The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-08-28
GOV. HALL SPEAKS TO THE POINT

system on business basis. The condi
ton that confronts us is not peculiar
to this State. 1t exists in as acute
degree in the rich State of Illinois anG
other states where practically the anne
system prevails. Those who feel an
interest in the future welfare, progress
and prosperity of the State realize that
something must be done.
THE matter of our equalization OF
assessments began to be agitated back
in the administration of Gov. Heard
1t received more serious consideration
during the administration of Governor
Blanchard, when, it will be remember
ed, a commission was appointed. Dur
ing the last State campaign it was con-
siderably discussed, and every candi-
date for Governor was pledged to use
his influence and power to accomplish
the necessary reforms. One of the
AAAPcA t1At AaottSta MSHtiOaSa LII uy
inaugural address was the need of a
revision Of our system of assessment
and taxation.
so, the matter is not a new one, and
the system existing to-day was not
brought about by any condition that
has recently arisen. have made every
honest endeavor through the instru-
mentality of the legislature to secure
relief, but every effort has been defeat
ed as a result Of the obstructive tactics
of politicians and special interests.
They offered nothing and made no
effort to do anything except to prevent
anything from being done. They said
that the proper way to accomplish the
necessary change was constitutional
convention. Now they are opposing a
convention. What do they offer at
this time? Nothing! They merely
want for reasons of their own, the
convention defeated.
Having exhausted every effort to
remedy the system in some way, |
have advocated the calling of this
convention, so that the people, through
the men specially chosen by them, may
do it. do not consider that my per-
sonal or political fortunes are remotely
involved. The only interest / feel Is
in securing, if possible, proper or
ganic law for the State. The people
have the power to decide. The ques-
ton, of course, is entirely with them.
There are other important matters
which should, and / am sure would,
receive the consideration of the con-
vention. / will unit undertake now to
go into details.
Some criticism is mdae that no one
knows what the convention will do.
This is absurd. There is no one au-
thorized to formulate constitution on
any plan. Who has the right to do it?
The people know as much what the
convention will do as they know what
Congress will do when it convenes or
what the Legislature will do. But the
people have this safeguard, if one be
needed: II the constitution is not salts
factory, they can defeat it's ratification.
Why then should any one have any
honest misapprehension?
1.-The political elements opposing the
as usual. evolve from their
many reasons why the
should not befheld.
None of them are really worthy of
consideration. One Of the things charg-
ed, which may be mentioned, is that
there is some scheme behind 1t all to
extend terms of Office. This, of course,
if accomplished, would interfere with
the ambition Of some of them to hold
office. There is not so far as | know,
the slightest foundation, in fact, for
any such statement. Certainly ] have
never said or done anything to indicate
a desire for an extension of term; if |
could obtain an extension of two, or
even four years, by turning my hand,
! would not turn it.
Invent into Office to serve the people
Of this State to the best of my ability
for four years. | have served them
unselfshly, fulfilling every pledge that
made before the election. When my
term of service will have ended shall
have the satisfaction of knowing that
! have been faithful to the trust and of
being able to show a record of accom-
plishment not surpassed by any other
administration In the history of the
State"
Judge no candidate for Office by what
he saws now Tudpe him nv hie rooord