The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-04
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 Public men of Montgomery expressed yesterday many and Various wishes and sentiments for the child year 1908.
 state officials were almost unanimous in their desire to see the forthcoming leg islature provide for Improvements in the Capitol building and purchase of inc ens ure Capitol block. Montgomery city off, ciais evidently desire most of other things 70 annex the suburbs and second to that 70 accomplish the street improvements of Montgomery.
 strange as 1t may seem, but one public man, City Engineer D. w, Ford. thought to say that he hoped Montgomery would annex Q dne hotel during the year. The scheme of Mir. Ford for building a hotel IS interesting as it comprehends the ex- tension of Monroe Street through a block of buildings to Commerce Greet.
 Here are some of the things public off, cials desVre to see most during the year:
 J. Craig Smith, State Treasurer-For the new year my earnest wish is that the Legislature will make an adeduate and sufficient appropriation for the en- larsement of the Capitol. The building Is for the present needs of the various departments entirely too small and mad equate. The State Treasury is in excel lent condition. The State is amply able to make the necessary appropriation and trust It will be done. l hope the Legis- lature will set aside $10o,0Oo for the build ing of two large wings to the present building and for other Improvements. And as an additional wish for the new year hope that the Legislature will pro- vide for a Governors Mansion. As a last new years wish hope that within twelve months the State will own the entire Cap itol Square.
 !. T. Cook, Chief Clerk in State Audi tors onioe-The wish of the Auditor and his assistants for the new year is that the steady increase In tax valuations in recent years will continue in the new year and in all years in the future. The tax rate has been reduced but the con- tinued prosperity of the State and its steady increase in tax valuation will re- move all apprehension of financial em- harrassment It Is the further wish of the Auditors ofilce that the coming Leg islature may enlarge and extend the Cap itol building so that the cramped condi- tons in the office may be remedied and sufficient room be given the force to effi- ciently do the work of the department.
 H. c. Gunnels, State Superintendent of Education-My sincerest wish for the new year is that the Legislature, which meets on the 18th, will be a School Legisla- ture,"-a real, genuine school Legisla- ture, one which will aot for the actual uplifting of the schools of the State, and not be swayed by the demagogical demand for doubtful reforms. My one great wish is that the schools will be given that which they most needAocal taxation for school purposes.
 Thomas M. Owen-I wish for the State Department of Archives and History, of which I am Director, e suitable separate historical building in which to develop the work and ideals which have. been projected. Alabama is rich in a history which extends back to the earliest years of the Spanish exploration In our bor- ders dwelt the greatest of the Indian tribes, our civilization developed a won- derful community of men and women, our soldiers In the armies and navy of the Confederacy exceeded in proportion to population the numbers from any other State, and we are today in the forefront in the world of progress. A building is needed in which to garner our rich treasures of history. as well as to properly