The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1908-19??, 1913-04-11

an indefinite period | wou suggesl
the enactment of law requiring that
all officers collecting public funds pay
the same t. the proper officer within
ten days after the first day of the
month next succeeding the month of
receiving the same, with the penalty
OF removal for a failure to comply
with the law.
Prohibition Insurance Combines.
There is considerable complaint that
life and fire insurance is excessively
nigh. 1t is also apparent that the
insurance companies have some
mutual understanding in the matter
OF liking rates. | would, therefore,
suggest law that would make 1t
unlawful for two or more insurance
companies doing business in this
state, or for officers, agents or en-
ployees of such companies, to make
or enter into any combination or ar
rangement relating to the rates to
be charged for insurance, the amount
of commission to be allowed agents
for procuring the same, or the manner
of transacting such business within
this state.
Reform Civil Court Procedure.
The court procedure in this state
has become more or less a..tt:quatcd
and out of balance with the present
day thought and progressive spirit
of the times. There is need for re-
form in the law and rules which gov
em the proceedings in our courts.
Florida has as honorable, able and
efficient judiciary as any state in the.
Union. The fault is not with the
Judiciary, but with the law and rules
by which our courts are guided. Under
our present system it is impossible to
force a trial in a civil case in less than
six to twelve months. Every kind of
technical dodge that will cause delay
is permitted. The law should be so
changed as to expedite and hasten
trial. A .litigant should be able to
get hearing on his case within one
to two months after suit is instituted.
The pleadings should be simplified and
technicalities eliminated in all of the
courts. The time allowed for entering
and perfecting appeals should be
shortened With change of our law
along these lines much will be ac-
complished toward giving to our citi-
zens justice without unreasonable de- |
lays and without excessive cost.
Reform Criminal Procedure.
Our laws relative to indictments
and informations in criminal cases
should be so reformed as to make |
more simple the complaints against
alleged offenders. These proceedings
are now SO technical that often the
guilty escape punishment.
| would recommend a law prescrib-
ing and setting forth a simple form
of indictments and informations APP
plicable to the most frequent crimes.
Require Bond in Garnishment.
The garnishment law should be so
amended as to require a bond from
the person instituting garnishment
proceedings, the same as is required |
IN attachment proceedings.
TOrrens System of Land Titles.
What is commonly referred to as
the Torrens system of land titles
has proved very satisfactory in a
number of states. | recommend that |
you investigate this system and take
the necessary steps looking to such
adoption of it as will at least permit
those who desire, to have such record
and abstract made of their property.
Supreme Courts Opinion, Certain
Constitutional Questions.
A measure should be pr ssed author
izing the governor, the legislature or
the attorney general, in matters of |
great public moment, to submit to the
supreme court of the state, questions
for decision, in which constitutional
points are involved. At present the
governor only may request the SUI
preme court to give an advisory opin-
ion upon its Interpretation of the con-
stitution upon questions affecting the
constitutional powers and duties of |
the executive only.
This authority would doubtless be
seldom exercised; however, at times
it would be best for the state if such |
power existed. AS an illustration, we
may take the question of the consti-
tutional authority of cities to issue
bonds for such purposes. For at least
ten years there was diversity of |
opinion as to whether or not such |
authority existed. Long ago it should |
have been adjudicated, yet this i'm
portant public question remained I'M
settled until some tow years ago when
brought to the supreme court in
private suit instituted against a city.
With law as | recommend this
question could have been settled when |
first raised.
Conclusion.
| submit this message fully realizing
the great responsibility assumed with
my oath of Office; but in submitting it
also do so with an earnest desire to
cooperate with you in all efforts
which look to the welfare, prosperity
and happiness of the people of Flor
ida. believe each of you today I'M
dertakes the esponsibilities and du-
ties required of you, as lawmakers,
with a firm resolution to SO legislate
as to promote the well-being of the
With the determination that we |
should be true and loyal to our state
and her citizenship as our guide, the
legislature of 1913 can accomplish
much in promoting the welfare of |
Florida. have an abiding confidence
that you will each endeavor to fully
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