The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1963-08-01
The Four Years Ahead

been the case before. At the same
time the salaries of our teachers were
raised more lin 1859 than at any
other time is history = and we all
well know that our states future de-
ponds upon the quality of our educa-
tional system.
Legislation was passed during the
Coleman administration which pro-
vided for the development of our state
ports, a measure now giving added
impetus to our industrial and economic
growth.
The marvellous Pearl River reservoir,
now formally named the Ross Barnett
Reservoir, would not be a reality to-
day had it not been for legislation
passed in the J. P. Coleman administra-
ton.
Development of the Tennessee Tom
bigbee rivers is still a dream Of the
future but is now in the planning stage,
thanks to far-sighted laws enacted UNI
der Coleman.
Industrial development and progress
was doubled under Coleman and
much of the early progress in the
widely hailed Barnett regime along
this line, came about because of the
fine program already in effect when
Governor Barnett assumed office.
When the final four years of Mr.. Bar
nett's tenure is viewed with honest
perspective, Mississippians are going
to be surprised to know the facts On
the number of jobs created, etc. One
thing we already know is that the
Barnett A & / board has spent nearly
twice as much for industrial develop
ment as was spent during the Cole
man regime.
This is not said to cast any reflec-
ton on Governor Barnett = but just
to give credit where credit is due.
One of the most magnificent public
buildings in America today is the Old
Mississippi Capitol, now beautifully re-
stored as a great historical museum -
and this was One of the browning
achievements of J. P. Coleman who is
probably the best versed non-profes-
sional historian in the South in his
own right. We all take pride in our
beautiful Old Capitol.
The same may be said for the
impressive State Livestock Coliseum.
There is none finer in the nation. It,
too, is a monument to the Coleman adj
Tinistration.
The state forestry program received
increased support during the Coleman
administration, an industry which
vitality affects the welfare of a large
segment of Mississirpians who depend
upon forestry and forestry products
for their livelihood.
Other legislation protecting citizens
and businessmen from then prevailing
abuses was passed including the regu-
lation and supervision of small loan
companies, new laws against bad
checks and shoplifting, and an act
to protect the public in the purchase
of stocks and securities.
J.. P. Coleman has rightly earned a
reputation as an outspoken advocate OF
law and order and the public RESPONSE
bility of elected officials from the day
he was elected district attorney in
1890 until the present.
Thus it is no surprise that after a
distinguished career as district at
torney. circuit Judge, State Attorney
General and State Supreme Court
iurist, Coleman as governor would get
the legislature to pass a law giving the
people the right to recall local Off
rers who prove derelict in their duties.
Amid great difficulty this was accom-
plished.
Mr.. Coleman is a personal "dry" and
favors the retention of our present
laws on prohibition. As governor he
strengthened law enforcement bv out
having the possession of beer and wine
in counties where the neople have
voted AGAINST the traffic. Prior to that
time possession of beer was legal, al