The Harrison times., 1912-01-13
GubernatOriaI Joint Debate.
Gov DOnaghey and Attorney General
Norwood Present Their Claims
for the No ninatiOn.

The deep interest felt by our peO-
pie in the gubernatorial campaign
was evidenced Monday by the large
crowd which sat throughout the
noon hour and listened attcntively
to the Joint debate between Gov,
Donaghcy and Attorney General
Norwood
Due to the bad weather, Mr. Nor
wood had remained over Sunday
Iwith friends here, and learning on
his arrival of Mr., Norwood's pres
ence, Gov, Donaghey offered to di-
vide the time of his appointment,
commencing the speaking at II
n, mo instead of . p, m, Both
speakers were in good trim, and,
while their remarks were at times
spirited, both held themselves down
to fair and courteous language
throughout.
Col W. s, Allen was chosen chair
man and introduced the speakers III
his usual impressive style. The
opening speech was made by Gov,
Donaghey, who went at once to his
work Of exposing the rotten condi-
tion Of our last Legislature, and de-
pcclally the Senate, which, he de-
clarcd, had made itself the servant
Of a corrupt organization rather
than Of the people from start TO
finish. lie freely asserted that it
had been governed by "booze and
boodIc' IN all OF its operations and
as q result did little that was not
open to criticism A detailed ac-
count of how seriously this condi-
tion crippled the state government
was then given,
On the whiSkey question the Gov
crnor favored the submission Of q
Statewide measure, First, on the
ground that it is a question the
people are acquainted with and fully
prepared to handle; second because
the legislatures have failed in the
past TO act, even under the obl-
cation Of party pledges; and third,
even if secured by legislative enact
mcnt the liquor interests would
have it referred in order TO postpone
it's enforcement, Re declared that
in iayoring statutory Prohibition,
Gen, Norwood held the position
now most popular with the whiskey
organization,
His defense Of the new tax meas
urc the Turner, Jacobson bill, which
will be submitted 70 the people at
the September election was clear
and exhaustive. For years the best
people and newspapers OF the State
have been urging 4 reform in our
taxing system, it being known that
the big business institutions were
also the big tax dodgers, This bill
has been framed especially to reach
the class, who, being amply able to
pay taxes, have managed TO escape
through means altogether disreput'
able, In closing his argument for
the Turner, jacobson bill the Gov
ernor said with emphasis
"lr this bill becomes n law II will
put the state on Il sound financial
basis, and | will promise the people
in such an event that ! will, iIelected
Governor, lower the States rate Of
taxation from the present rate of
GSH cents on the 500 down to 25c
on the 500, and all local rates pro-
portionatclN before my term of
Office expires On this promise !
stake my honor and business rcpu-
tatim
"BuL if this bill is not approved
by the people, the next Legislature
will be sure 20 increase the rate OF
taxation which will make the al'
ready oyertuSed property now on
the taN books pay still more taxes,
and then the corporations and tax
dodgers will be left where they now
stand, without law to compel
them to pay taxes according to
what they own
Referring to the State capitol he
challenged anyone to controycrt the
statement chat he had fulfilled all Of
his pledges to the people, had made
it one Of the most beautiful aud i'm.
posing structures Of the whole
South, and had it ready for the
meeting Of the last gcncrolaescmbIy,
with the expenditure honestly Of the
least possible amount Of money
He declared IN favor Of the Recall
as q proper measure to accompany.
the Initiative and Referendum; feel
ing confident that q complete rule of
The people is beat in all matters of
government.
AS an evidence Of the rclrcnchmcnt
and economy Of his administration