The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-06-09
MANY GOOD MEASURES
Passed at the Recent Session of the
Legislature, Says Speaker
FaPriS

Tallahassee, June 8.-Before de-
parting for his home in Jacksonville,
Speaker Ion L. Farris made the fol-
lowing statement as TO the work Of
the recent session:
| believe the passage of the bill
providing for the issue of $6,000,000
of bonds for the carrying on of the
drainage operations will result in
more real benefit to the state than
anything else that has been done,
for the reason that it will have a
tendency to restore public confidence
throughout the nation. in this great
project.
Il am also proud of the general
revenue bill, which will bring to the
state about 500, 900 a year increase
in revenue and it is the first measure
of this kind that has been enacted
into law since 1907. Controller Knott
says that it is the best revenue bill
that Florida has ever had.
Il am of the opinion that the
passage of the tax commission bill
will result in good to the state, and
will eventually bring about an equal
as this can be done.
Il am proud of the record the
House has made in the handling of
the convict lease question After
=
of all bills introduced the House by
an overwehlming majority passed
the Governor Trammell bill, which
was slaughtered in the Senate. The
one under which the lease system can
be abolished if the county commits
sioners of each county elect to use
the state convicts in road building
Under this law, the middle man, or
broker, is eliminated, and the con-
Victs will be more humanely treated
than they have been under the old
system. l am still of the opinion
that the governors message offered
the best solution of the problem, but
the bill passed is long step in the
right direction.
THAT the House was a body truly
representing the people is evidenced
by the fact that the initiative and
referendum and recall including the
judiciary was passed by almost
| unanimous vote. These measures
were never considered by the Senate.
.''The House also passed the pro-
posed constitutional amendment pro-
viding for the popular election of
circuit judges and state attorneys.
These measures died in the Senate.
The House has to it's credit the
passagoe of joint resolution propos-
| ing a constitutional amendment giy-
ing all municipalities in the state
full power and authority to amend
and create charters at home. If the
Senate had acted favorably upon this
measure the legislature would have
| been relieved of one of its greatest
burdens in the future and the rights
of the people in every municipality
would have been absolutely safe
guarded against the encroachment
| of special interests.
Another measure of vital import
ance to the people in the bill increas-
ing the powers of the railroad COM
mission enacted at this session after
struggle of six years. In addition
to this bill, which is one of the most
comprehensive of any law of the kind
in any state, the railroad commits
sion was authorized to audit the
books and accounts of the railroad
companies.
The passage of the primary cleo
tion law prepared by Senator Bryan
is worth the entire cost of this ses-
sion of the legislature. This law is
superior to that of any primary law
of any other state. Under it cam
paign expenses have been reduced to
the minimum and corruption almost
completely eliminated. l think the
Legislature is also entitled to great
credit for the passage of the corrupt
practices act prepared by Gov. Tram
NELL. This is a splendid measure
The effect of these two bills will be
to enable poor man to run for of.
fee with some hope of election.
i This legislature has also passed a
good child labor law as well as other
measures for the welfare of child.
rem.
! 1t is. impossible for me tc
enumerate all of the good laws that
have been enacted, but the forego,
ing enactments are a sufficient
justification for this legislature. Nc
Legislature in fifty years has done sc
much for the good of the people as
this legislature has. l am proud OF
the work done by the House, and the
lpeople of Florida ought to be grateful
for what has been accomplished. .
IANUSCRTPT COVERS