Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-28
TAX REVISION IS
SLATON' 3 PLEA
IN MESSAGE
New Governor Also Urges Change
in Criminal Code, AboIishing
Defendants Statement.
Continued From Page I.

SASS. 900 which falls due in May and
July. 1918.
II refunding bonds were issued in
1915. making the FIRST 500 900 fall due
IN 1895. then the sinking fund could be
made 20 run continuously and retire
each year, until paid. 800 600 Of this
series OF 1915 refunding bonds.
This plan would seem advisable IN
order TO relieve the treasury and the
people Of the increased burden at TINS
time. unless financial conditions at the
time Of the sale Of the bonds should de-
mand that their redemption begin az an
earlier period in order 10 etIeciutAte
their more satisfactory disposition.
Leading bond men in financial cen
tiers have stated that II they we're Ger
tined BY some responsible trust com
pany, thus assuring their genuineneHs'
and guarding against their being coun-
terfeited. and II their validity were ap-
proved BY attorneys who are specialists
In this line, the expense would be more
than repaid in the price that could be
obtained Certainly no safer invest
ment can be afforded than these bonds.
recommend that through your ap-
propriate committees you consider at
once the matter Of refunding the states
Indebtedness above referred 10
Registration OF Voters.
We believe the present registra-
ton law should be so amended that
when a voter has once proven his
uuuAlUChlAuh
being enrolled, he shall remain
registered voter unless disqualified
for cause due 10 himself
The foregoing extract from the last
platform upon which l was elected, eX-
presses a principle which deserves uni
versal acceptance Il contemplates no
change Of the constitution which pro-
vides for the qualification Of the voter
The farmers of neighborhood have
duly registered. but the succeeding year
when busy with their crops they can
not send their taxes TO the collector by
some neighbor going 10 town, except on
penalty Of being disfranchised.
The travelling men who have regis
tered one year can not send their re-
mittance the next year to the proper
officer. and so II Is with men In every
calling who perform civic duties ana
who have overlooked the last day Of
registration, or have been prevented
from registering anew by compelling
reasons. The. professional politician
recommend that the present regis
tration law he amended to correct the
injustice indicated II would always be
provided that the voter must have paid
his taxes and not subjected himself TO
any OF the disqualifcations provided by
law.
Highways.
II is needless TO Impress upon you the
importance Of our highways Their
value is an asset Of the entire State.
An intelligent Highway Commission or
Commissioner. clothed with proper au =
thority could be the means Of untold
benefit in suggesting proper methods OF
building the road adapted to the local
ity or In solving Che problems OF engi-
neering which might arise In various
sections
call your attention 20 the Western
and Atlantic RAILROAD, the lease Of
which terminates in 1919 No one, | ap-
prehend. would or should consider MS
sale. but the problem OF its disposition
should be considered by a commission
with directions TO report its recon-
mendations and it's reasons therefor.
To delay this matter win mean TO
put the state at the inexcusaele dis
advantage Of unpreparedness when the
time arrives for imperative action.
The Criminal Code.
One Of the fundamental purposes Of
government Ia the protection OF life
and safety OF the citizen. II the rules
Of evidence are so shaped as to pre-
vent the discovery Of the truth, and u
sitting the facts, the Judges and juries
are not to be blamed II crimes are al
lowed TO 60 unpublished.
II Is an anomaly that defendant
Ehouit take the stand, make any state
ment that he sees At or that his shrewd
lawyer has prepared. and being immune
from cross examination. demand that
the Judge shall charge the jury that
ghey may accept his unsworn state
ment in preference 20 all the evidence
in the case
His carefully written statement may
contain all manner OF prejudiced asser-
tons which constitute no defense. but
the state is not allowed to disprove or
TO question them, The jury Is by law ip-
structed that they may consider them.
Without introducing evidence, in order
that his attorney may make the last
speech he declares that he can prove
assertions by various witnesses, often
diTeputahle men, and challenges the
Solicitor General to introduce them. Thts
can not be done because the State can
not vouch for their character.
l. therefore, recommend that law be
passed nbulishing the defendants state
ment. and providing in its place that
he be sworn as a witness. II he desires
but his failure TO be so sworn be not
subject TO adverse comment by prose-
cutting counsel This Is in accordance
with current Federal and State law.
The legislation in Georgia against car
rying concealed weapons has in recent
years been conspicuous II has bea1
suggested by the law Of self preserva-
ton Daily we read OF men who have
shot others. and have been acquitted
on the old statement that the deceased
threw his hand on his hip pocket and
the defendant shot IN fear Of his life
When searched, the dead man was found
generally unarmed.
II the carrying Of concealed weapons
were made a felony. subject to be re-
duced TO misdemeanor by either Judge
or jury. the deterrent effect Of such a
law would be the saving OF many d
life. / earnestly recommend to YOU
the consideration Of this question
Banking Laws.
The banks Of q state perform public