The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-04-03
GOVERNOR NAPOLEON BRowARD, OF FLORIDA.

for the troops be acquired Ga commits. sion for the location of such site hav- ing been appointed pursuant to an aci of the Legislature of l905.)
 "Fourth-That provision be made for such amendment to the Military Code as will place the Quartermaster Gen. eral, or other proper officer of the gen eral staff, on duty continuously at mil tary headquarters, and in charge of the supply departments.
 "Fifth-That such action be taken as may be necessary to consummate the purchase of the Franklin County Arm ory at Apalachicola. appropriation for Legislature of 1903.
 "Sixth--That the policy of gradually acquiring suitable armorics in such of the larger cities as are likeiy to re- main permanent posts of the troops be adhered to and that only suitable and adequate buildings may be secured, il is recommended that an 'Armory Com mission.' composed partly of competent military officers, be appointed. under whose supervision and direction armo. ries shall be built, rented and man. aged.
 Tax on Franchises.
 The Governor recommends the en- actment of law authorizing the levy ing of tax upon franchises. It may be contended by some that franchise being an intangible type. of pro erty lS TOT IDG d4 ASStSSOT u lcNo a tax upon; in other words. that 1t i' not something a Tax Collector car take possession of and sell, in the even the taxes levied are not paid by tho owners of the franchise. Such con tention, if made, would be erroneous such reasoning would not be sound"
 In dealing with the same subject. as concerns the railroads, the Governor says: roads of Florida for the twelve months ending June 30, 1906, their total gros: earnings during that time were $13,' S26. .32S.73, and their total operating ex penses were s9,631,S40.92, making tht total net earnings or dividends from the railroad business S4,194,6SS.01, ol 30.S Ter cent. of the gross earnings. These reports show that there Is 1T the State of Florida in operation, 3.sSt or dividends would then average abou $1,O75 per m!le or a dividend upon eacf mile of railroad of S.9 per cent. This is for all the railroad mileage of th' State. including switches and side tracks. The larger systems pay muct larger dividend upon that basis, but that basis is less than the facts will warrant, and that the Legislature may that some of the large railroad line: of the State ray much larger divi- dend than the above would indicate, will quote you some excerpts from the testimony and from the language of the brief in the case of the Seaboard Ali Line Railway. plaintiff in error, vs. the State Of Florida. and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, plaintiff in error, vs. the State of Florida.
 Railroad Legislation.
 In discussing the subject of railroad legislation the Governors message says:
 Tn discussing the question concern. ing the operation of railroads in this fnf do rryffh ftNfI In of the mutual obligations and depend. ence which exist between the railroads and the public.
 Unreasonable and onerous burdens ate enterprises which have so mate. rially and especially developed the re- sources of our State. The subject l: one of vast Importance and many de- ci les. No effort should be made t6 place unnecessary and captious restric tions upon the railroads. Their pro motors and owners are entitled to reas enable and legitimate returns for thu investment and enterprise and faith 1T the future of the State. Yet with al this, let us not forget that the people were not made for the railroads, bu the railroads for the reople, and wha shall say on this subject will be Iron the sincerest conception of my duty tt the people who are looking to you fo such wise and patriotic action concern ing important matters as perfec system, equitable and just to the peo pie and corporations alike. shall de mand.
 Legislature of 1905. that the Railroad Commission be made constitutions do this because I believe there should be no uncertainty about so importan & branch of the State government; bu that it should become more firmly L. tration. The work of the Commission has been of untold advantage to thu State. and every step should be taker which will serve to increase Its force and effectiveness in the problems con fronting 1t. It should be given power 10 com" e the use of suitable and ade duate rolling stock for the passenger trafnc. and additiQnal power as to th' furnishing to shibners sufficient freigh rolling stock, and to enforce the regu lations of the State Board of Health made for the prorer sanitation of pas senoer cars and de cts.
 '7n view of the very serious condi tions brought about by the lack o' physical equipment of many of the rail roads in this State. and the consequent loss and dawaee to the business. anC the loss of life and the increased dan ger to passenger traffic, also deen ton to the Legislature of 1905 in re gard to empowering the Railroad Com mission to make suitable provisions fo the inspection of the physical condi ton Of the railroads in this State. believe that had the Legislature pass ed the bill upon this subject introduced at the last session. the railroad traffij could never have gotten into the con dition which has existed for the pas year and more in this State. Tn, railroad companies themselves. in the' defense in the hearings before tho Railroad Commission, have set up theiI lack of equipment and defective phys