The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-01-26

ernor for the two years just past,
during which so many effective law
enforcement measures have been plac-
ed on the statute books, tried and their
efficiency proven; to have been in po-
ston to contribute insome humble way
to this long desired result, gave me
measure of pleasure and gratifica-
ton that felt could hardly be equal
led; but a few days ago, when the
supreme court of the United States
handed down in its now famous Webb
Kenyon opinion depriying the liquor
traffic of the protection and guardian
ship Of interstate laws, and making it
possible to enact constitutional
"bone-dry" law that would forbid the
shipment of liquor as a beverage, in
any quantity into state were its
sale is prohibited, was indeed thank
full that | was your governor and
would, more than likely, be your gov
ernor when q measure, which | am
sure you will pass. forbidding inter
state shipments IS submitted for ex-
ecutivo approval A.y cap Of happi-
ness, ahead. a# au account of the
splendid Law enforcement measures
you have enac,a0 u0o laws at laa pres
ent session, will indeed Ds overlooking
when this last ana final measure fer
the happiness and benefit of eur peo-
pie shall have received your apprgVa!
and become part Of great system
of laws that it has required cgasg'ess
effort to place upon our statute looks
for the guod Of humanity
The enactment Of the custer law BY
the last Legislature has proven the
most effective weapon yet devised with
which to deal with unfaithful public
officials. That and other measures al
ready passed and that you will enact
at this session make possible the es-
tablishment of an era of peace and
good will not yet experienced by our
beloved state.
With this record of achievement be-
hind us we may turn to the consider
tion of other important and construc-
tive measures for the rehabilitation of
the states finances and to the passage
of other laws for the advancement and
interest of the commonwealth; and,
while the general assembly is engaged
in the laudable task of passing con-
structive legislation for the benefit Of
the stae, | trust that necessary and
immediate laws will be enacted to re-
pair the injuries and wrongs inflicted
upon our splendid cities and communi-
ties because of misrule during the
reign when liquor and bossism, twin
companions of evil, dominated our
affairs.
| received my nomination for gov
ernor from the hands of a reunited
democratic party. 1t declared in its
platform, for certain specific legisla-
tion which its representatives in con-
vention assembled, believed to be to
the best interests of the commonwealth
! accepted the nomination with full
knowledge and understanding of what
its platform contained, and, on every
stump, declared my approval of and
belief in its declarations. | was elect
ed by majority sufficient, at least, to
indicate approval of that platform
The democratic members of the gene
raj assembly, were elected on plat forms
endorsing the state platform. and, as
candidates, declared themselves in
harmony with party declarations. To
my mind that platform was chart
prepared for our direction and guild
ance by the people who gave us the
right, by their ballots, to hold the Off
ces we today fill.
1t committed the party to prohibi-
tion and law enforcement.
1t pledged unstinted support to the
public school system of the state and
all its educational institutions, from
the elementary schools to the Univer-
sity of the state
1t lays particular stress upon the
need OF improving and encouraging
the rural schools.
It declares in favor of fair and hon
est elections, bona fide. representation
to both parties on every election board
and at every voting place.
For the enactment Of a legalized
primary law.
For the proper regulation Of the
fee system
It endorses the creation of a state
highway department and declares for
the enactment of such laws as may be
necessary to obtain any federal road
funds that may be available for Ten
nessee.
Continued on Inside Page.)