Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-10

Caucus-Public Printer-PrOceed-
tDgs of the Legislature.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA, January TT affords
me pleasure to be enabled TO give the readers
of the MORNING News an opportunity to see
the admirable inaugural address of Lieutenant
Governor Bethel, upon taking his seat as
President OF the Senate. 1t has not yet ap-
peared in print, and succeeded in obtaining
a copy Of the remarks only after urgent solici-
tation:
Gentlemen of the Senate: In taking the chair
to preside over your deliberations, do with
feelings Of gratitude aud fear, grateful that
the citizens of the State of Florida have thought
me worthy, by placing next in their conf
dence to that illuStrious citizen whose patriot
ism, virtues and eminent publ services re-
ceived this day the highest reward that free
people can bestow, and fearful that may not
discharge the trust confided to me In such
manner as shall merit approval If diligent
attention, however, will enable me to perform
the functions now assigned mt, may promise
tina, such diligence and attention shall be sedu-
lously employed.
The rules which are to govern the proceed
ings of this honorable body, so far as they shall
depend ON me for their application, shall be
applied with the most rigorous and infexible
impartiaity, regarding neither persons their
views nor principles. If, in forming that de-
cison, I shall concur with some and differ with
others, as must from necessity happen, shall
rely on the lberality and candor of those from
whom offer to believe that do so from pure
motives.
The appreciation implied by your suffrages
Is great consolation to me, and my future
Solicitude will be to retain the good opinion of
those who have already bestowed it in ad-
vance.
The important subjects to which your atten-
ton will be called will be laid before you by
the Governor: it is, therefore, no province of
V GIIf nrlvy Ic ffnf f1r.a
side over this honorable body, and may | not
find in each one of you spirit Of franknesS
and aid that will enable me to make myself
agreeable while strictly perform my duty.
shall often need your counseIs, and let me
here invite you individually, to give it to me,
to the end that harmony may prevail and the
business of your meeting be conducted with
regularity and dispatch
Relying then, on the patronage of your good
will, advance with obedience TO the work, and
may that Infinite Power which rules the Gesti-
MES of the universe Iced your counSelS to what
Is best, and give them favorable issue, the
peace and prosperity of the State.
The message read this morning in the Legis-
lature was prepared by Governor Drew and in
dorsed by Governor Bloxham, who will trans
NIT another during the session, embodying
various suggestions.
The document is the utterance of a sensible,
practical man, delivered in plain and com
biage and no effort at display. Governor Drew
has not buried the talents confided to his keep
log. and restores them to the owners with
their value greatly increased. His administra-
ton has not only been honorable and credit
able to himself but profitable and advan-
tageouS to the people OF Florida, and he can
retire to the privacy of his home with the
pleasant consciousness or having faithfully
discharged his trust, aud of having earned the
gratitude and respect of his fellow citizens
In treating the matter of finances, Governor
Drew mentions deficiency during the last
two years of $33, ,755 49, This was caused by
the low assessment adopted by the last Legis-
latIIre. The amount of bonds in the hands of
private parties is 1851 Geo, showing a decrease
of bonded debt during the present adpinistra-
tion of S5O,80O The per cent. bonds, worth
four years ago, 50 cents, are now scarce at par,
while the per cent. bonds, then bringing "a
cents. cannot now be purchased at less than
106
The Governor recommends a more uniform
system of taxation and advises the appoint
ment of two appraisers to accompany the
Assessor on his rounds, and, with him, to fix
the valuation of all lands subject to taxation
and whose valuation shall be final, and shall
stand tor four years. He proposes also that
the Collectors books be closed on the 30th Of
November, and that the sales of property for
non-payment of taxes be made on the first day
OF January.
The swamp and overlowed lands for which
to 3.761, $3.50 acres.
Great good can be accomplished in his opin-
ion by allowing squatters upon State lands to
secure a homestead by paying three install.
mentS-one on entry, and the remainder on
the Secend and third year thereafter, the land
to be assessed AMI taxed as the property Of
the settler. This would encourage thrift, pro-
mote improvement and increase the revenues
Commissioner of immigration French is
complimented. and an increased appropriation
advised for this bureau.
Col. q. @. Yonge has revised the digest of
the laws Of Florida, compiled by Col. J. F.
Mcclellan, and this work will soon be COM
pleted.
The claims of the State for expenses incur
fsa6 in TpIi
course of arrangement and it is thought that
the General Government will be indebted to
Florida in a considerable amount.
The condition of the public schools is en-
courag1ng, and shows steady improvement
1t is advised that the assessors be required to
collect agricultural statistics. and that a State
Inspector of commercial fertilizers b . appoint
ed.
The increase of the insane in the asylum re
quireS additional accommodations There are
at present nlnety-six patients
The convicts have been leased to the East
Florida Railway Company for two years at S15
each per year. the company agreeing to pay
all costs after conviction and to furnish all
necessary food, clothing and medical attention.
The number of convicts turned over was one
hundred and twenty-five.
manufacturing establishments should be ex-
empt from taxation for the first five or ten
years after commencing operations.
The above is a very brief summary Of the
most important points contained in the mes
sage, which is regarded as an able aud clear
document.
In the Senate, Mr.. Mckinney introduced a
joint resolution for the appointment Of a COM
mittee to consider and report the feasibility of
and best plan to relieve the internal improve
ment fund and to secure the construction of
railroad from the Apalachicola river to Pensa
cola. and another from Ocala to Tampa
B lis were introduced in the Senate by Mr.
Thompson for supplying artificial limbs to dis
abled soldiers.
By MIR. Mallory-To authorize commissioners
to swear witnesses, and legalizing oaths hereto
fore administered by them.
By MIR. McKinney-To amend an act to pro-
vide for the punishment of crime, and proceed
ingS in criminal cases.
ing of oysters in the waters of this State,
The first executive session Of the Senate was
held to-day
In the House, the standing committees were
appointed
Notice was given of the following contests:
In Walton county, between Mcleod and Ken
nedy, there being tie vote.
Mccarthy of Lafayette, contests the seat Of
Goodbread.
In Duval county, Abbott contests the seat of
Conant; Fortune, that of Brown; Smith, that
OF Mattel, and Upton, that OF Lucas
The weather is again threatening.