MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR.
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of their return, such exhibits, relics and articles of interest as may be within
his department to the duly constituted agents of the State association having
the World's Fair management in charge. This can be done clear of expense
to the State, without violation of the constitution, and with much to her
advantage in all respects.
The importance of this enterprise should not be underestimated by the
people nor their representatives; for, in the great struggle for the promotion,
enlightenment and success of progress and happiness among the masses, no
State possessed of grand and varied resources can afford to fail in having
proper representation at this Exposition, participated in and supported by the
people of the United States and of the civilized world.
CONDITION OF THE STATE.
As to law and order, except in two or three cities, Texas is taking first rank
in the American union. In material development she has been second to none
of the Southern States within the past two years. Official reports show that
within this time over sixteen million dollars have been invested in new material
industries, and three hundred and twenty-three miles of railroad constructed,
equipped and put in running operation in the State. To-day she
presents the example of a free government without a pool, a trust or a combination
to stifle competition in trade and the criminal element convinced that
no part of her territory is an asylum for them. Taxes have been decreased
twenty-five per cent so that they are now lower than in any other Southern
State; the rate of interest reduced two per cent, the public debt paid when
due, the charitable and all public institutions efficiently maintained without
extravagance or scandal, the public health protected from infectious and epidemic
diseases and the people generally are prosperous, and tramps are rarely
ever seen. There have been less failures in mercantile circles, and more universal
prosperity diffused throughout every avenue and circle among the masses
than the State has witnessed in many years before.
CONCLUSION.
Your honorable bodies must make or repeal the laws. You are vested
with exclusive power on this respect, limited only by constitutional provisions.
The people have wisely confided this trust to you, not with the view of having
amendments passed to every existing statute, civil and criminal, but to have
their interests promoted in the adoption of such new laws as may be necessary
or by perfecting or repealing those now in existence consistent with their
material demands and general welfare.
The enforcement of the laws is left with other officials. The Governor,
under the constitution, is required to see that they are faithfully executed.
In the future as in the past he will perform his duty in this respect to the end
that the guarantees of the constitution to every citizen, without respect to his
condition, his color, nationality or surroundings, shall be sacredly
preserved.
In most respects Texas has been blest with wholesome laws to insure
tranquility anlI peace among the citizens, that guard all their rights under
the constitution, and preserve and tend to improve public morals.
After you shall have adjourned, the Executive must, in good faith, accept
your work as a consummation of the will of the people, and to it he will bow
reverently with great respect, and with fidelity perform his duties under the
constitution. When economically administered, that government is best
which neither overrides nor recedes from the full performance of its constitutional
obligation to the citizen. The paramount governmental duty is to
obey and enforce the law.
