Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-05-19
FLORIDA CONVICT LAWS
TO Be REVOLUT|ONIZED
House Passes Angle Bill Abol-
iShing Convict Lease Sys-
tenn by Overwhelming Vote

Especial Dispatch 10 The JournaL)
TALLAHASSEE. Fla, May is.-By the
overwhelming vote of A to IS. the house
of representatives of the Florida general
assembly today passed the measure
known as the Angle bill which puts
an end forever TO the leasing OF con-
victs in the state.
When the news OF the passage Of the
Angle measure by the house became
known the greatest satisfaction and
qualification was expressed by advocates
of the adjustment of the convict sla-
very system"
Within the next two days the bill win
be taken up by the senate, and 1t is prac-
tically certain that it will be passed by
that body without even an. attempt at
determined opposition. Following the
ratification Of the action of the house
by the senate, the bill will go to the
governor for his signature, and will
thereupon become law.
For many months the advocates of
good roads in Florida have been actively
at work pushing the passage Of the
Angle bill, which Is designed to put an
end to the convict lease system in Flor
ida
The supporters of the measure just
passed by the house say that they viii
be able to put hQto operation a system
similar to that now prevailing in Geor-
gia, and modelled upon it. The campaign
for better highways in Florida is being
actively conducted by many of the most
progressive citizens of the state, ana the
adjustment of the convict lease sys-
tenn as contemplated in the Angle bill is
regarded by them as a direct and tan
gibIe triumph of the greatest worth.
Prior to the passage OF the measure
spirited discussion of its merits. and
those of the prevailing lease system was
INDUCED in by members of the house.
During this discussion. which at times
became heated to- the boiling point, At
lsnta came in for her share Of praise
and censure. Representative Wells, of
Leon. attempted to justify the lease sys-
tenn by attacking the motive prompting
Atlantians of established standing in adj
vocating the measure looking to the
bettermcnt OF roads in Florida. Said Mr..
Wells:
Georgia, or Atlanta. is the distribut-
ing point of the automobile interests
blame them. They should be glad to see
the abolition of the convict system and
put them on the building roads. That
is the explanation that Representative
Wells, of Leon, gave, verbatim, NOT
word put IN nor one left out.
shortly after Representative Wells
took his seat the committee rose ana
the house convened again with Repre-
sentative McWilliams holding the floor.
He said:
you can pass the Ten Commandments
and enact them into law and the board
OF state institutions could prescribe them
in their rules and regulations. but they
are not self-enforcfng and not self
acting
II say here now and take great pleas
ure in saying II, that l would abolish
any system that would permit condi-
ton like that of Willie O'Quinn. sys-
tenn that makes that possible.
1.-THE gentleman from Marion says the
people Of Florida would object to the
cost OF the keep of their criminals. There
isn't a state in the union that doesn't
keen her convicts in penitentiaries and
the people are taxed TO keep them there.
Dld you yer har any OBJECTION to 1t? No.
Mr.. Speaker, this lease system has got
to go.
1T may not have the honor to be a
member of this house when 1t goes but
others will be coming here who will erads
icate this system, who win put II out
forever"
Following the discussion the house took
a recess for lunch. returning to vote.
The measure abolishing the lease system
was passed on the first ballot, II to lS-