The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-16

treasury and it would not be safe to go
beyond that amount.
rms condition of the states funds does
not evidence millions In the treasury II
IL true that at some seasons of the year
when the taxes are practically all In and
the appropriations not due and not paid.
the amount In the treasury looks large
but at other times of the wear when
more of the state Indebtedness is paid
the amount In the treasury is very much
smaller, and 1t would be very dangerous
Tor you to make appropriations based on
the maximum amount In the treasury.
You can safely base your appro-
prations only on the minimum amount In
the treasury; 1t does the states credit no
&c cd to be compelled to go out and bor-
row money to meet an expense account
10 make safe annual increased appropria-
tons up to S1,000000 | have discounted
that you will establish method to equal
lie the assessed valuation of property for
taxation and consequent increased tax
returns of the state that | think Will
give the state an Increased assessment Of
$1o.0O0,a0 a year and tax returns from
that amount.
| would suggest therefore, that you
appropriate first for the care of our most
urgent requirements, those which ara
absolutely necessary, and bring the most
lasting benefits and which should not
under any circumstances be put aside or
compromised. The treasury OF the state
can not be lkened to the fruit In an
orchard that Is distant from the watchful
care OF its owner. apparently licensing
any passer to step In and help himself
1t must he under the most watchful care
and guard of the protectors and law
makers of the state, and not necessarily
subject to the promotion of the various
schemes which will be presented to you
We must all remember that these monies
come from taxes levied on the properties
Of the state and should be used not as
liberalities. but for those Just and econom-
ical demands which build up the proper
ties and interests of the state The
tablishlng of new offices and new expense
IL easy, the maintenance of them will be
an additional charge on the properties
Of the state. and should be entered into
Only after the most prudent investfga-
tlon and elaboration.
The states method OF keeping its monies
out of use. hid away in vaults. is akin
to the old system OF putting money In
your stocking hiding 1t away In u
stump. behind jamb, or under the bricks
OF the fireplace. Aside from the danger
of this method II is quite a loss to the
business interest that this monet should
be locked away from the channels OF
trade. And would suggest the enact
ment of a statute authorizing the state
treasurer, with whatever adjuncts OF co.
operation or advice you may deem best.
to deposit this money with the banks
of the state under clear conditions of Sc
curity by depositing with the treasury
state bonds; and also some plan OF COM
petition as to the amount OF interest to
be paid on said deposits, and the method
Of distributing through the state accord
ing to the requirements and best interests
Of the treasury.
The present arrangement governing our
convicts seems to be giving reasonably
humane treatment to the convict and
large revenue to the state, meaning by
humane treatment that consideration COM
mensurate with the nature and condition
of their employment, the state having
changed its policy from attempting to
give the convlcts theehygIenic conditions
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