WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
4.18
them in profligate schemes, or to meet the ends of special legislation. The Executive would also suggest some chage in the mode of collecting the revenue. The amount of labor required at the hands of assessors and collectors, when compared with the com- pensation they receive, is so great that but few men of competent business talent can be induced to accept the office. The Legisla- ture should, in my opinion, so amend the revenue laws as to secure the services of responsible men, who can not be imposed upon. The task of visiting the domicile of every citizen in order to obtain the valuation of his property is arduous, and it is in but few counties that the officer is even reasonably paid for his labor. The several railroad charters passed since my induction into office have met my approval. The terms are explicit, and in accordance with the general railroad law of the State. No charter will receive my assent which does not contain those proper guards against fraud, imposition, and reckless speculation which are necessary at once to guard the interests of the State and the pockets of the people. Corporations have so often trampled upon the rights of the private citizen that we should be careful when we grant them privileges that we part with no right belong- ing to the people. The State has already been generous; and her generosity has in several cases been abused. We can yet afford to be generous in our railroad policy, but ,:ve should make such terms as will secure every interest to be affected. It will be my endeavor to exact at the hands of every railroad company in the State, a strict compliance with the terms of the charter. The benefits conferred are so great, and the terms made by the State so easy, that there is little room for excuse in case of a failure to comply with the law. The improvement of our rivers under the act of August 1, 1856, will receive that attention at my hands which the importance of the subject demands. To many sections of the country these natural channels of transportation are of gre~t utility. It will be my endeavor to employ practical men, acquainted with the nature of our rivers, to superintend their improvement, and report upon the manner in which contractors have performed their duty. I can see but little utility in the office of the State Engineer under our present system of railroad and river improvements. It is impossible for one individual to supervise all of the works in progress in the State. In the immediate locality of our rivers men can be found fully competent to decide upon ·the proper
r
Powered by FlippingBook