The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1908-19??, 1913-01-10

should be absolutely no favoritism
extended, either by the tax laws OF
by the assessing officers "A ioi.s
step towards equalizing OF taxes
could in my opinion be accomplished
nv changing our system so as u
nrovide for the discontinuance OF
the levy of an ad valorem state TAX
and have the state government sup,
ported exclusively by the license ana
franchise taxes. This would remove
the necessity of state uniformity IN
aesossnonts leaving uniformity
necessary only in the counties
Confederate Soldiers and home
The heroism, the bravery, the love
of country and devotion to duty ol
orr Confederate heroes is heritage
of which our state and the south Is
irstlv proud. Every homage and trip-
ute should be paid these veterans by
our state and her people. Ample
provision should be made for the CON
federatc home, and liberal pension
policy followed by the state.
Economy in Government. ,
One of the elementary principles OF
efficient Democratic government Is
that the public business shall be con-
i Quoted with the strictest economy con-
sistent with the public needs and well
fare. feel confident that | can prom,
Use the people, both for myself anu
for those who are to be associated
with me in the state government, that
rigid economy will be followed IN the
conduct of all the business entrusted
to us. | deem it appropriate, howeV-
err. to offer the suggestion that the
greatest portion of the tax burden
whi.h has to be borne by the people OF
Florida consists in the expenditures
made by their county and municipal
governments. Eternal vigilance on
the part Of the people as to all public
disbursements whether state, county
or municipal, will, | am sure, be the
greatest possible preventive OF eX-
travagance, and | earnestly recon-
mend such vigilance on the part OF
tie people of Florida.
Legislative Economy.
More or less extravaganza has al
times been permitted by our legisla-
lures in the employment of large
numbers of unnecessary clerks and
attaches. This should be discontln-
ued. The legislature should, OF
course, have all the clerical assls-
tance required to expedite business;
but the public funds should not be
wasted merely to provide salaries toi
persons whose services are not ac'
tuallv needed, and who will not per
form any actual service further than
signing the payroll.
Conclusion.
It has been my pleasure and gooc
fortune, ladies and gentlemen, to serve
during the last four years as attorney
general in the administration of the
able, clean, honorable and patriotic
governor who is today retiring from
office. Governor Gilchrist, your able
conduct of the office of governor dur
ing the quadrennium ending today re
fleets great credit both upon you ant
; upon the state of Florida. | feel for
} tunate in having been in position t.
observe your many manifestations o.
manliness and moral courage. Yol
retire, sir, with the respect and bes
wishes of the people of your state, ant
I join my fellow citizens in wishing
you a long life full of happiness anc
prosperity
In conclusion, my friends, permi
me to say that am deeply grateful
for both the past and the present op
! portunities afforded me to engage il
II the public service. 1t has offered {
, field of usefulness which | hope ha
borne some fruit. While l have re