The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1903-07-31

poses of state taxation. The rev.
enues of the state hav e, in conse-
quence, largely increased. This
happy condition of affairs may be
expected to continue. Each year
will, in all probability. show a
steadily increasing volume of
property and of values. This
being so, some increase in
the public expenditure may nat
urally be expected owing to the
larger sphere upon which the
state is entering nevertheless. it IS
possible and perhaps probable
that a reduction in the rate of
state taxation may. in the near
future, be brought about.
This subject will have my care
full attention, should | become
governor. to the end of seeing if
a reduction in taxation can not
be made, without in any manner
impairing the credit Of the state
or the efficiency and vigor of its
government.
If, however, the people should
prefer that the rate of state tax
alton remain as now with the
view of carrying the surplus of
revenues. over and above current
expenditures, to the credit of the
common school fund, that can be
done.
STATE BOND ISSUE.
As pertinent to the subject of
The reduction of state taxation
and as affording further for the |
belief that the rate of such tax
alton may be. after a while, re-
duced, it may be pointed to that
eleven millions of the states 4
per cent. bonds are fastening to
maturity, and with the matter of
refunding the bonds tie next adj
ministration will be called upon
to actively deal. So high now is
the credit of the state and so
secure do capitalists feel in put
ting out their money in her secu-
rites, that it is thought a long
term 3 per cent. state bond may
befoated at par in the financial
centers. This would result in a
saving to the state in interest of l
per cent, aggregating $4,000
per year And it is further
thought that large holders OF the
present 4 per cent. bonds will be
glad to exchange the latter even
before their maturity, for the
long term 3 per cent. bonds.
1t is known that this subject of
provision for meeting the
states bonded indebtedness at its
by reminding the salue
through the issuance of a long
'erm bond at a lesser rate of in
crest has engaged the attention
If the present chief executive
md that is his purpose, in bis
Message to the general assembly
n 1904, to discuss the matter and +
make recommendations embodying
lis conclusions as to the best
method of carrying the same into
fleet.
His long experience with and
borough knowledge of the states
lnances, as well as her resources,
nd his well known practical and
apable judgment in such mat
ers. will give to his recomenda-
ions great weight, and should | I
ucceed to the governorship it
vlll be my purpose to put the t
anne into execution. ,
AS TO PRIMARIES.
The method of selecting the
arty's candidates, j.. e., how c
omination should be made-is /
ommitted by party usage to the I
tate central committee.
That body has full authority to 9
rider a general state primary !
lection, such as that now being
onducted in Mississippi, or to a
all a state convention, as here a
Dfore in this state. While the .
system has resulted in
living us line of democratic u
ominees for governor. commence
lg with General Nichols, in "
SIC. down to the present distin- P
uished chief executive, who !
ere and are among the most =
Use, capable, respected and pop u
lar citizens of the state, and
hose administrations reflect 81
onor and credit alike upon the f,
ate and the party. nevertheless !.
lere Is evidence of a large and 10 70
demand among the Il
eople for method of nomina- al
on more direct in its application
the individual voter. II
Many wise and discrete demo- n
ats of prominence In the st.to