The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1913-04-18
SPENCER AT TALLAHASSEE

Tallahassee. Fla, April IA, 1913.
To the Editor Ocala Banner:
1t is now exactly a week since the
legislature of Florida convened in it's
biennial session.
You. Of course are aware of the fact
that Marion county was honored by
the election both of the speaker and
the speaker pro tenn, in that Mr.. Far
ris, who was elected speaker unani-
mously. is an old Marion county boy.
Faris has developed into a powerful
man; he is an able speaker, a clear
thinker. and stands for those things
which are for the best interests of
the people of the state of Florida.
| had been promised the chairman
ship of the judiciary or educational
committees. but upon being elected
speaker pro tenn by the house, which
is the next most important and most
honorary position in the house, the
speakership alone excepted, I suggest
ed TO Ir. Farris that these positions
should 90 to other members. Howev-
or, an on a number of the most i'm
portant committees; in fact, every
committee that | desired most to be
on-enough at least to keep me very
busy during the session.
Il was a great victory for the peo-
pie when my anti-lobbying bill pass
ed the house in one day, it being the
first bill to pass the house of repre-
sentatives.
/ l have introduced among other bills
/ relating TO legal matters blue sky
law and bill for the purpose of aid
ing the agricultural and horticultural
( interests of the state Both of these
bills | feel sure will pass the lower
house without much trouble l have
i i'm the course of preparation a consti-
tutional amendment providing for the
home rule OF cities, and a constitu-
tional amendment to abolish the Of
fee Of county treasurer If no one
else introduces constitutional
amendment to raise the salaries OF
the judges of the circuit courts, l
snail also introduce that amendment.
/ have had some requests made to
nee TO vote against the law guaran-
teeiag bank deposits. While I have
TO; read as yet this law. I favor the
general idea expressed therein, and
shall certainly vote for that measure,
/ because | believe that it is a pro
! ercsSiye and democratic measure. and
one designed to protect the people of
4 The state in their deposits and a
neas rethta would not in any way
disparage or affect injuriously the
/ banEing interests of the state.
4 Tomorrow the Stokes bill will be
! presented to the house. more familiar
! ~ known possibly as the mental an
guish bill" This measure will re-
cejye my unqualified support.
am going in consultation with the
railroad commission to attempt to en-
act into law a bill which will pre-
cent unfair freight discrimination be
tween points in the state OF Florida,
Mr. Light has a number OF impor-
taut committee appointments. and is
always on hand to demonstrate the
/ correctness Of his position by faces
and fsures.
There are many strong men at this
session Of the legislature One thing
that is apparent upon the face Of this
+ session is that this is a progressive
assembly OF legislators
have introduced measure abol-
ishing the present convict lease sys-
TEN along the line defined by Govern
or Park Trammell, which measure I
/ think viii be reported favorably by
the house committee. Mr.. Light has
/ introduced a measure somewhat diff
ferent from my measure along the
lines defined by Commissioner Nc
Rae am anticipating an interest
ing fight upon the floor of the house
4 in regard TO these measures.
Any person from Marion county
who desires a daily copy of the Jour
nal can secure one by writing me and
informing me that he desires one, and
will be glad to have one sent to him.
Yours truly,
EDWIN SPENCER, JR.
A Bill to EquaIize Freight Rates
The following telegram was receiv-
ed from Mr.. Spencer last night: