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

Jacksonville special session of the
state legislature listened to lengthy
message of Governor Bilbo telling OF
conditions in the schools of the state,
which caused the governor to call
them together
The solons listened attentively to
the message of the governor, and i'm
nlediately proceeded to get down to
the business before them.
Bills have been introduced in both
branches OF the legislature covering
the matters brought out by the gov
Sgnor and speedy action is antici-
Dated.
'M The message OF Governor Bilbo de-
Iivered before the joint session, fol-
lows:
Eentemen of the Mississippi Legislature:
- L want to repeat again that in exercising
my authority under section 121 of the
fconstitution, l regret exceedingly the i'm
perative necessity that moved me to call
YOU together in extraordinary session. In
issuing my proclamation l enumerated
eight subjects of the greatest concern to
the people OF Mississippi, and with your
permisson and patience / desire to elab-
0rnte upon the bearing that these ques-
tions have upon the welfare and interest
of the state at large.
M II desire to call your attention to some
facts that there may be better under
standing between us as to why l am of
the conviction that these matters deserve
Immediate legislative action. There are
other subjects of the greatest vital con-
Germ to the people that you could now
psrhaps properly consider, but with the
exception of a very few l can see no ma
terial disadvantages TO the general welfare
~
regular session. which convenes next jan
uary.
< So vitality concerned are the people of
Mississippi In some OF the questions to
which am respectfully directing your at
tention that today all the people of Mis-
<issippi have their eyes and minds direct
ed towards the Capital City, where you
are now about to begin your labors.
n Yea have before you an opportunity to
Rnake o nes record OF whloh aon maybe
5ustly proud by promptly and expeditions
1y transacting the affairs of the people
and returning to your homes and loved
ones at the earliest possible moment. 1t
is my hope that you will profit by the
splendid example set by our sister state.
Louisiana. which has had a recent ses-
sion Of her legislature: a session that was
void Of all politics. wranglings and every
thing that had a tendency to delay or OBJ
struct the speedy and impartial action of
the legislature upon the matters present.
ed for its consideration.
IN session many things have happened
that have affected our state and nation.
We are today engaged in a great world
war, fighting for the honor and integrity
of our people as a nation and for human
ity and world democracy. 1t is n strug-
gle In which we are called upon to sacri-
flee our property and perhaps the lives OF
a great many of our splendid citizens.
The forces arrayed against us in this
sconflct are so we'll organized and pre-
pared that II is demanded of every citi-
zen. man, woman and child that they
contribute their bit towards the success
ful termination of this conflict in which
the life and welfare of not only this great
nation, but OF all the free people of the
earth are hanging suspended in the ball
ance.
So serious Is the situation that con-
fronts u.s. so much Is there to be done.
and 80 great is the need for each and
every one to conserve their efforts and
energies for the proper defense OF our
to spare nor should we have any pa
tience with petty, partisan politicians
who try to intrude themselves upon the
deliberations of this splendid body OF men
engaged in transacting governmental af-
fairs which are necessary at this time.
Far-Reaehins Problems.
SO far reaching are some of the prob
iems that now confront you for solution
that there is demanded the best efforts
that within you lie. to properly. justly
and equitably settle those questions upon
which 80 much depends. You must bring
to bear in their solution all the wisdom
and patriotism that you poss sss. Am
sure that by eschewing all politics. dist e.
garding all selfish interest and excluding
everything that is foreign to the subjects
how before you, that you gentlemen who
have already set a new pace for con-
structive and progressive legislation In
Mississippi will not disappoint the fondest
expectations of a hopeful and Intelligent
hAa q
The first matter to which have direct
ed your attention Is providing the neces-
sary funds for the October distribution
for the support and maintenance OF the
public schools of the state for the first
part OF the scholastic year 1917-19lS. The
times fixed heretofore for the distribution
of the public school fund were January
and June, but the legislature OF 1916
button In January and October. The
scholastic year of 1916-1917 closed with
2 balance OF only two or three hundred
dollars In the state treasury.
The public schools Of the state for this
scholastic year begins in September and
unless some provision is made the thou
sands Of public school teachers who re-
ceive at best very small salary. will
be compelled to go without a pay day un-
til the spring OF 1918.
This Is asking too great n sacrifice
and imposing too great hardship on the
part Of the poorly paid teachers of the
state and / am sure that there are
enough friends to the cause of public
education In this Legislative body to
make some provision for the payment OF
this great army of unselfish and patriotic
iaborers who are training the citizens of
the commonwealth of tomorrow.
Tax Levies important.
Since the birth of the state an In
creasing population and a consequent
growth and enlargement of all of our IN
stitutions fostsred and provided for by
the state, have forced an ever increasing
demand for more funds for their proper
maintenance. During the last eight or
ten years this necessary demand OF the
state has been unusually great. but
through fundamental weakness in our
revenue and assessment laws, notwith-
standing the phenomenal DEVELOPMENT OF
cur resources and the rapid growtt. Of