Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1917-10-05

that no better advertisement could be
given 70 the worlo of Mississippi's great
wealth, splendid values and untold pos
sibilities than to place upon her assess
ment rolls her millions and billions of
wealth in property.
/ have directed your attention to the
Importance Of creating a council OF state
defense. 1t is very necessary and almost
imperative in order that Mississippi may
properly perform her part in the great
and thorough preparation that the entire
nation Is now making for the proper and
successful conduct OF the war against
our enemies.
1t Is necessary in aiding and co-operat-
ing with the national council of defense.
created by recent act OF congress, and
with such other councils or bodies as the
respective states OF the union may estat-
lish for national defense and for the per-
formance under the direction of the proper
state officials Of any and all functions and
duties in aid of state administration and
the ascertainment of the resources of the
state capable OF utilization for military
purposes, or for the use and sustenance of
our people.
1t is necessary for the advice and as
sistance Of our authorities in protecting
the people OF the state against wrongful
and unwarranted speculations, combina-
tions and other artful practices and ma.
nipulations that may be resorted to for
the purpose OF forcing the consumer to
pay an unjust, unfair and extortionate
price for the necessities OF life.
With the thousands of patriotic Mis-
sissppians there will be no trouble in Sc
curing members of this proposed council
of defense who will gladly and willingly
and freely give their time. their talents
and energies in this important war work.
and II will be necessary only to make
small appropriation to pay actual eN
penses in carrying on the work that shall
be delegated to this body.
State Militia Needed.
I am sure that you will not hesitate 70
Iarx ctof ffav, fnr
tion of a state militia or some kind OF
armed power for the purpose of preserv-
ing the public order, peace and tranquil
lity of the state, when you are reminded
of the fact that all of the states national
guard has been mustered into the federal
service and are no longer under control OF
the state authorities
The constitution and laws of our state
make 1t duty of the governor to see
that the laws are properly enforced, and
that public order Is maintained. yet today
there is not an armed man available for
this purpose. Society would be helpless
should a mob break out or any commun-
ity be threatened by riots or other organ
lied disturbances.
In the course OF time 1t is more than
probable, IL the war continue, that many
more of our men will be Withdrawn from
the usual walks of life and placed in mil
itary service and then more than ever
will well organized and equipped state
militia be needed.
/ do not feel that the necessity of the
passage of proper law need be stressed
upon yet because by section 215 OF the
constitution of our state 1t is provided:
''The Legislature shall provide for the or
ganizing, arming, equipping and discip-
line OF the militia, and for paying the
same when called into active service"
Out OF our fullness of gratitude and ap-
probation to those of our citizens who
are called into the service Of our common
country in the war, the legislature should
promptly provide for the exemption of all
sailors and soldiers and other persons In
actual military and naval service OF the
United States from the payment of any
debts contracted prior to their enlist
ment while the nation is at war and for
reasonable time thereafter. Some cred
tion, but / believe that those who remain
home should be willing to make sacrifice
when others are sacrificing their all.
I have especially recommended the
passage of the uniform warehouse receipt
law for the benefit of the farmers of the
state, to encourage the building OF ware
houses, the organization OF our produce
ers so that they can protect themselves
against the dealers and thus obtain fair
and just price for all the products of the
farm In this day OF wild and reckless
speculation the farmers of the state need
this protection. lty
There are several matters that / de-
sire to present to your body in a special
message on another day chiefly concerns
ing the states financial condition. and
in this connection / desire to make a rec
ommendation for some provisions neces-
sary for the protection of the states
credits.