS OF OBLIGATIONS AND DUTIES
 OWED TO PUBLIC. GOVERNMENT IS FOR ALL Nc Particular Class of People Should Be Given Preference-Edu-
 cationaI Tax. CO., OPERATION IS THEME Tells Legislature That Governor Is PoWerIess to Make Reforms
 Without Help.
GOVERNMENT IS FOR ALL
Nc Particular Class of People Should Be Given Preference-Edu-
 cationaI Tax.
CO., OPERATION IS THEME
Tells Legislature That Governor Is PowerIess to Make Reforms
 Without Help.

LiteiC 1ON. JOe l fNODIIlSOI delivered his inaugural address before the legislature after being inducted into office by that body.
 Governor Robinsons inaugural ad dress follows
 To these ceremonies some importance is ascribed because they are believed to mark the beginning of policies which have not heretofore prevailed in oui state government.
 This occasion cannot derive lasting significance from personal elements now however manifest, for these will quickly pass and be forgotten. This hour must borrow its worth from pub. lie events which are yet to come. and which are therefore uncertain.
 The Time and the Issue always com bine to choose the agency, and every man Is relegated when his leadership proves ineffective and discarded wher hls usefulness has ended.
 More definite and detailed suggestions as to policies to be pursued and legis- lation to be enacted, if it merits ap- proval, will soon be submitted for the consideration of the General Assembly Consonant with a custom that prevails in nearly all the states, with the com Ing of new administration, the execu- tie is permitted to discuss the general principles of government especially to be invoked, and to outline the plans and purposes which he thinks should be pur- sued.
 No theory of government Is more fal- lacious or fraught with greater evils than that 1t should be administered tc confer special opportunities on a fav- ored class This doctrine is the parent Of avarice, engenders corruption and as sails popular liberty. It is the corollary of principle which. however repugnant when frankly stated is by no means un. recognized in the practical administra- ton of public affairs. Few openly sub scribe to the declaration that the func- tons of government should be exercised solely by a so-called 'Superior class q Nevertheless, this is often secretly ad- hered to, and 1t always leads to favorit. ism, which Is not less to be condemned because frequently regarded respect able.
 The power and right to govern in heres In the whole body of electors II must not be exercised by any peculiar class of electors nor for the benefit ot 1avorites to the detriment of others Consequently, government in it's legiti. mate sphere, Is not directly concerned in the employment or enrichment of the citizen. By the application of the prin. clples of equality and individual liberty It seeks to afford common opportunities to all citizens for the enjoyment of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. II Is Of the first importance that labor shall enjoy the fruits of it's thrift and diligence. It's arm upholds the institu- ttons of modern civilization. Many now associate political administration with
 
 Political parties have come to pledge, as means of securing support the res toration or continuance of prosperity and to intimidate the public by threats of pantcs and disasters If defeated
 Politics and the administration of government have a natural and there fore legitimate influence on social and industrial conditions This influence while often exaggerated, is potent and defnable.
 The political policy of any admins tration is disclosed by the character and ability of its officers. by the legis- lation advocated and the spirit in which existing laws are enforced or dis. regarded. While 1t is true that govern ment is best which interferes least with liberty, 1t Is also true that all govern ment, in the broad sense. restricts tho liberty of the citizen for the protection and welfare of his fellows. To give se- curity of life, liberty and property, the bill of rights and many constitutional guaranties and limitations have beer established The advocacy of legisla- ton Violative of these guarantees and limitations or of the vested rights ot the citizen destroys public confidence arouses fear and anxiety and unsettled political institutions
 Confiscaton and repudiation are twir perlS to the progress of ciVilizato While government is progressive sci ence, employing means and agencie. suited to the changing conditions of so Piety, 1t will find a low standard in tn,
 
 private property to public use withou lair compeusa tion, and in the failur 10 maintain the dignity of sovereignt, by complying with the states obliga tons. It must be kept in mind that tn right of private property. when violate pN the state. is coniSCation. the oldes 1orm or tyranny; and the failure of tn state to adopt a fiscal policy that vii meet It's obligations, is closely relate, to rcpudiation
 IL follows that no legislation may b e tod |, ,S.t. Of the free, full and perfect use of hi own property. so long as he does no Interfere with the rights of his fellows It follows too, that the state shoul make no contracts which 1t will no keep, create no debts which 1t will no pay. assume no obligations which it vii not meet When debts have been ere ated and obligations assumed. by of, cers duly empowered. they cannot b discharged by a mere change of admin fstration. They must be promptly met else the good name of the state will b dishonored and it's credit ruined
 Therefore, we are burdened with tn debts of preceding administration, Whatever debts have been lawfully con tracted must be promptly paid. What ever contracts the state, in good faitt has made must be performed, eve though the present administration con demns the policy by which the con tracts were undertaken The advance ment of the contrary principle consti tutes advocacy of repudiation. which state can no more rightfully adopt tha an individual. The state is indeed ex empt from suit in all it's courts Thi attribute of sovereignty, however is fo the protection of the citizen and shoul never be invoked to oppress him does not lessen the moral obligation O the state to pay every valid debt mad by its authority.
 Let 1t be accepted. then, as true tha every honest debt that the state Ina heretofore made shall be fully paid l is part of the task now before us { provide sufficient funds to meet thes debts. as well az to pay the current eN penses of government
 The means by which a state obtain