Year: 1875

mistake not, can be done by agreement with the trustees of the blind institute as to ground sufficient on the south, as embed jed in a bill which originated in and was passed by the house, last winter, but was not acted on in the senate. When the grounds are enlarged, additional buildings sufficient for the safe-keeping and comfort of the prisoners should be erected. The rules and regu- iations should be more direct and specific as to the time and mode of working the convicts; as to the punishment to be administered, and by whom; as to the quality and quantity of food and clothing, and the food should be more varied than 1t is. Doubts are en- tertained as to the power uf the commissioners to do what is nee essary to reach these various points, and how far they can go in remedying existing evils. These doubts arise upon a con- struction of the present law itself, and also upon construction of that law with the contract of the present lessee, which is more fully referred to in the report. l recommend such legislation as will, beyond all questinn, remove these doubts, and put in practical operation the suggestions here offered.

 THE MONEY OF THE STATE AT sToD-

 DARD's BANK.

 By joint resolution of last ses- sion, this matter was referred to the attorney general for investi- gation and action. In an official communication from him to me, on tine subject, it appears legal steps have been taken to realize this money out of the property and assets of the Stoddards; and thus far the states right to sue and recover has been sustained by the court, and her claim to priority established, in an opinion of Chancellor Eakin, which not only receives the approval of al !. who read it, but challenges their admiration for its research and legal acumen. The communica- tion of the attorney general IS herewith submitted. l feel sure this suit will be pushed with all possible zeal; and that all legal agencies of every character and description will be used to regain this money from the Stoddards, no one need doubt. Should the state fail in this, when that fail ure is made known, and the sure ties of R. c. Newton, the treasur- CT of the state when this alleged deposit was made with Stoddards, as is claimed, krow the amount really due, they will not wait to be sued, but will promptly meet the demand that is legally due, and pay it to the state.

 COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

 In order to make effective the provision of article ', section 27, of the constitution, in reference to the removal of county and township officers unfit to hold the same, 1 think law should be pass ed providing for their suspension from office during the investiga- tion and until the inquiry is dis posed of

 In some cases made known to me by the prosecuting attorneys, the object of this very wise pro- vision in the constitution has been defeated for the want of such a law.

 ARKANSAS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY.

 In pursuance of an act approv- ed March 9th, 1875, 1 appointed six gentlemen, from different parts of the state, as a board of visitors to the Arkansas Indus trial University. They attended the annual commencement in June last, and spent several days in examining into the manage ment and discipline of the school, witnessing the exercises in the different departments, as well as examining the buildings, etc, and made a report to me of the results of their investigation, which re- port is herewith submitted.

 It is indeed most gratifying to see that institution in so flourish ing a condition. 1t has outstrip- ped the hopes and expectations of its most saaguine friends, and we should be ready to afford all reasonable aid and encourage ment to it we can. 1 ask your attention to the different points of this report, and join the board of visitors in their recommends tion for appropriations for the benefit of the university.

 In this connection I desire to present a memorial to the general assembly from the county court of Washington county, in refer ence to the interest paid on bonds issned by that county to aid in erecting the buildings of this in stitution under the act of March 27th, 1871. From this memorial and accompanying documents 1t appears Washington county has