The Palatka news. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1907-04-05

Since the adjournment of the last
Legislature, have given much
thought and study to this subject, and
have compiled much data and in
formation relating to the subject Of
State Life Insurance. My investi-
cations have convinced me that the
idea advanced in my message to the
Legislature of 1905 is practical and
beneficial, and should receive the
careful investigation of this Legis-
lature.
Lobby.
Side by side as the two most insid.
ious and dangerous elements entering
into the work of the Legislature, are
the lobbyist and the grating" leg
islator. In every State of the Union
the subject has called forth the
strongest denunciation; and the rev.
Citations brought forth in many in
stances show that they have in nc
case been too strong or severe. The
evil is one as difficult to eradicate as
it is dangerous, for while to every
citizen and interest the opportunity
should be given to be heard upon any
and every matter of interest or mo-
ment to them pending before the Leg
islature, yet this opportunity to be
heard should be so guarded that it
may not be used as an opportunity to
debauch and corrupt the Legislature
by methods which will not bear the
light of publicity.
Bucket Shops.
No more pernicious and dangerous
form of gambling exists today than
what is known as the Bucket Shop"
You should pass a statute making the
maintaining of bucket shop fell
ony, furnishing every one furnishing
in any way by telegraph, telephone,
private leased wires, or otherwise,
any information whereby the bucket
shop is maintained, operated or car
ried on. Owners OF buildings should
be prevented from leasing their prop
erty to any bucket shop, and the
owner of any building where one is
maintained should be punished as
principal. The Legislature of Geor-
gia, at the session of 1906, passed
an act upon this subject, which,
am informed, has stood the test of
courts, and which should afford as
sistance in framing a proper and Of
fective law upon this subject.
Special Elections.
The provisions of the law are not
elastic enough to fit the conditions
which may arise and call for special
elections under its provisions. !
would recommend the passage of an
act providing that where a member of
the Legislature dies, resigns, or his
seat becomes vacant otherwise before
the session in the year following his
election, those electors who were en-
titled to vote at the preceding gener-
al election for such member should be
permitted to vote in special election
to fill vacancy upon the same qualifi-
cations that entitled them to vote at
e-Apportionment. |
The Constitution provides as fol-
lows: Sec. 8. The Legislature that
shall meet A. D., 1887, and those
that shall meet every 10 years there
after, shall apportion the representa-
ton in the Senate, the whole num-
Der of Senators not to exceed 80 men,
bers; and at the same time shall also
aprortion the representation of the
House of Representatives, the whole
number of Representatives not to ex-
coed GS members. The representation
in the House of Representatives shall
be apportioned among the several
counties as nearly as possible accord
ing to populations; Provided, each
County shall have one Representative
at large in the House of Representa-
tives, and no county shall have more
than three Representatives. D." These
provisions require your action at this
session.
County Commissioners.
NO more responsible once eXlStS IN
the administrator of county affairs
tSan that of County Commissioner
aud the advancement and growth of
the various counties depends largely
upon the faithful ard efficient admin
istration Of the dulles of this office,
and the best and most worthy citizen
ship should be available for it. Il
would, therefore, strongly urge that
you consider the advisability of max
ing the Office of County Commissioner
a salaried and bonded office, graded
by the assessed valuation of the coun-
ty, such salary to be suficient to Sc
cure men of the highest integrity and
ability of your counties in this posi-
ton.