The Columbia herald. [volume], February 13, 1891, SUPPLEMENT, Image 5

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V
i
SUPPLE
BIS MOGUL MESSS11E.
Gov. Buchanan Gives His Views
On Matters of General
Interest.
VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE
Full Text of the Lengthy Paper
Sent to the State Leg
islature
State of Tennessee, Execctiab Defabt
ent, February 11, 1S01. To the Forty -seventh
fceneral Assembly of Tennessee Gentlemen:
Jn obedience to the requirements of the Con
atitution I herewith present for your consider
ation a brief message, recommending each
measures as I deem expedient.
My honored predecessor has already placed
before you an able, comprehensive and ex
haustive statement of the work of the various
branches of the Executive Department during
bis incumbency of oOice, showing the advances
made and th,e present eondition of State affairs,
and by his wiso suggestions has made the work
of further advising your honorable bodies a
comparatively light task. With congratula
tions to you and the people upon the guo4 con
dition of the State Government, it is my duty
to take up the work where it has been laid
down and carry it on.
All progress which has been made should
serve as a basis for still greater advanoemsnt,
nnd self congratulation should ha? e the effect
only to stimulate our efforts to make greater
attainments. Tbo good that has been done
should be fostered; the mistakes, if there are
any, should be corrected; laws should be made
simpler, clearer, more elective; all the inter
ests of the State should be advanced; such
economy as s consistent with the honor.dignity
'and credit of the State should Se preserved; the
spirit of industrial energy that has been en
kindled in the minds of the people should be
.fanned into a blaze- of practical results.
With the advancement already made as a
atcpping-slone (o greater achievements, Ten
nessee in the wisdom of ber laws, the fidelity of
their execution, the economy of her adminis
tration, the upbuilding and extension of ber
institutions, the energy and enterprise in the
; development of her resources, should lead all
ber sister states of the South and stand second
to none in the Uuion.
FEDERAL BELATI0N9.
While we may feci gratified at the manage
ment of the affairs of our State Government, it
Is with deep regret and earnest solicitude that
Ve note that the prosperity of the masses of the
people of the State has not been in proportion
to what might reasonably be expected from the
fertility of the soil, the salubrity of the climate.
the abundance aud varietv of the natural re
sources, and tbi industry and enterprise of her
ons.
The wide-spread discontent on the part of
one class of our wealth-producers the agriculturist-!
of Tennessee, in common with those
T)f every other State in the Union, isa most pat
ent and lamentable fact. If this discontent
wero confined to a special State or section, w
might seek for local causes, but lti general
character proves conclusively that it Is the re
sult of the unjust sectional and class legisla
tion of the Federal Government for the last
thirty years.
The remedy for the evi'.s which give just
cause for this discontent is, of course, in the
power of the Federal Government, and Stale
Legislatures are powerless to remove them.
Concerted and intelligent action is bcinj
made by those who are suil'ering most in eon
sequence of these evils, and their efforts, so
long as they lie within constitutional limits of
State and Nation and strive only for equal and
exact justice, should meet" tuo approval of
every patriotic citizen. Neither must the peo
ple look to the State administration to provide
a remedy for the financial disturbances, result-
ing from an unusual moneyed stringency, that
', bave affected eo disastrously all interests. The
Congress of the United States alone has the
i power of regulating the money snpply by
which commerce moves and prices are gov
: crncd, and to this sourco must the people look
1U1 ictiut.
Inasrouch, however, as State legislation can
advance all the interests of the State, all wise
measures will meet my hearty uppproval.
FINANCES.
The reports of the Treasurer and Comptroller
Jiave been carefully examined by the proper of
ficials and speak for themselves, in most com
mendable terms, as to the efficiency of the man
agement of financial affairs. The past Legisla
ture can look back upon so work with more
graliticution than the success of the assessment
law. Taxation is founded upon a more equita
ble basis, and although we have not reached
perfection in these laws, the increase in the
Mate's revenues, the decrease in her loan ac
count, and her ability to meet her last semi-an-aiual
interest without borrowing a dollar, are
sufficient evidences of ' the practical worth of
this law. The wisdom of the continued adher
ence to the present policy is, I am sure, clearly
apparent to your honorable bodies, and each
step you take in this direction will only be to
make more equal and effective the present
13WS.
Looking to that end, I recommend for your
consideration the practicability of the appoint
ment of a State Board of Equalizers for the
purpose of more evenly adjusting tlxes among
the aricus counties of the State. It is true
that we cannot hope to reach absolute perfec
tion and equality in those laws, but profiting
by the example of other States where such
boards are successful in accomplishing the end
sought, we should not rest until all available
practical means have been tried. It is most
ardently hoped that as the State increases in
years, so it may increase in strength, in taxable
property, in resources and revenues, and that
it may soon be able to form a sinking fund and
begin the payment of Its bonded indebtedness.
ri'BLio schools.
The dnty of the State to educate her children
is no longer a debatable question. The best
' thought of the time has been enlisted on the
euLject, and all admit that education is the
only safeguard for our free institutions. The
'requirements of citizenship in so complex a
Government as ours makes a public education
a necessity.
, Common sense teaches that a government of
the people requires the people to bo educated,
as tho safety of th mass depends on the en
lightenment and A.'irtue of the aggregated
units. The true locratic equality strives to
give every citizenry equal chance to self-advancement
and to the competition for the prizes
lu life. Tennessee needs the brain power of
the masses other people, and should not be
Irugal in ibis use of her means.
The public school system has been well laid
upon a sound basis of self-imposed local and
fetato taxation. The present law was enacted
In 1373, at a time when grave fears were enter
tained about the financial condition of tho
State, when publio sentiment was divided on
the feasibility of establishing a pnblio school
system, and many of the best friends of the
present law regarded it as an experiment. Its
framework shows that it was designed to lay a
foundation on which future legislation might
build. This foundation was wisely laid. It
established a system for elementary instruction
and limited tho school course to correspond to
the revenues provided for its support. At this
time this was all that could be done. The de
crease in the pnblio debt, the increase in tax
able property, the more prosperous condition
of tho State's finances and the general voice of
tho people now invite" us to devote careful
thought to its further development.
In our incorporated towns and cities, by
means of a municipal tax in addition to the
county and State taxes, the publio school term
has been lengthened to nine months in the year
and the course of study extended to meet the
lower classes of a college or university.
In the country schools the term has not yet
reached over four months, upon an average,
and the course or study is limned to the e.e
mentarv branches prescribed by law. Tho time
has come when pnblio sentiment calls for an
extension of tho public school system both in
length of term and course of study.
a mi or OMieaoo moms vms
WORLD'S FAIR SITE"
5
PUBLIO BOILCHNOa, PARKS, R-R. tXPOTH, I
rrc. MAILED TO ANT ADORES IU TNI If. 1
Oft OMAOA 90m 10 OTS.CNTl TMA ftft
.'Dhnjiuaffomum pua co uck box 744, cwcm
The means by which this end may be effected,
whether by an increased State tax, or by ur
gent recommendations to each county to levy
a greater tax is a question which you, as repre
sentatives of ths p ople,are called on to decide.
Looking at the extension of the school course, I
would recommend as a first step in the direc
tion, that the law be so amended as to provide
for establishing schools in which higher
branches shall be taught, with such careful
limitation, as our wisdom may suggest, to
guard against mpalring the efficiency of ele
mentary instruction, which is,and always must
be, the foundation of every good school sys
tem.
Another needed legislation, in my judgment,
is to throw proper restrictions about the eligi
bility of county superintendents so that only
those qualified to fill the office can secure it.
It is claimed that the people of the State are
compelled to pay higher prices for school books
than they should on account of a "trust" or
combination among publishers. The State ean-
not afford, in its present financial condition, to
furnish the text books as some advocate, and as
some States do, but it would be proper for the
State to aid the people in finding some plan that
would enable them to get t-choul books at lower
rates. A lack of uniformity in the text-books
nsed in the public schools of the state is also a
cause of complaint. Patrons are forced to buy
new books upon moving from one school dis
trict to another and upon a change of teachers,
and children are often kept out of school for the
inability to procure the books needed.
'While I am not prepared to advo
cate definite measures, it seems to me
that the Slate Board of Education, together
with the State Superintendent, might be au
thorized, by an extension of their powers, to
constitute a commission to look into the feasi
bility of forming a plan to adopt auniform sys
tem of text-books and to make contracts with
publishers for the delivery of text-books to the
various counties of the state, thereby saving
needless expense to patrons, and removing, by
the wisdom of their selection of text-books, the
objections of erroneous teaching contained in
many of them now in use.
In the extension of the course of study, I
would suggest tho adoption of some clear, con
densed work on Civil Government in order that
the children of the state may have the oppor
tunity of acquiring a correct knowledge of the
principles of our Government.
ST ATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PCBLTC INSTRUCTION
I would suggest that a ehange be made re
lating to the salary of Superintendent of Public
Instruction, which, without increasing the cost
to the State, will place the salary in more den
nite form. At present the salary is 12,000, and
it is customary to appropriate ?30C in addition
thereto for traveling expenses. Tho Superin
tendent is thus always-left in doubt as to the
provision which shall be made fcr his remunera
tion. It is just to this officer and more in keep
ing with the honor and dignity of the State,
that all provisions for his remuneration be
placed upon a definite and permanent basis. I
therefore recommend that the law be so amend
ed as to place the salary at $2,600, which will
include his traveling expenses.
Teachers Institutes Among the potent agen
cies devised by the officers of the public schools
for the improvement of public instruction, none
have been found more useful than the Teachers'
Normal Institutes. They enable the supervis
ing officers to meet the teachers collectively
and bring together the school officers, the teach
ers, and the pnblic. They have the effect of
disseminating the best methods of instruction,
and of bringing them to the .Mention of the
people as well as to the attention of the teach
ers. These institutes have been held in Tennessee
by the several State Superintendents since 1S74
and have been productive of the most useful
results. Heretofore they have been maintained
by contributions from the Peabody fund and
have not cost the state a cent. It is now un
derstood that the reabody Board will, in fu
ture, withdraw its appropriations from those
states which do not themselves make provision
for maintaiuing institutes. As tho cost of
these institutes is but a small sum in compari
son with tbo important results they accomplish.
I recommend that an appropriation of (2,00J)
be made to enable tliestate Superintendent
to maintain them with suitable legislation,
for their regulation. The Peabody fund will
thereby be secured, andmuch good for edu
ation be the result.
XS1VEBS1TT OF TENNESSEE.
The State University should be the pride of
the commonwealth. In accordance with the
statutes of the State it forms the capstone, as it
were, to its pubiic educational system, designed
to complete the work begun in tho common
schools and carried on through the high schools.
It is gratifying to hear such favorable accounts
of the progress of this institution through its
honored President and Board of Trustees.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
Another eource of encouragement is the in
crease in the income of the university accruing
through the Agricultural College, by the addi
tional appropriation made by Congress to the
land-grant colleges, by the Morrill act of Au
gust SO, is:h). This act appropriated the sum of
$15,000 for the year ending June SO, 1800, and an
additional sum of 1,000 every year thereafter,
for ten years, after which time the annual ap
propriation will be $25,00.
This appropriation is "to be applied only to
instruction m agriculture, the mechanic arts,
the English language and the various branches
Of mathematical, natural and economic science,
with special reference to their application in
the industries of life and to the facilities for
such instruction." The grants of moneys au
thorized by this act are made subject to the
legislative assent of the several Stales and Ter
ritories. This assent is a mere matter of form.
but must not be overlooked by your honorable
bodies, as after the adjournment of the Legis
lature now in session, unless an act of accept
ance is passed, the executive will not have the
authority to receive the appropriation on be
half of the State.
This industrial college opens an avenue to
much-needed instruction, and will doubtless
be felt for good throughout the S.ate. This
work is in its incipient stages, but time should
show that when students have completed its
regular course of study, they should be able to
engage with fair prospects of success in farm
ing, dairying, fruit-growing, teaching, me
chanical pursuits, surveying, civil engineering
and manufacturing. The representatives of
the people should see that their respective con
stituencies derive the benefit that they ought to
receive, and that was designed by the State
and general Government for them to receive
from this institution. The trustees of the uni
versity ask for tho appointment of a committee
to investigate thoir need for new aud more
commodious buildings, and report what ought
to be done, which request your committee has
doubtless complied with. They ask further for
an appropriation to maintain a teachers' de
partment and establish scholarships therein. I
recommend their requests to your considera
tion. rEABODT NORMAL COLLEGE.
This institution, organized for the profes
sional training of teachers, truly deserves the
State's fostering care. In consideration of this
service it receives from the State an annual ap
propriation of $10,000. By this expenditure
through the beneneence of tho Peabody Board
and the Board of Trust of the University of
Nashville, the State has the advantage of build
ings, equipments, and appropriations amount
ing in value to $100,000. I have beard the report
of its worthy Chancellor and the Slate Board of
Education, and find that ths school is steadily
growing both in numbers and character, and
not only takes. rank as the leading institution '
Keep Your Blood Pure.
A small quantity of prevention is worth many pounds
of cure. If your blood is in good condition the liability
to any disease is much reduced and the ability to resist
its wasting influence is tenfold greater. Look then to
your blood, by taking Swift's Specific (S. S. S.) every
few months. It is harmless -in its effects to the most
delicate infant, yet it cleanses the blood of all poisons
and builds up the general health.
(Q C cured ma sound and well of contagious Blood Poison. As
oon as I discovered I was afflicted with tho disease I
commenced taking Swift's Specific (S. S. S.) and in a few weeks I was permar
enUy cured." Geobob Stewaxt, Shelby, Ohio.
Treatise on Blood and Skin diseases mailed free. ---gf
r' Sbe
of the kind in the South but bids fair to become
the first in the Union. The State should feel, and
does feel, great interest and pride in this
institution, and should endeavor to make it
so worthy, thai when the Peabody Board of
Trust shall come, as it will do in a few years,to
decide upon the institution which most deserves
its trust and patronage, with the purpose of in
vesting its permanent endowment fund of two
millions of dollars, this school by its pre-eminent
superiority may wia the prize, and bear
the distinguished honor of standing as a mon
ument to the memory of the great benefactor
of education Geo. Peabody. In view of the
increased number of students, and the conse
quent increased demand for facilities, the State
Board of Education in behalf of the school asks
an additional appropriation of five thousand
dollars, (f5,000.)
