Message of Governor James S. Hogg to the twenty-fourth legislature of Texas Page: 8 of 48
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8
MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR HOGG.
At best, the wisdom of the execution of public bonds is, to say the
least, doubtful. The excuse for them is often imaginary and untenable.
After people issue them, it is right that they should be paid without
quibble. Under the new law their appearance in court will be rare indeed,
if ever it again occurs. As certainly as they are issued, they will
be paid. Additional to this just consummation is the blessing to the
people springing from the fact that the inducement to public extravagance
is reduced to the minimum. The bonded indebtedness for the
future will be light compared to the past, and posterity will be wisely
protected against much abuse from that source.
THE ALIEN LAND LAW.
To prevent the system of absentee landlordism which in some countries
seems to menance the prosperity of the people, the Legislature in 1892
passed what is known as "the Alien Land Law." This law is effective
only as to non-resident aliens who after its passage may acquire title to
land in the State. The law does not apply to land owned by aliens at
the date of its adoption so long as it is held by them; nor to those who
acquire lands and within due time become bona fide inhabitants of the
State. It gives all aliens the right of acquiring land or interest therein
through the ordinary course of justice in the collection of debts; and authorizes
them to loan money upon real estate and to acquire title to it by
foreclosure of their lien thereon. It intends, however, that all persons
being non-resident aliens-people not residents or citizens of the United
States-shall sell their real estate when they acquire the title to it by devise,
descent, or purchase, within ten years thereafter. Should those who
are subject to the provisions of the law not part with their titles within
the period named, then it is made the duty of the State's attorney to institute
proceedings in the proper court to have the lands sold at public
auction, and the proceeds thereof, less the costs, to be deposited with the
district clerk, subject to the order of the owner. The law itself is just,
reasonable, and liberal, in that it does not attempt to destroy vested
rights, nor to prevent the collection of debts, nor to interfere with the
the title to land except when the non-resident alien fails or refuses to become
a resident or citizen of some State of the Union, or undertakes to
hold the title for a period longer than ten years while a non-resident.
Without doubt, while inflicting no injustice upon any person whomsoever,
this law will do as much to relieve the citizens of Texas of absentee
landlordism as any law that could have well been adopted.
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Hogg, J.S. (James S.). Message of Governor James S. Hogg to the twenty-fourth legislature of Texas, book, 1895; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5862/m1/8/: accessed May 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .