The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1901-01-11
WILLIAM s. JENNINGS
GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA.
Takes the Oath end Makes
an Address.
HE OUTLINES HIS POLICY

He Is In Favor of Free Schools and
Books-Also Recommends Lcgisla-
tion For the Relief of State Courts
and Other Reforms.
TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 8.-Govornor Will
liam jennings was inauguratod at noon
today. The weather was perfect and
the program was carried out without q
hitch.
The oath was administered by Chief
Justice Taylor. Retiring Governor
Bloxham presented Governor jennings
with the great seal OF the state. After
| Governor Jennings delivered his inau-
| gural address an informal reception was
held in the executive office. The parade
of state troops and civilians before tho
inauguration was brilliant succc IS.
The military parade was reviewed by
Governors Jennings and BloXhaln this
| afternoon.
The inaugural reception and bail was
held at the Leon hotel tonight. Flori-
da's congressman, judges and state
officials, present and past. with their
wives, assisted Governor and Mrs Jan-
nings TO receive. The Inauguration en-
erclSeS Nave been = grand demonstration
of honor to Governor jennings. Colonel
w. j. Bryan was not present.
III his address Governor jennings
spoke i'll most complimentary terms of
the state troops and naval militia and
made q brief statement of the states
growth and prosperity. He said i'll part:
During the past three decades our
population has increased from lS9 y03 to
52S, 5l2; our assessed valuations have in
creased from less that $50, ,O0u,00 to up
ward Of SS5 200, COO on the tax books, be-
sides more than 5000, 900, 900 not on the
tax books, with exports from fields, gar
dens, mines, manufactures, forests,
lakes and rivers, amounting to millions
of dollars annually.
"Three thousand miles of railroads and
great ports nave been constructed as
monuments of our progress.
"Our educational facilities have GROWN
during this period to accommodate tho
enrolled scholarship OF more than IO0,-
coo students. Churches have been cree
ted i'll every city and hamlet as monu-
mcntS of the peoples generosity and of
the high civilization attained.
81 am III favor of the most liberal sup
port and development ot the public
school system, and contemplate with
pride the record made III our state, and
hope to see an advance commensurate
with the necessities before rs extend
ing, If necessary, TO the establishment
of night schools i'll such places rs are
found advisable to meet II growing de-
mand, and the adoption of the free
school book system in each of the coun-
ties of the state.
"These and other important matters
that l shall not undertake to further
discuss on this occasion are submitted to
the people for consideration, discussion
and action y
Proceeding, he urged that steps be
taken TO relieve the state supreme court,
stating that it is several years behind
with its work. He says the same con-
dition obtains as to the circuit courts
and urges the necessary legislation.
Continuing, he stated that changes in
the tax laws were necessary in order to
relieve the burden of taxation OH cer-
tain people, thus equalizing it. AS
remedy he suggested the passage of Il
law creating a board of tax assessors.
In concluding, he thanked the people
for the honor bestowed upon him and
outlined his policy. His views OH all
matters of state are broad and liberal,
and he stated that it would be his pur-
pose to further the development Of Flor
ida's wonderful resources.