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Tanner Installed

Tanner Installed image
Parent Issue
Day
15
Month
January
Year
1897
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Springfield, Hls., Jan. 12.- The inauguration of John R. Tanner as governor of the commonwealth of Illinois Monda y was .attended by the usual pomp and ceremony of such notable occasions. The military and civic features of the imposing spectacle with the attendant display of flags and flowers and the inspiring strains of martia! music equaled any previous similar event in the history of the state. Fr,om early dawn the streets were thronged with visitors from all parts of Illinois. The review stand was located on the south side of the square and was oecupied by Governor-elect and Mrs. Tanner and other state officials and their wives. "W'hen Governor Tanner took his position in the review stand, hats came off and lusty cheers eminated from the throats of the thousands crowded around, irrespective of political relations. Removing his hat, Governor Tanner bowed to the nmltitude in aeknowledgement of the good will so stentoriously accorded him. The inaugural parade was over an hour in passing the grand stand, and it was estimated that the column was over two miles in length. Inaugural Dccoi-atioiis. The capitol building never looked pre-ttier than in the inaugural dress. The decorations were the most elabórate ever seen in the capital city and were mueh admired by the thousands who saw them. No pains or expense were spared to fittingly decórate for the auspicious event. After all the offleerselect had been sworn, the entire standing party, with the exception of Governor Tanner, took seats that had been reserved and Hon. John R. Tanner, governor of the state of Illinois, delivered his inaugural address. He began by expressing his high sense of gratitude for his elevation to office of governor and said that he hoped to fulflll the expectatioris of the people. "Be assured," said he, "I shall not ignore those whose voice and work have elevated me to this office and who have stood so heroically and faithfully by my side. I should feel unworthy of the people's confidence if I could desert my friends and unworthy of their confidence by making any test for official fitness which shall ignore the good of the people whom I have been elected to serve." Foundation of G-overnmfüit-.. He then discussed the general principies on which government is founded. It must depend, he said, on the average intelligence of the people. This led to a discussion of education and educational legislation. "There is an earnest and broad sentiment throughout the state," said he, "in favor of uniform text books in our common schools to be furnished at the cost of the state. With this sentiment I am in hearty sympathy, and I hope such legislation will be brought about during the present session." Taking up the subject of the qualiftcations of teachers, he said: "Teachers employed in our state schools have no right to use the influence and prestige which accrue to them solely from their position as teachers in organizing and carrying on a propaganda among the students for partisan purposes. [Applause.] I recognize our citizens' sovereign right to do his own political thinking. The teacher must not abuse his position by becoming a party advocate. I promise that any abuses which have grown up in state schools shall be corrected." Subject of lïevenue. The governor then took up the subject of revenue and discussed it at length, making several recommendations. Regarding the penal institutions, he declared that the system inaugurated by Governor Altgeld had proven more disastrous to the laborer than even the old contract system." When Governor Tanner had fmished his address an fffort was made by Senator Mahoney of Cook to get the ftoor but the speaker refused to recognize him. He wanted to make a motion that the joint assembly extend the courtesy of the floor to the retiring governor, John P. Altgeld. While he was trying to get in this motion Mr. Needies moved that the joint assembly dissolve. It prevailed and the house then adjourned. Governor Altgeld had expected to rnalíe a short speech and his name was put on the programme by the committee on arrangements. Some of the Republican members were opposed to letting him talk and it was arranged with the speaker before the house met that he would not recognize any Democrats during the joint session. In this way Governor Altgeld was shut out. Governor 31ount Inaugurated. Inflianapolis, Jan. 12. - James A. Mount and William S. Haggarrl were inaugurated governor and lieutenant governor Monday at noon. The ceremonies were held at the capítol. Governor Matthews made a brief speech introducing Mr. Mount. The latter made a long inaugural address, touching only on state aft'airs. The new executive held a public reception in the governor's parlors at the capítol Monday evening.

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Subjects
Old News
Ann Arbor Democrat