Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-02

known as Patton certificates, to enatle the state to pay portion of its expenses in anticipation of the collection of taxes. Before his time had expired every dollar had been redeemed in national currency. which was presented for that purpose.
 The bonded indebtedness of the state at the close of his term of office was only a little more than $4500000, notwith- standing the fact that he had funded the past due interest on the bonded debt of the state, had punctually paid the interest as it became due and had run one year of his government without the collection of any state taxes and 30000 persons had been fed who were made pauperS by the war. Even In those times he had influence with the mild politicians at Washington and used his best efforts to have congress to suspend the collection of the war tax due to the government by each of the southern states. In this he succeeded, also in securing some needed legislation by congress in the reconstruction of the south. The amount due by Alabama was more than $500,000, and its collection at that time would have ruined the state of Alabama He retired from the ex- ecutive office leaving the credit of his state good at home and abroad-her bonds were above par and even sought for in the markets of the world.
 His administration, though great suc- cess, was surrounded by many difficult ties. The state had just passed through an exhaustive struggle, which left her powerless and at the feet of the con- queror A military commander super vised his appointments to office and al- most every official act Armed men were always present at the capitol to in spire awe and challenge obedience. Yet, calm, prudent and with business tact and energy he did the best which circum- stances permitted.
 When his term as governor had ex- pired he organized an association of east .ern capitalists to connect Chattanooga, Mobile and New Orleans by railway. He was made president of road from Chat tanooga to Meridian. a distance of 300 miles. He was also made president of the South and North Alabama Railroad company, extending from Decatur to Montgomery. These two offices he held at the same time, and successfully con- solidated the several interpretations of these two roads. After having put these important lines of railroad under con tract and in condition for completion, Governor Patton retired from his con nection with them.
 The development of the vast mineral and other resources of central Alabama and the building up of Birmingham and other growing manufacturing cities had their origin in the above mentioned en- terprises.
 Governor Patton was noted for his Christian life and kindly acts of charity. At the time of his death he was, and had been for many years, president of the board of trustees of the Florence Synod ica1 Female college, and also of the board of directors of the State Normal school at Florence. Both institutions have been quite prosperous. Notwith- standing the advanced age and feeble health of Governor Patton, his energy and activity were wonderful In the month of February, 1885, he breathed his last in his home at Sweetwater, with grief-stricken friends about his bed ready to give every attention that might promote ease.
 Governor Patton was our only mer- chant governor.