Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1907-07-24
lSneciaI CORRESPONDENCE.


ATLANTA, GA, July 29.-At this
writing the general assembly has
been in session half of the allotted
fifty days and has not yet enacted
single general measure. 1t looks like
solons will have to sit in an extra ses-
sion of the legislature this year, and
unless things begin to move more
rapidly in the halls at the capitol.
Only one bill of Importance has been
passed by the house and two by the
senate. Besides the bills based on
the pledges of the Macon platform,
there are still in the committee rooms
two of the most important bills. the
general tax act and the appropriation
bill which must be passed in order to
carry on the administration. Neither
have been reported by the committees
and it will probably be some time be-
fore they are People have been great
ly surprised at the slowness with
which legislation has moved at this
session.
The Hardman bill, after valorous
attempt at filibuster by two misguid
ed young men, was read the second
time in the house. The amended Hard
man prohibition bill rpoyides: First:
That the act shall go into effect on
January 1, 1908. Second, Prohibits
the sale, barter or giving away of in
toxicants in any form to induce trade.
Third, Prohibits the manufacture or
keeping at any place of business any
beverages that will produce intoxica-
ton. Fourth, Provides as punishment
for violation in any particular that the
offender shall be punished as for a
misdemeanOr as prescribed in sec
ton 1888 of the penal code of Geor-
gia. Fifth, Permits licensed druggists
to sell pure alcohol only on prescrip-
tons of reputable physicians, who are
actually in charge of the patient for
whom the alcohol is intended, and
who must certify that an actual ex-
animation has been made and that
the stimulant is necessary. The same
punishment for violations as above.
Sixth, Licensed druggists may sell
wood alcohol or denatured alcohol
for art, scientific or mechanical pur-
poses. This bill will certainly sober
up the state of Georgia; and the will
of the people will certainly become
law. The greatest credit for the
success of the Hardman bill is due
to the Womans Christian Temperance
Union.
Governor Smith is fully determined
to do all in his power to secure the
reform legislation advocated by him
in his campaign and in his inaugural
address. If the general assembly fails
to pass legislation thus advocated it
is the purpose of the governor to
show the people where the response
bility for such failure lies. Legisla
tive measures, following the sugges-
lions made in the special message of
Governor Smith to the legislature,
asking for fuller means for taxation
of railroads, were introduced in the
senate by Senator Farmer. The two
measures provide that all arbitrator
selected to appraise the value of pro-
perty for taxes before entering upon
their duties shall take ma oath to as
sess the property on which they
are to pass at its true mar
ket value. 1t i is also pro-
yided by one of the bills that such ar
bitrators may at their discretion sub
poena witnesses for learning the val
ue of the property. Under the pro-
posed legislation the comptroller gen
eral will have the power to appoint
an arbitrator, when so required, who
may be other than member of the
state railroad commission. The rail-
road men say this legislation is too
drastic. Among others Major j. b.
Hanson, representing the Central of
Georgia railroad, was the first of the
officials to address the committee. He
reviewed what he termed the develop
ment of sentiment against railroads
and corporations, and he condemned
railroads which defy the laws, He
stated that the adoption Of certain