The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1914-04-05
John B. Jones Issues
Statement on Issues

County.
The progress of our state and
county since the adoption Of the con-
stitution of 1885 Justifies the belief that
the most optimistic cannot foretell the
greater progress and prosperity which
viii follow a systematic revision OF
ct > few new laws in conformity with
III, pirit of the times.
l. - my ambition TO participate in
TIA progressive work as representa-
tive Of Escambia county, in the state
senate.
In soliciting your votes ! deem it
your right to know, and my duty to
inform you OF, my political principles,
and my views as to all public ques-
4ions.
Jefferson's declaration of the prin-
ciples and purposes of our government
is the creed of my political faith,
and l cheerfully and unreservedty
publish the following statement of my
convictions and views as to some of
the more important questions which
arc now being most prominently dis
cussed, and which will test the charac
ter of your representatives in the next
Legislature:
] am a firm believer in, and shall
ardently advocate, local self govern
ment which will secure to the people
of our towns cities and counties,
greater freedom to regulate their To-
cal affairs.
Special and local legislation by the
legislature in the past has been the
cause of great extravaganza, and in
justice. and should be INDUCED in
sparingly. / believe in the rigid en-
forcement of the Statutory provisions
of the constitution requiring notice
of intention to apply for the passage
of special or local bills to be pub
lished for sixty days prior to the in
production into the legislature Of any
such bill
Very many of the special or local
acts passed by the legislature may be
termed police regulations which the
general laws should empower cities
and counties to make for themselves.
Reforms are needed in our judicial
system to the end that all court pro-
ceedingS shall be made as simple as
Possible and that there may be more
certainty and less expense and delay
in the administration of justice.
As the absolute acquiescence in the
decisions of the majority is a vital
principle of our system of govern
ment there should be no uncertainty
pressed in any election, and laws
should be passed which may be mes
essarY to secure a free ballot and an
honest count in all elections.
Schools and Roads.
have witnessed with patriotic |
pride the great improvements In our
public schools which have been made |
since l attended them in my boyhood |
days. They constitute one of our |
greatest assets, but much remains
vet to be done to give the children |
of the county. especially those resid |
ing outside the city, the advantages
for education to which they are en-
titled and the welfare of the state
and, if you elect me as state
i hope to render creditable
service in aiding the passage of laws
which will enlarge, extend and further
improve our system of public educa-
ton.
We should establish q, state system
for the construction of good roads and /
bridges. which would APP
portion the cost between the state and
and for the payment of
which long term bonds should be is
sued so as to fairly distribute and
tighten the burden of taxation.
The condition and future welfare of
the laboring classes of our people de-
mand careful and humane considera-
ton, and, for the promotion of the
general welfare, laws should be en-
acted similar to those in the most pro-
gressive states. to improve the condi-
ton of the laboring people and to
protect them in the full enjoyment of
all their rights, and to aid in the ac
OF this. | believe in the
es establishment of an industrial welfare
for the purpose of max
Ing Investigations and recommending
legislation relative thereto; but this
should not prevent any immediate
legislation which may be
necessary.
Taxation.
Taxation is problem that has baf- {
He'd the wiSeSt and ableSt statesmen
Of our country. Some of the oldest of
our states are still trying to obtain I
l system for an equitable and just
assessment and an honest collection I
" taxes. Younger and more pro- /
gressive states, profiting by the eX- l
"a n
nave adopted better tax laws, and s
here Is no reason why Florida should /
rot do likewise. The system of tax
Ltion recently adopted by the state
mann ~n 6