Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1930-02-04

Governor Moody's Message
Texas has o constitution. It was drafted and ad-
opted by the people 81 years ago. It contains
a provision making st the duty Of the governor at
the beginning Of each session to address the legis-
lature on the condition Of the state and recommend
such measures as he may deem e~xpedient.
Gov. Moody is a stickler for constitutional OBJ
servance. He runs true to form. His message to the
fourth special session Of the 4lst legislature is a COM
prehensive report Of the condition Of the state and a
story OF achievements Of the 10th and 4lst lerisla-
lures.
He has been in office three years. He has faced
two legislatures In regular session as well as many
special sessions Of the lawmakers and his story Of the
achievements Of the 10th and 4lst is a very glowing
tale. for the most part. Of constructive statesman
ship and constructive achievement. or legislative ac-
com~plishments.
1t Is a record OF enactments In the field OF educa-
tional and highway legislation that is most enviable
and reflects credit Of the highest order on the MOODY
Administration Now the governor is again facing
the lawmakers and is hopeful that the people viii
be given a prison system Of modern make and that
tne Anticipated system Of 81 years will be thrown
in the discard without delay.
For years and years the system has been the shame
OF the state. For years and years It has been a var,,
costly experiment. For years and years the tax money
OF the people has been incinerated in futile attemnts
10 wipe out the old and bring in a new system ~
penology. based upon the experience of the wisest OF
penologists and wardens Of prisons in this and oil
other American states.
In his message the governor gives credit as well as
praise to the lawmakers who have been under +ha
Dig dome since the Moody administration was ushered
IN for the splendid accomplishments which have
made the highway system one Of the first In America
ana placed the educational system on a high plane
In order that all the children Of all the people in the
rural districts Of the commonwealth as well as in the
urban centers shall be given developed brains and
trained hands.
His recommendations are before the lawmakers
OF Texas. Speaking OF the crying demand as well
as an imperative necessity or need OF the hour. the
governor closed his prison location recommendation
with the following conservative advice:
The most progressive and constructive step taken
by the 4lst legislature. in my judgment. was the pass
age Of the law providing for the prison centraliza-
ton commission to investigate and make recon-
concerning prison reform in Texas. pro-
viding the work OF the commission is followed by con-
dealing with the prison problem on the part
OF the legislature. Another worthy step was the crea-
ton OF the committee to report on the operation OF
the Zee system In Texas. 1t is to be hoped that the
work Of this commission and this committee are the
initial steps toward two great reforms. These are
the principal subjects that prompt the call Of this
session and specific reference will be made to the
subjects Of both reports"
Now the taxpayers of Texas are not interested at
the present time in the rivalries. the jealousies, the
hatreds or the animosities or personal program Of
politicians who are seekers for major or minor places
In the campaigns to come early in the year. They
are interested in the building Of a modern prison sys-
TEN and modern methods in the handling Of the pris-
oners pf the commonwealth
They are interested in an economic administration
Of this prison department Of the government. They
are weary Of prison scandals. prison escapes. prison
losses. prison deficits and the retention Of the an
tlquated system and its archaic methods Of handling
the wards OF society who are called upon TO pay the
penalty for law extraction or violation.
AZ for the fee system and the evils which 20 with
1t, it is iniquitous and should be eradicated root and
branch. Charles A. Culberson, in his first message
to a Texas legislature. called for reformation Of the
fee system. This was in the long ago. We'll, the fee
system is in existence today.
Where should the responsibility be placed.
On the lawmakers who have appeared and then
since Culberson called for a reform which
would keep millions OF dollars in the pockets Of the
people. Charles A. Culberson is in his grave. Is the
fee system In its grave? There are wise men, close
observers, who say that It Is alive and kicking and
as greedy as ever.