The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-10

of the state auditor, the state superin-
tendent Of education and the attorney
general as being worthy of your interest.
Copies of these reports will be distributed
among you.
A Final Word.
You may be Interested to have, in a
word, the more important changes which
have come to the state in the last six
years or during the terms of the present
administration, and the more important
results of the states activities In several
directions.
You have a new constitution. I place It
first in Importance. Experience will prove
and has proven that it will need some
amendments, but class it above all the
other blessings of these years.
You have uniform text book system,
which effected a large saving to patrons
OF schools and furnish n vastly better av-
erage book for the pupils.
You have now monthly paid teachers,
whereas six years ago they we're paid
quarterly and this reminds me that the
unfortunate men and women on the PEN
sion rolls might get their pittance as often
as halfyearly or perhaps quarterly.
There has been am increase of real and
personal property from $3.50 0,00o In 1900
TO 1884, 600, 600 in 1905.
The years have brought reduced tax
rate. The reduction from ~ to So mills
was effected four years ago, and has
amounted to a saving to the taxpayers Of
about 100000 a year.
The old soldiers have had in six years
.Sl5O0.0O0 more than for any other six
years in the states history, running from
Sl1f0O0 in 1900 to $4,000 in 1906
The schools have had better support
There has been paid out TO teachers In
this state and from the state treasury
alone. in the last six years. S2,7 900 more
than the aggregate of any other six years
history
the amount used In any other six years.
There has been retired 100000 of the
states debt The bonds to this amount
have been paid and await your committee
To burn The money for this purchase rep
resents perhaps the first dollars paid out
on the state debt since the war
Whereas we paid interest on the pub
lie debt I'm 1905 diS $50, we will pay as in
terest on the public debt in 1907 1851 $50
Here we have an actual saving of sol, 23O
and for each OF the cmoing years
The net income from the convict de-
partment in six years has been 81, 10000
more than for any other six years. run
ming from $1,000 In 1900 to $4,000 in 1906.
This last sum probably amounts TO as
much as the net aggregate from the same
source in the thirty years ending In 1900
The purchase and payment of addi-
tional grounds for an extension of the
capitol site and the building of a harmon
ious and sympathetic addition to the
beautiful old building.
A vast treasury surplus.
| want here publicly to extend my
thanks, and to express my appreciation,
of the uniform courtesies shown me in the
conduct Of this great office. Not only was
the legislature which preceded you con-
slderate of me in every way, but | have
met with nothing but courtesy from the
heads of the executive departments and
their clerks during my entire administers
ton. 1t gives me exquisite pleasure,
too. in speaking of them to say that in
my opinion. no more loyal efficient and
patriotic set of public servants has ever
surrounded and aided any governor. My
own immediate official family has been
most exceptional and remarkable. | will
remember their slngleness Of purpose and
Uniform courtesy and kindness always.
If the administration of the states ar
fairs for six years has been n success I
am only entitled to hare In the praise
with the heads of the departments of the
state government, my own. and their loyal
force of helpers.
You will allow me to express the hope
that the stay of each of you In Montgom-
cry may he pleasant, and profitable as I
am sure II will be TO the state. Moreover,
life may furnish You no regrets for your
course here, but on the contrary that
you may be able always TO feel that,
every day, You rose to the height of YOUR
great opportunity and your great duty.
WILLIAM ID. JEBKS.