The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-31

in the list because it is purely local in its
character and fractional in its purpose
but, for all this, if bill of this sort comes
up for consideration at all, it is likely to
provoke more interest and make things
more lively in Tallahassee than almost
any other measure which precedes 1t in
the foregoing enumeration. Again, the lot
terry question may not come to the sur
face at all, but If it should be precipitated
a lively fight would follow. In other
words there are several matters of legis-
lation which are of great Importance, but
which may be kept buried out of sight as
matter of policy or as the result of trad
ing.
While the question of railroad commits
sion was the principal one which operated
as factor in the nomination of the mem
bers of this legislature and in the cleo
ton of some of them afterward, it is by
no means certain that much time will be
given to a measure of this sort or that
1t will absorb great portion of the in
terest of the two houses. 1t is generally
conceded that this legislature was put
up" so to speak, for the purpose of de-
feating any proposed legislation hostile
to the interests of railroads, and the pre-
diction of the Morning News representa-
tive made a day or two prior to the October
election is likely to be verified-there will
be no railroad commission bill passed at
this session. The Senate is undoubtedly
anti-commission by large majority, but,
although majority of the lower house
is said to be practically pledged to a com
mission, it is altogether probable that
many of the members so pledged will
be unable to find bill of this sort that
will exactly suit them, and in consequence
will either not vote at all on the pending
measures or vote against them. In any
event the Senate is a stumbling block
in the way of hostile legislation in the
matter of the transportation of passengers
and freight in Florida.
Tax assessments and the equalization of
taxes are destined to absorb much of the
time and the attention of the members
and these questions are the most difficult
of settlement of any which will come up
for consideration. They are complicated
affected largely by locality and conflict
of interests and are less understood, per-
haps, than any other now before the
people of Florida. If from the mass of
bills and resolutions which is likely to
be offered on these questions both houses
can finally agree upon a wise, conserva-
tive and easily administered law, this
legislature will be doing the state a serv-
ice almost immeasureable in its power for
good.
This legislature is democratic in poll
tics. almost without exception, and the
last democratic state convention held in
Jacksonville IN July, 1871, 6uSTdIleQ IN
its platform plank calling unreservedly
for the repeal of the eight-balot-bo
law and the substitution for it of some
statute which shall insure fair elections.
That faction of the party which may
very properly be termed the anti-state-
administration wing, because of its pro-
nounced hostility to Gov. Mitchell and
most of his political supporters, is calling
loudly for the repeal of the present law,
and its newspaper organs and leaders
are now engaged in a systematic and per-
sistent effort to point out its defects and
dangers and to suggest changes that will
appeal to the support of the members.
But the administration faction-the ''ins"
which undoubtedly prohted largely by
the provisions and opportunities Of the
present law in the last campaign, is not
bowling itself hoarse just now for re-
peal. The "ins' are in favor of fair
law. but they appear at present to be
perfectly willing that the other side should
do all the bowling and stir up the ami
mails to it's hearts content. The out
come is difficult to predict. 1t is human
nature 10 speak well OF the bridge that
carries ysu safely over" and present self
interest may keep many Of the real friends
Of honest elections Indifferent to reforms
in this particular year Of grace 1895.
Gov. Mitchell is a good deal OF a crank
on the subject OF prize lighting. lie has