The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-21
OF MESSAGE

The inaugural address Of Governor
Bilbo was admirably written and con-
tains many timely recommendations
to the State solons. While we think
he is radically wrong in advocating a
constitutional convention, a pardon
board, and one or two other useless
propositions, his message in the main
is good. The document is too long
for the busy man to read, hence we
give the following epitome of the able
address:
Asks for aid and support of CO.
workers.
Revenues of state are inadequate to
necessary expenditures.
Way to provide larger revenues
must be found.
Tax burdens now fall heaviest on
those least able to bear it.
County system of assessments is
wrong and not based on needs of the
State. Most counties in the State
pay taxes on different basis of valua-
ton.
Suggests creation by Legislature
of commission to locate defects In
prevailing system of taxation.
Will approve no appropriation In
excess of States revenues.
In addition no provision has been
made to meet bonds becoming due.
Thinks there is waste of money in
managing some of the State institu-
lions. Fuller reports of State institu-
tons should be made so that cost per
patient or student could be known.
Cites report Of A. & M. College.
Bonds for certain improvements of
State institutions necessary.
Favors restoring old capitol build
ing and using it for new State office
room needed. Thinks commission
should outline work.
Recommends that Governors man.
sion be sold and is opposed to pomp
and show.
School system needs revision and
reconstruction. Suggests creation of
school commission to suggest needed
changes.
Favors industrial school for way
ward and delinquent boys and girls.
Opposes a reformatory. Suggests
school for cripples.
Should keep politics out of State
schools and colleges.
State and county should co-ordi-
nate in building roads, but opposes
working Of State convicts on our
highways.
Thinks county misdemeanants
should be worked on roads, however.
Criticises justice of the peace
courts, says this fee system is
abominable and favors their aboli-
ton, and the substitution of a county
court of prescribed jurisdiction.
Mould lnxo hoarl ~ 1~~~ ~
aminers to admit lawyers to practice.
Says fee system for public officials
is fundamentally wrong and should
be abolished.
Thinks publication of huge suits of
Attorney General scares away CAPT
tai and is harmful. Urges placing
this official on a salary.
Believes in a commissioner of cor
operations who would inquire into
character of all companies or corpora
tons undertaking to do business in
Mississippi.
Wants uniform negotiable instru-
ment law.
Suggests that women be placed on
educational and eleemosynary boards.
Board Of pardons advocated.
Says cruel and excessive punishment
is often melted out in police and JUS
tice court Opposes wearing of
stripes for MINOR offenders.
Believes in better enforcement of
law generally.
Thinks prohibition has proven sue
cessful and will appoint no drunkards
to office.
Legislature should aid farmers in
diversifying their crops and in cattle
raising. Credit system for farmers
should be improved.
Should encourage proper immigra-
ton and appoint a commissioner of
immigration and publicity.
Urges sworn statements by all can
didates of campaign expenses.
Favors new constitution which
| should be written in harmony with
new and changed conditions.