An investment of fire thousand dollars with
the view of a possible gain to the State of two
millions of dollars ($2,000,000 is an item that
your commoujseuse and good judgment will
not overlook.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
Tour Committee on Charitable Institutions
bas'jiisl returned from its tour of inspection,
aud I hope it has found them all in good condi
tion. The reports which I have received from
them are most lavorable. It has been the State's
policy to be liberal in caring for her afflicted
and unfortunate children, and I feel sure that
she will continue the same policy. The limit
to which she has gone has been the measure of
her ability. Three magnificent, well-equipped
asylums for the insane, a most efficient school
for the blind and another for the deaf and dumb
stand as monuments to her generosity. To the
Tennessee Industrial School, which has been
doing a good wo. k for wayward and unfortu
nate children, she has made such appropria
tion as she deemed wise. A reformatory school
for youthful criminals, an industrial school for
girls, and other charities which an increasing
population and an advanced civilization ren
der necessary, stand out before us as needs
which the State should, gradually, as she is
able, supply.
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS' HOME.
But the most imperative charity before tis at
present is the Confederate Soldiers' Home. The
only support, sympathy, or protection for the
disabled veterans who bravely laid down all
lor the lost cause and for the widows and or
phans of those who fell, a sacrifice in obedience
to the commands of the state, upon their coun
try's altar, must come from the state. As the
Federal Government has spent millions in
pensions, in monuments and in ornamenting
the graves of its soldiers so the state, in her
sovereignty, should stretch forth a helping
hand to her soldier sons in need. While I be
lieve that all tho state's charities should bo
sustained, and while we look forward with
hope to the time when she may be able to ex
tend ber charities, gratitude should place this
first on the list. I do most earnestly ask for
the needed appropriation to the Confederate
Soldiers' Home.
PRIVATE CHARITIES.
Side by side with pnblic charities are many
private ones for the public welfare which de
Eerve the thanks and gratitude of the State.
Among these I have received the report from
Watkins Institute, with its well ordered night
school for all ages and classes of those who can
not attend a day school, with its Historical So
ciety and Art Association. The reports show
the fidelity of the trustees in carrying out the
purpose of their trust and this institute in con
nection with the Howard Libraro forms a
monument certainly more enduring than
bronze to two of the State's great benefactors.
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
From repeated efforts to abolish this depart
ment of the State Government, I deem it wise
to set before you briefly its purpose and im
portance. These efforts have resulted, to a
great extent, from the belief that no practical
benefits were derived. This opinion has arUen
from the fact that there has never been a su3i
cient amount of money appropriated to carry
out fully the object for which this office was
created and to reach results that would other
wise have been obtained. This department en
compasses a wider field, a gfeatcr number of
subjects and can be made of more practical
financial benefit than any other department of
the State Government. Some States have two
departments, a Board of Agriculture and a Bu
reau of Statistics, Mines, etc., for the work
which Tennessee includes in.one.
The Commissioner of Agriculture should bear
somewhat the same relation to this department
that the Superintcudent of Public Instruction
bears to the public schools, and should hold
farmers' institutes in the several congressional
districts in the State for the purpose of awak
ening activity of thought upon agricultural
que-tions, of bringing about an interchange of
opinions and experience upon practical prob
lems, and creating a professional spirit and
pride among farmers, the collection and dis
tribution of useful information concerning tho
condition and yield of the principal crops
through the growing season and after the har
vest, information about the kind of products
best adapted to certain localities, the collection
and distribution of the best seed grain, infor
mation about the best markets for the produce,
a supervision of the inspection of fertilizers, so
that no imposition may be practiced on those
who are unskilled iu the knowledge of them.
These are some of the offices which this bureau
is trying to perform for agriculture. This
is an age of statistics. Trustworthy in
formation must be based on facts,
and such information must lie at the
basis of all intelligent legis ation, as well a3 of
busiuess enterprise, therefore this bureau must
furnish statistics of the products of labor of all
kinds, in the field, the mine, and the shop; sta
tistics of the amount and kind of produce
raised and shipped; the extent to which manu
facturing is engaged, and the State's facilities
for it, togetherASth the full information about
the State's mistral resources, and such other
facts as will be instrumental in attracting im
migration and inducing investment. The work
of this bureau has been brought to a higher de
gree of efficiency by the retiring Commissioner
han ever before, and 1 trust it may be mado
the means of still greater good to the State.
Therefore, I most earnestly recommend that
yon increase the appropriation from (JS,0u0)
eight thousand to ($10,000) ten thousand dollars.
ith that amount, allowing the fees fr.-m the
inspection of fertilizers as an adjunct in de
fraying expenses, this bureau can show results
more than sufficient to justify the expenditure.
GEOLOGICAL REPORT.
The demand for information about the min
eral resources of Tennessee before making in
vestments is sufficiently great to warrant the
State in looking into the matter of publishing
the reports of the State Geologist. From bis
report I find that no official geological reports
have been published for twenty years. The last
report, S afford' Geology, appeared in IStt), but
the book is now out of print, and there is no
printed source for information upon geological
mutters and the mineral resources of the state
which could be distributed. Many valuable re
ports have been lost. The State will need these
reports, maps displaying the distribution and
kinds of our soils, the mineral and geological
products, and books describing and illustrating
them, more particularly now if it makes an ex
hibition at the World's Fair in 1892, in which
case all its resources, agricultural, mineral,
industrial and educational, should be adver
tised to the extent of its ability.
