The age-herald., 1898-11-17
C0V. JOHNSTON'S MESSAGE
 TO ALABAMA LEGISLATURE
One of the Abbd Documents of Its Kind Eyer Prepared By
 State kecutFe

interest charge on our public debt increased about ,000 per annum. But for this in- crease of interest under the debt settlement act. there should be no deficit whatever now. I think the entire deficit will disap- pear during the present fiscal year.
 The public conscience in nearly every state of the union has been aroused by the fact that concentrated wealth is steadily demanding more and more the care and protection of the state and federal govern- ments, and contributing less and less to the support of these governments. l congrat- ulate you that this evil tendency has less growth here in our state than in almost any other, and that you have enacted fair and courageous laws to arrest 1t and com- pei all classes of citizens and property to bear their just share of the public burden.
 The reports of the auditor and the state tax commissioner show that up to october l, 1893, the money actually paid into the state treasury under the operation of the tax commission law, amounted to $751; 7O4.44 the actual cost of it's collection be- ing S6,293.97.
 Almost much has probably been paid into the various county treasuries. The work done for the year 1898 will be realized during the ensuing six months and will likely bring into the state treasury some additional s50,000. Gratifying as have been these direct results, the indirect effects have probably been of even greater advant- age and importance
 The decline in the valuation of real and
 
 the tendency is now upward. The total assessment for 1895 was S241, ,33S, ,O24.99, for 1896 it was $242 ,541, 769.21, for 1897 it was S251, ,390 ,134.57. and for the present fiscal year, S256, ,25s, ,295 52. So 1t will be seen that in three years we have made net gain in valuation of nearly fifteen million dollars whilst some of our sister states during the same period have been suffering steady shrinkage and confront increasing de- ficits.
 T1o taxx oughly enforced in every county owing to inability by reason of the small compen- sation provided to get efficient and capable officers, and I recommend that the num- Der of sub-commissioners be reduced to ore for each congressional district. I be- neVe this will secure more efficient and in- tclligent service.
 l earnestly invite your attention to the inequality Of taxation existing between the various counties Owing to the arbitrary action of a number of commissioners courts, or their failure to observe the plain mandates of the law, the valuation of property ranges in different counties from 33 per cent. to 100 per cent. of its fair cash market value. Such inequality should not be tolerated, and legislation should be had to correct it. I am inclined to agree with my predecessors that the establish ment Qf a state board of equalization is the best remedy.
 l also invite your attention to the clear and acurate report of the treasurer and to the recommendations therein contained as worthy of careful consideration.
 The auditors report should be carefully studied by every member of the general sSktsined Should have careful eonsderal saseran tion And wise action. The report is most full and complete. and bears evidence of the thorough work that has been done in that department
 Reduction of Expenses
 With cotton at less than cents pound, I am sure that the honorable members of the general assembly agree with me that rigig economy should prevail in the admin istration of the peoples affairs, and that every unnecessary expense should be eliminated.
 I advise that the appropriation of $15,0Oo per annum for expenses of temporary loans De reduced to $1,000; that the contingent fund Of the governor be reduced from 5000 to $3,5O0, and of the superintendent of edu- cation from s1 900 to S10O, and that the fol- lowing appropriations for pay of other offi- cials be abolished or reduced as follows: That the salary of the president and
 associates of the railroad commission
 be reduced $500 each, in all.. .. .. ..$1, 500 Recording secretary to the governor be
 abolished... ... =. ... ... ... l.. ... 1000 Clerk to attorney-general.. ... ..... 600 One clerA to commissioner of agricul-
 ture... =. ... l, 200 Assistant to marshal and librarian.... 500 Clerical assistant to secretary of state 1000 That the clerk to railroad commission
 be reduced to $1 200. .. ~ 300 Secretary to chief justice be reduced
 10 Sl l,1oV... ... ... =. ... SO0 That the reporter of supreme court be
 paid $700 per volume instead of $9OO,
 making reduction of about. ... ... 600
 suggest also that no solicitor be per- mitted to draw any money from the treas- ury in excess of the fees actually paid iu from his circuit; that commissions on sums above their salaries be reduced to 10 per cent, and that no stamps or stationery be allowed the reporter, clerk or marshal of the supreme court.
 l am aware that every effort to reduce expenses will be seriously resisted by those affected, and every argument and persua- sion will be addressed to you to prevent it, but trust that you will remember that your highest duty is to see that not a dol- lar of the peoples money Is uselessly ex- pended. The necessity now upon every cit- i8en of the state to maintain the most rigid economy in his personal affairs should ex- tend to every department of the state goy- ernment. The reduction named will not prevent hundreds of competent men from seeking with avidity the places to be filled. l think the salaries of the auditor and of members of the convict board should he increased. The duties of the auditor and his responsibilities are great and far-reach- ing in their results upon the successful ad-
 
 the pay of this office and the members of the convict board scarcely exceeds the pay of the chief clerks in the various depart ments The report of the convict board shows that Its labors have produced finan- cial results that must be gratifying to every citizen of the state. whilst the conv.cts have received the most humane treatment and the death rate has been greatly reduced.
 beg to invite your careful attention to the very great expense heretofore incurred by the general assemblies for clerical as- sistance, door-keepers and other incidents. At the last session the total expense for this purpose was $11,3S3.50. The names of hfty-four persons appear on the senate pay roll and seventy-six that of the house. The amount paid by the two houses for clerical work of all kinds ag- gregated $9.64S.50. This sum would have commanded the services of fifty skilled clerks at $100 month for the entire ses- sion. I know 1t Is only necessary to call your attention to this to prevent any un- y1Qa at h