The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-01-07

ZeH icciS pTOuu VI MS country ant
hopeful for its destiny; but when w
look behind all of these evidence,
OF the magnificence and grandeur
of State and nation, we find the citi
zen to be the foundation of good gov
eminent, the architect and builder
O. all our material wealth.
Some months ago visitel our ma.
! tional capital. AS called in the
various departments and behel,
their magnitude, splendOr and mag.
pificence, | was thrilled with pride
end inspired with even greater love
for my country. | was impressed
with the tremendous powers assem-
! bed there, with the great RESPONSE
Utilities there centered-the nations
president, it's Congress, its courts
, its navy, its army and its gathered
treasure; and as | meditated upon
all of these evidences of my coun-
hy's greatness and the wealth there
represented, thought for a time
that the very prosperity and the des-
tiny of the American people found
Judgement in those headquarters OF
cur great government. But, my
friends. a little later, in my own
State it was my good fortune to visit
for a night in the home of one of
my country friends. His was a mod
est simple house, sheltered by great
trees and encircled by field and by
grove, rich in harvest and laden
t,ith fruit of golden hue. The next
Gay, as journeyed homeward,
found myself absorbed in meditation
upon the vivid picture my country's
capital presented but a few weeks
Lefore. and upon the impress and the
Inspirations gathered in the home OF
my country friend; and, as thought
Of the happiness that prevailed in
that home, of the nobility of purpose
that pervaded it's occupants, of the
Influence of that stalwart citizen in
his community and his part, as wei,
as that of every citizen, in shaping
the destiny of the nation, the glitter
inc picture OF our capital. its splen
cor and its treasure faded from my
mind. and | said surely here, here,
IN the homes of the people is lodged
the destiny of my country is
found its majesty and strength
here is the beginning of its power
end the end of its responsibilities.
The Florida Legislature will meet
here in regular session three months
hence. The governor is directed by
the constitution to communicate to
that body information concerning
the condition of the State and rec
ommend such measures as he may
deem eXpedient. Details as to the
public policies which are contem-
plated to be followed can more APP
prOpriately be discussed in the mes
sage to the Legislature than upon
this occasion; therefore | will not
now occupy your attention at length
upon the question of specific poll
cies. made certain campaign
Pledges as to principles, and ! as
sure you that shall live up to those
promises, and shall further endeav-
or, as far as is within my power, to
inaugurate all other policies which
il Is felt will contribute to popular
government and be for the good of
the State.
As some of the essential parts of
the program which | have in mind
the following may be mentioned
Election Laws and Campaign Ex.
penses.
The primary and general election
laws should be so perfected that all
opportunity for fraud and trckery
in elections shall be removed and
campaign expenses reduced to the
rainimum. believe ninety-nine per
cent of the people of this State are
heartily in accord with the idea that
the man and not the dollar should
triumph, and will welcome for all
time to come law that will stamp
cut the idea. entertained by few.
that public Office is chattel to be
sold at--public cutlery to the highest
bidder.
Public School Advancement.
Florida is well advanced in it's
public school system. yet our pres
ent day progress calls for its fur
Their improvement, and | shall advo-
cate the raising of the standard of
our common schools In these prac.