38 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Jan. 13,

The same condition which called for legislation upon
this subject, demands an improved system of primary
elections.

It may be difficult to formulate a system so simple
and inexpensive that it can be satisfactorily employed;
but, if it is possible, some plan should be devised by
which every semblance of unfairness can be eliminated
from our primary contests.

My fellow citizens, for myself, in becoming the
Chief Magistrate of this State, realizing as I do that
the trust about to be committed to me, comes charged
with responsibilities and duties that cannot be over-
estimated, I shall be guided in my official acts by an
earnest desire to preserve the honor and dignity of
our States, and to promote the happiness and welfare
of our people.

There will be on my part a most cordial co-operation
with the other Departments of State Government in
promoting a wise and unselfish administration; and
in assuring fair, pure and peaceful elections; and in
enforcing rigid economy in all branches of public ser
vice; in reducing taxation to the lowest possible point
consistent with the general progress and development
of the State at large, under our organic law, I shall be
armed with the veto power, which shall be always
exercised with the utmost caution.

Bat the power to legislate is with the General As-
sembly, and I trust they will legislate wisely, and as
their judgment dictates will be best for the interests
of a happy and conservative people who love their
State and its institutions.

And now that I am ready to qualify as the Chief
Executive of the State, it is my earnest wish that at
the expiration of my term of office, with the blessings
and protection of the All Wise and All Powerful
Being, I may feel that I have fairly, honestly, faith-
fully and conscientiously discharged the important
obligations which I am about to assume. And, with
these brief remarks, I declare myself ready to take
the oath of office.

The Honorable the Speaker and members of the