WORLD'S FAIR.
While I fully endorse the action of the Legis
lature of Tennessee and of other States in re
fusing to make an appropriation nntil the force
bill was disposed of, thereby emphasizing their
protest againt an atioini t to override the will
Swift Specific Co., Atlanta Ga.
of tiie people as expressed at the ballot-box in
the last election, au attempt to break down the
time-honored custom of free and full debate.
and to pass a law that would set at naught
State sovereignty, I beiieve tuo fate of that bill
is sealed and that it will bo necessary for this
Legislature to take actitn upon the character
and manner of a suitable display. If the State
makes au exhibition it should be a creditable
obc, and time, energy, discretion and money
will ! needed. 1 recommend au appropriation
commensurate with the necessities of the case
and the ability of the State.
DAISY INTERESTS.
This interest is developing into significant
proportions and there ia no reason, with the
State's special adaptability to cattle raising,
that it should not form a leading industry. It
should certainly receive do encouragement
and such protection by law as wh' prevent the
adulteration of its products.
8TATS BOARD Or HEALTH.
Reports from this board hve been received
and examined. Its efficient work in the pro
motion and preservation of the public health,
the prevention of the spread of contagious dis
eases, and the distribution of the health bul
letin giving advice and information upon de
tails of municipal, domiciliary and personal
hygiene, entitles it to the renewed confidence of
the people and the continued support o the
General Assembly.
This board, appreciating the importance of
vital statistics, asks for such legislation as will
enable th:-m to secure a registration of births
and deaths that occur in Uie fctate. An enact
ment requiring physicians to send in at stated
times their reports of births and deaths might
avail for tbi purpose.
The live-stock interest ha? become so impor
aut to the State that an enactment charging the
State Board of Health with the duty of looking
after the health interest of this important in
dustry would be a wise one. The unparalleled
progress of s:inituxy scionce during the past ten
.years has rapidly obliterated the dividing line
which, until recently, has rendered distinct the
diseases of animals from those of man, and this
board, by their voluntary suggestions as to the
causes of diseases and the proper remedy, has
done great service.
A sanitary organization by counties might
avail in preventing the spread of contagious
diseases among animals, from which our stock
raisers have suffered so much.
COUNTRY BOAPS.
Among the important subjects demanding
yourcarcful attention is the one of public
roads. The diversified topography of the State
makes this question exceedingly difficult of
solution. A law might easily be decided on
that would suit the middle section, with its
quantities of rock and facilities for having
rock roads made, but the same law would not
suit the western section, with its alluvial
plains, or the eastern portion with its table
land and mountains, so that I am unable to see
how a uniform law can be reached. I hope,
Jiowevtr. that (he deliberations of the Xload
Congress have been sufficiently exhaustive and
their conclusions practical enough to throw
light upon this vexed question and enable you
to formulate a good law.
PENITENTIARY.
The subject of the removal of the peniten
tiary has been discuAsed so exhaustively, that
I shall say but little; action is now needed more
than discussion. It is hardly necessary to re
capitulate argument for its removal as the facts
are patent to all that the present prison is not
sufficiently large to accommodate the prison
ers, and is lacking in the proper sanitary con
ditions needful for the preservation of health;
that it cannot be so remodeled as to meet the
necessities of the State; that it was constructed
sixty years ago when penentiariea were but
little more than an experiment with the world,
and is out of harmony with all modern ideas of
prison architecture; that instead of being a
place of reform it is a school of crime; that its
present site is in the heart of? this, the growing
capital city, a barrier to IB: progress and a
menace to its safety. A penitentiary suffi
ciently largo for tho needs of the State, con
structed npon the best approved plan, embrac
ing the wisest mcd?ra idea of improvement,
with separate departments for different grades
of criminals, located at a tmitable distance
beyond the corporate limits of the city, is at
present Ithink the Stato's greatest need. To
devise the ways and means by which this shall
best be done without impairing the credit of
tho State or placing too heavy a burden upon
taxpayers will require your best judgment and
business sagacity.
CONVICT LABOR.
The system of convict labor which has been
in practice in this State for many years pre
sents some objectionable features. It is said
tbat this system is practiced nowhere else in
the civilized world except in the Southern
States. This may be true, but the Southern
States have to grapplo with a problem such as
no other country on the face of the globe ever
had, and in the ruin, desolation nnd indebted
ness incident to the civil war the lease system
has been the best solution of this vexed ques
tion which they have yet been ablo to reach. It
would be injurious to criminals as well as in
justice to taxpayers to keep convicts in idle
ness. To work them npon public works, public
roads, etc., exclusively, would give them em
ployment which would be of benefit to the
Slato and prevent convict labor from coming
in contact with honest labor, but so many
valid objections can be urged against the feasi
bility of such a plan tbat it is not practicable
at the present stage of the State's efforts to ex
tricate herself from her financial embarrass
ments and maintain and extend her institu
tions. CORPORATIONS AKD TKCSTT.
I wish to emphsize what I have said before
that corporations made up of individual citi
zens properly associated under corporate' laws
reach results in the development of the State's
resources that individual effort could never ac
complish end should be protected in their just
rights by the strongest security that can be
guaranteed by law. The State bad the public
welfare, and not private aggrandizement, in
view in creating corporations. The state never
intended for corporations to usurp the offices of
a citizen or to relieve him of personal respon
sibility, neither did it intend tbat objects suit
able lor individual effort and endeavor should
be given over to corporations to the extent that
private and partnership business should sr.ffer I
thereby. Such unlimited action, wherby every
character of busiuess and industry has become
the subject of an incorporation, is a perversion
of the spirit of these laws and has resulted in
harm to the State.
The chief reasons that lead men to incorpor
ate are to limit their liabilities and increase
their powers. A charter vests in a corporation
certain powers, privileges or rights that can
not be enjoyed by men in an individual or
partnership capacity. One of these chartered
privileges is the empowering of a board of di
rectors consisting of live or more men to act
for and bind the corporation in matters of great
moment. When a number of such corporations
are formed in the same or different slates thry
can readily through their board of directors
combine, federate or pool their capital, forming
a "trust," thereby destroying competition and
raising or lowering prices above or below the
price that would otherwise be fixed by the nat
ural law of supply and demand. They usually
extend their powers by destroying or absorbing
any new business that springs up to compete
with them, and, being protected, in most in
stances, by National legislation, from foreign
competition, grow to formidable proportions,
and have so increased in numbers that
at present almost all the necessaries of
life are controlled, both as to the volume of the
"output" and price, by a "trust." Such a state
of affairs exists in the very face of an almost
uniform line of decision by tho courts that such
combinations are illegal aud in violation of
pnblic policy. While 1 believe our system of
National protection is the hot-bed in which
these combinations get their first growth, yet
if the State Legislatures will frame careful
laws upon this subject, this abuse of corpora
tions could be checked. When corporations
begin to enter into combinations, all corpora
tions are driven into them from necessity, or
they would suffer loss in business, so that cor
porations are not wholly to be censured for
this state of affairs, but the Government that
fosters them. Therefore injustice to the ma
terial advancement and prosperity of
Tennessee, believing that an indis
criminate granting of charters tends
to disturb and i'o injustice to private and part
nership business interests, and increases the
number of trusts, I would recommend such re
strictions, by an amendment to corporate laws,
as to prevent the lnin(r of charters for any
85Q.OOO G li A P E VINES
1U0 Varieties. Also Small Fruits, quality un
surpassed. Warranted true. Very cheap; two
sample vines mailed for 14c. Pescripuva price
list free. LEW 13 IiOSCH, Fredonia, Ji. X.
Ariiecis, Builders, Conors
"The Perfection of Plastering
i
Is the most generally used material for plastering: walls now "before tho public. Is:
used in all parts of the United States, and invariably gtfves tho highest satisfaction j
Is superior to patent plastering- materials, being more simple, reliable, uniform,
durable, stronger and better in every respect, and costing less money, than any of j
them. It costs hut little more than common lime inorta and is so vastly superior;
that there Is no comparison.
A FEW OF ITS SUPERIOR MERITS ARE:
Its uniformity of strength and quality; it has i00 per cent, more strength than lime and hair, and 200 percent, more than "sttoao;" It It 2M
per cent, harder than lime and hair or "stucco;" it docs nxt chip or crack; i; requires one-third less labor than lime work aud one-flfth less thaa
"stucco;" it requires less than one-half the water in its preparation for tho wall than lime does; it requires no glue or other sizing-; it icquires
no hair or other Abies; it does not deteriorate with age, moisture or rosU as is the case with cements manufactured with plaster paris a a base; it
sets and the walls dry out much quicker than lime work, so that carpenters can follow the plasterers almost immediately, as aUo the painters or
paper hangers; it requires less mortar than other materials; it is simple in" jts use, is always ready, requires no preparation beforehand, and can
be nsed by any first-class workman; frost not affecting it, it can bo applied in winter as in summer; it is not affected by burotlng pipes ani
lcakago as common plaster; it is absolutely
patent plastering materials claiming to bo fire -
ftJF-Bnildlngs finished with this material
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ADDRESS
Thorn & Hunkins Lime & Cement Co.,
SAINT LOUIS, MO..
SOLE agents; " ,
other than public, quasi-public and such in
dustrial purposes as lie beyond the field of in
dividual endeavor. I believe that a field of
corporate and individual enterprise should be
carefully distinguished; whenever individual
enterprise is fully competent to meet the neces
siuos of the case, corporate enterprises should
be excluded from the field.
I would also recommend sueh fnrthcr re
strictions as will effectually prevent the form
ing of trntts. Looking to this end, I would
suggest the passogo of a law requiring evry
corporation now in existence in this State to
subscribe by oath to a statement (within
days from going into effect of this law) that tho
corporation is not now a party to a trust, and
does not contemplate in the future the forming
of a trust, or the entering into any agreement,
oral or written, the effect, import or tendency
of which would be, directly or indirectly, to in
crease the price of what it may hare to sell, or
to decrease the price of what it may have to
buy, above in the one case, or below in tho
oilier, the price tbat would be fixed by the nat
ural law of supply and demand; that it be
made the duty of the Secretary of State to send
blank affidavits to each corporation President
aud Secretary, to be properly signed and certi
fied, and if they fail to take such oaths when
organized, or at such stated times as may be
fixed, or fail to comply with their obligations
the same shall be a ground of forfeiture of their
charters. Such legislation cannot be hurtful
to honest corporations and cannot fail to be of
service to the pnblio welfare. Therefore it
should meet the approbation of all fair-minded
men.
INSPECTION OF STATE BANKS.
As State banks have increased and arc In
creasing in numbers, it would be well to look
into the necessity of having them inspected.
The frequent and often unexpected failures of
these banks and the consequent loss to deposi
tors and stockholders makes this subject worthy
of your attention. An inspection authorized
by law would have the effect to strengthen con
fidence in the State banks and thereby be of
benefit to them while it would protect the peo
ple from loss either through dishonesty or mis
fortune. ELECTION LAWS.
The almost universal verdict is that the
present election laws are a success in freeing
the elective franchise from corruption. The
action of all the states to which my attention
has been directed has been either to commend
the successful operation of these laws, or to
take steps toward adopting them. It should
be our aim to strengthen them by remedying
any defects and removing Just grounds for
criticism. I would suggest that tho Dortch
law be extended to all places whore registra
tion applies under existing laws. The defects
in the poll-tax law bavo already been pointed
out to yon, which, I hope you will remedy. Tho
purification of the ballot by means of these
laws leaves not tho shadow of an excuse for
Federal supervision.
JIILITAKT AFFAIRS.
A knowledge of military affairs in a country
like ours, which keeps no standing army ade
quate for defense, should certainly be promul
gated nnd a citizen soldiery with proper equip
ments should be maintained. That there has
been but little .'ictnal need for the services of
the State Guard is not an evidence that it may
not be needed and should not bo maintained.
There is no doubt considerable interest
throughout the State in having a well-organized
militia. The spirit of military pride still
lingers in tho breasts of tho old soldiers of the
"Volunteer Slate" and should be imparted to
our young men.
It is proper and right that the guard should
receive such encouragement from the law
making power as will enable them to acquit
themselves as soldiers worthy of the name. In
order that the efficiency of the guard may be
increased, I concur in the suggestion given in
the message of my predecessor that, if the mili
tary is to recoive the attention which is due
from the Adjutant-Oeneral, he should lie re
lieved, in part, at least, of the duties of private,
secretary and devote tho necessary time to tko
duties of hio olllr-e.
g"2 k"i
t t- 3 H
v SS".
X3 O
fa 1
2
taMaeaf
erttites'
ftw
ART
- CUM6
FlLL
ro Do so'
P 2
S e
A 4
X- 9CU.
ISOLD. BY
0&L5T5.'
DR. MILES,
NERVINE
-AND-
NEW HEART CURE.
4..' J
ALLuSU
fire-proof, and dees not contain such combustibles
proof.
can be occupied immediately, thus saving wesks of
JMPKOTEMENT OF THE CAPITOL.
This matter has been repeatedly suggested to
the Legislatures, but the necessity for action
was never so apparent as t present. This is a
noble structure in which the State feels a just
pride, nnd it is due the honor of the State that
it bo properly cared for and preserved from de
cay. I hope that you will make provision for
having it well heated, lighted and repaired so
that it may be made safe from the liability of
such accidents and mibfortunes as have oc
curred from this neglect.
APPBOPKIATIONS.
The weifore of the btate demands a judicious,
economical administration of its affairs, yet
public interests needing financial assistance,
should receive discreet consideration. I believe
that the people will endorse intelligent expend
itures, when the dignity of the State is to be
maintained and its prosperity advanced. In
making appropriations, all the needs of the
Stale and its ability to supply them must be
carefully considered. Its first duty is to isitn
fully preserve its credit and to sualain what it
has already undertaken, then it should supply
the other needs according to the degree of their
importance and its ability.
CONCLUSION".
In conclusion, Keullemen, I bid yon God
speed in every good work for the welfare of the
masses of the people. You come fresh from
their midst and represent the thought of your
respective constituencies. 1 hope tuat you
brine to the nerformance of vour duties a sense
of the needs of tbo timo and a desire to labor
harmoniously together for the common good,
Your position, as law-makers, is a responsible
one. You meet to make provision for the wants
of a great State and to shape by enactment, re
peal or amendment of a statutory law the ma'
tcrial fortunes of its people. The time for leg
islative session is ehort, already much of tins
time has passed. To consider with proper care
the numerous important matters which pres.
upon you will require a conscientioae use of
every hour of time and you will be untrue to
your trusts if you spend it in other ways. In
your deliberations it in well to remember that
it is not the number of the law enacted, but
their character and quality that will determine
your usefulness to the people.
Willi an earnest desire that our relations
may be pleasant aud that you may promote the
bent interests of the people, I Invoke upon your
actions the blessings of Almighty God.
A Girl Worth Havluc.
A few weeks ago I read in your paper
Mr. Morehead s experience in the plating
business, in which he cleared $167.85 In a
month; bat I beat that if I am a girl. I
went as lie directed and got a plater, and
cleared $208.17 in one month. Can any
of your readers beat this? Yon can get
spoons, forks or jewelry to plate at ever
house. tSoDd $3 to W. LL Griffith Co.,
Zanesville, Ohio, and they will send yon a
plater, and you can make money enongh
in three hours to par for it. or address
them for circulars. There is plenty of
work to do in both city and country; then
why should any person be poor or out of
employment with such an opportunity at
band! 1 hope my experience will nelp
others as much as Mr. Alorehead's did me.
Lavba B
Kg GRAPE VINES
IOO Varieties. ai SmRll Fruits.Qo.il" innnMi.
rrntt iru. V rj efcrfcu. X .amp .in-, mailed for 1 4. !
crlpliTeprioeilMljM. LEWIS ROESCH, Wnmmim,. U
:-: MARRY. :-:
LAItGHST MAItKIAGK PATKR
Published and particulars of Mirrlae Anno
riatlon that pays members S50O to H5.000
mailed Free. Address
GUNN EL'S MONTHLY, Toledo, Ohio.
DR. PARKER & CO.,
THE GREAT SPECIALISTS.
Privatr, Chronic and feexual Diseases Per
itctly, Permunently, Pleasantly aud
Privately Cured.
Suffering from Early iivii flubii.it. Sexual Ex
cesses, ?-pcrinatorrhflea, Nightly Emissions, Lost
Manhood, eir., do not delay in securing treat
ment. Ii-lavs are dangerous. Gotiorrboa,
Gleet and syphilis qnickly and forever eradi
cated. Mrirture iiiid Varicocele cured without
cuttingor dilation. Kidney, Liver and Blad
der troubles succeeafu.lv treated, liook of Life
....A l...l hhunl .,.r ..alii., f, . fin. a
v u,.o.vi J " . . .... - .....v
only free. A call preferred. Consul tntlon frets.
31 en irines nuppueu pnuents it t our vmue, at.
l'AKKKit & C O., 340 North Cherry Street,
hviiie, inn. office hours: 8 a. m.to s
pin. Open Sundays.
sj la - - r -
Oienl!
it ! ! ti-G:
210 1 111.
Material,"
as saw-dust, wooden flluo and hair, as do U 1
time-.
STOCKELL, FERRIS & BAILEY,
NASHVILLE,
GARDEN AND FIELD SEEDS
Write for Catalog jo and Price List.
TIIU
MANHATTAN CARRIAGE CO.,
210 and 213 North Market ftU,
Nashville, Tenu.
LEADERS IX LOW PRICES
IN ALL GKAllL'S OF VLHKI.KS.
Call and ico them beforo Luyuiir.-JC
Patterson, Gibson & Co.,
NASHVILLE, TENN.,
ABE TUB
Largest Dealers in Baby Car
riages in tbo South.
Write for Catalogue.
ROOFING-.
GTTM-ELASTfC KOOFIXO FELT costs onir
S3. OO per luu square foet. Slates a good root
for years, and anyone can put H on. a end.
stamp for sample and full particulars.
Gin Elastic Houiimi Co.,
89 ft 41 Webt Bhoadwav, Ni Yohk.
Local Agents Wanted.
Q For 100 sortod United fct.-il'-s an I t'-tr-
H i. eiira MHinpn. Adilrenn iiANsOKU A
"v CO., Lincoln Park, . J.
JOS. FKANKLAND St CO., Pmprlut ors
W. II. MoNEJLL, Manager.
Him Trunk: Mi Co,
Manufacturers aud Dealers la all kinds os
ETC., ETC. j
Sample Trunks & Theatrical Treks'
SPJECIALTV. j .
210 North Side Tublic Square
NASHVILLE, THNN.
Orders by mail solicited.
Of yarlous kinds and qualities for
SHEATK!N
Roofing, Ceili'ig,
Deadening Floors,
3CXC, Kq.'O.
MORGAN & HAMILTON CO.
Bag Manufacturers,
J
.NO. 174 XORTU JI ARRET STEEE1V
MASHV1LUP, TEN K
tts n n rv n n n
VALISE3,
HAND-BAGS
BUILDING
PAPERS