The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-05-19
BY jefferson Bell.


Tallahassee, May 1.-THE cry of
extravaganza and the buga-boo OF no
available money, and possibly the
feeling that the capital removal ques-
tion should first be settled, if such a
thing is possible, before more money
is put into state buildings here, have
put a quietus on the question of ad-
ditions or an annex to the state house.
The senate suddenly walked up Tues
day to a realization of the fact that
unless care is exercised there will be
deficit instead of the surplus carried
by Treasurer Knott
Senator Adams said ON the floor of
the senate a few days ago: with
the bills already passed and pending.
we are far in excess of the income of
the state. The constitution prohibits
the issuing of bonds or the borrowing
of money by the state. Therefore,
the only thing that can be done. if
the legislature passes all the pending
appropriation bills, will be 10 put the
state on scrip basis and assess
higher taxes in order 10 meet the de-
Fcit.
States Income.
THE comptrOller's report shows
that the states income from all
sources Is $1,67S, 4346s The fixed
expenses that the state is obliged to
meet amount TO 81 24S.69S.63. leaving
only $429. $685. available The various
bills passed or pending ask for appro-
priations of $1,106,7 700. or S677 700
more than the state has. or can get
without increased levy of taxes. In
the light of these facts there was
much point in the provisions in the
third house bills making appropri-
atoms from any money IN the treas
ury not yet spoken for"
In Both Branches.
The senate remains fixed in its de-
termination TO pass no franchise tax
bill. In the house. the county treas
urers escaped Mr.. Matthews's .toma-
hawk. while Mr.. Melton's bill making
an additional appropriation of $25. 900
TO complete and furnish the governors
mansion was shaved down to $4,000.
The committee appointed TO visit
and inspect the drainage work at
Lauderdale made very favorable re-
port on the work already accom-
plished
The house continues to have fun at
the expense of the internal improve
ment fund investigating committee
The whole thing is assuming the pro-
portions of a colossal joke. a COM
mittee having been appointed to in
vestigate the Investigating committee
and now il is proposed to appoint a
committee to investigate the commit
tee appointed 10 investigate the inves.
1gating committee, and so ad finitum
Gopher Gossip.
The measure proposed for the pro-
lection of gophers has occupied the
minds of the Escambia delegation.
and judging by reports from Pensacola
is held by the people of that end of
Florida to be the paramount issue.
Gopher soup. gopher gumbo and
gopher stew are favorite dishes with
the epicures of that exclusive place.
and Sophers are frequently quoted at
ten dollars dozen in the markets
with demand far in excess of the
supply. Even Senator Neel. chairman
OF the senate committee on state af-
fairs. got gay in making report on
Boards gopher bill. and said:
After due consideration, we find that
the gopher is not only among the old
est inhabitants of the state. but also
one of the oldest in the world: sacred
history informing US that Noah's Ark
was built of gopher wood
when our state was first settled.
hurdreds of years ago, sophers were
not only considered as one of the
fnest dishes of food, but they were
also used as a medium of exchange in
Pensacola and st. Augustine. We fur
thermore find, that despite his great
ags and usefulness. this is the first
mO cement that has ever been made
looking 10 his protection, and we
unanimously recommend that this
bill do pass"
More Rank Than Honor.
Although his shoulders are eXcep-
tonilly broad. Adjutant General Fos-
Ter Rises his voice in protest against
me purdensome rank he carries rs
one 81 the Entertainments of his Of
nee. The constitution confers upon
tne Tjutant general of Florida the |
rank OF major general. Two other !
states Maine and Mississippi. give |
the slime rank to this ofhcial. The |