Initial messages of Governor W. P. Hobby to the thirty-sixth legislature, state of Texas: Jan. 14, 1919 and Jan. 22, 1919. Page: 26 of 32
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GOVERNOWR'S MESSAGES.
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all who would build upon a foundation
of service and sacrifice in order
that Texas nray reap the benefits of
a period of construction as effectively
as Texas shared in the bardens of a
period of destruction.
The fact that the mnen and women
of Texas have touched elbows with
their Government with assuranr
'
that service which is designed to
smooth, the path of progress and
lighten the millstones of life is the
reason why the people have a new
faith in delegated action by their representatives.
When the thoughts
and aspirations of the governed are
crystallized into concrete deeds democracy
is made real.
Since the liberty loving peoples
everywhere quickly combin,d their
strength to combat a brutal enemy
and dethrone the forces of cruelty
and oppression it is appropriate now
to turn the spirit which won the war
into an instrumentality which will
help Texas to become the home of a
happier, more enlightened and more
prosperous civilization. The crisis
which has drawn upon our resources,
our courage and our endurance will
serve a more useful purpose still if
the struggle which bound states and
nations together in an effort to do
the most toward winning the war is
followed now by a rivalry on +b^
pant of the same units of government
to do the most for the common good.
It would be proper for Texas to take
the lead in such a contest.
Closer contact and swif,t means of
communication have brought the r>pie
of our State, of the Nation and
of all the world to a better understanding.
The united purpose is
more readily ascertained. There
would be less excuse than ever for
failing properly ;to interpret the
needs and wants of those we serve.
When the star of freedom and equality
is in the ascendant and the cause
which -brought us into the war is
triumphant, there is enlarged opportunity
for our Nation and our
State at home and abroad. So to
put into effect those things which are
based upon the people's will is not
only in keeping with cur fundamental
doctrine, but at this particular time
it vitalizes the cause which made us
fight.
Therefore to be guided in our legislative
courses and the public policy of
Texas by what the people have sanctioned
and given expression to and
draw frcm the breath of a democra.tized world the vigor which enables
the State tp go forward with more
rapid strides is the duty which devolves
upon you and me alike.
In subnittitg amendments to the
Constitution already recommended,
providing for Statewide prohibition
and extending the ballot to women on
equal terms with men, your body will
comply with the highest request the
people have made.
First and foremost of the correlated
subjects that manifestly the
people gave endorsement to in the
recent nominations and elections of
State officers, in the platform of the
Democratic party adopted at the
State Convention and emphasized
more than ever because of the new
life given to Democracy all over the
world, is that of education. And such
a result is indeed enoouraging, because
education is the people's best
friend. It is the only bulwark of free
government. It is the only foundation
upon which a League of Nations
can build a structure of peace tall
enough to remind coming generations
that despotism is dead. Education
that begins down at the bottom and
goes all the way to the top, and education
of the first class throughout the
system, should in my judgment claim
your first thought and receive the
amplest provision. While it is not
necessary to urge going beyond the
bounds of what the wealth and resources
of Texas are abundantly able
to provide, yet even in that event I
would say if Texas should have to go
broke, let it be for the sake of education.
Fortunately by imposing a fail
and equitable tax upon the newly discovered
wealth in Texas and upon
properties that now escape taxation,
the revenues of the State will make it
possible without increasing the ad
valorem or school taxes to provide for
an advanced and more efficient systenm
of common school education. I submit
recommendations which in my
judgment will bring the standard of
Texas schools to the level of those
States whose systems rank among the
best. I submit recommendations
which in my judgment will afford
ample revenue to meet the necessary
expenditures.
I recommend that a half million
dollars for each fiscal year ending
August 31, 1920, and August 31,
1921, be appropriated out of the general
funds of the State to supplement
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Hobby, W. P. Initial messages of Governor W. P. Hobby to the thirty-sixth legislature, state of Texas: Jan. 14, 1919 and Jan. 22, 1919., book, 1919; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5863/m1/26/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .