Year: 1878

agement; not only because of the high
public spirit which it represents, but
also for the reason that it will assist, by
bands of steel, to unite more closely the
ties of sympathy which now hold to-
gether the North and the South.


The registration law, as passed by the
last Legislature, proved to be not only
inconvenient and troublesome, but ex-
tremely expensive. 1t should, there
fore, either be repealed, or so amended
as to make it more acceptable to the
people


There are at least three public griev-
ances which should receive from you the
same preliminary treatment. l refer to
our unequal, unjust, and, therefore,
comparatively unproductive system of
taxation; our clumsy, exceedingly dill
atory and generally odious system of
courts, or judiciary; and our confused,
extravagant and badly managed system
of nuISl~i PAL or city and town govern
ment. ] cannot enlarge upon the i'm
portance of these subjects now, further
than to say that, should you be able to
find and provide remedies which will
give us fair taxes, speedy justice, and
economy in city government, you will
undoubtedly perform work for your
State which will command and receive
the cordial appreciation of all honest
and good citizens. nEse a@4 ai27 '29


As step antecedent to any legisla-
ton that may be needed, [ would
recommend that you, either by commits
sion or by joint committee, cause a
thorough investigation of each of these
subjects; requiring the commission
or committee to take testimony
both oral and documentary, SO as to OBJ.
| tain full and authentic knowledge OF
the facts; and after duly considering
any and all plans that may be suggested
to report by bill or otherwise, such
amendments to existing laws as will
cure existing evils.


This plan will furnish what the Legis
lature has not yet had before it, viz: A
thorough knowledge of the facts, and
this knowledge, it seems to me, is all i'm
portant before any legislation should b.
attempted ON subjects of such vital con
sequence. 1 am especially solicitiou
that something shall be done in thi:
direction to provide against the evils @
our present system of municipal govern
ment. Cur cities are becoming, more
and more every day, great centers o
social. commercialand political influence
and as they continue to grow in powe
and Importance, the problem of thei
proper government challenges th'
gravest consideration of the most en-
lightened craftsmanship. And not tn,
least difficult feature of this problem is
how to reach the best results wishout en-
dangering the right of self-government
This, / believe, should be faithful,
guarded, for no other benefit, howeve
valuable, could possibly compensate fo
any material loss of this right.


In concluding these brief suggestions
[ wish to urge upon you the importanc
of making your session a short one. &
to work in earnest, give close and con
slant attention to the matters wit


which you are intrusted, work faithful


for the best interest of your State an
country. Pass such laws as are necessary
and avoid all superfuous legislation
Let all you do be characterized by wis
dom and prudence. And when yo
have accomplished your work, you ca
go home to your constituents who wi


honor you for your faithfulness and rt
ward you for the manner in which 20


have maintained their best interests.


And now | have only to add that | de
sire to express my sincere thanks to th
people of the State for the distinguish


honor they have conferred upon me, i
calling me to that high and importar
Office, the responsible duties of which


this day assume. a, -
Believing as do in your patriotism
and assured, as am, that shall hay
the hearty cooperation of your body


all my efforts to promote good govern
ment, and trusting to the guidance {
, an allwise and benefcent Providence,
r enter upon my work, not without hoI
= that our mutual labors may result ben
ficially to the people we respectivel


represent