The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1915-08-19

NOuc6 Cn2C II is proposed now, IN
the General Assembly, to tax soft
drinks, provided they shall put the
Tear-beeries, locker clubs and bar
rooms out Of business, in order to
make up the deficiency in the States
revenue that would not be forthcom-
ms were the aforesaid liquor shops
Knocked out.
| do not run q cold drink stand,
and seldom buy cold drinks; but /
do take the position that the pro-
prietors are already taxed enough,
and should he let alone. And / take
the further position, that soft drinks
go a long way toward solving the
liquor question in our State, for
folks are just going to drink some
thing, anyway.
1t occurs to me that the present
Assembly could immortalize them
selves, and get much glory, by refus-
ing to create additional Offices, and
~ refusing to vote larger salaries to
those who now hold Office.
If I know my own heart, I am a
friend to the common people of Geor-
STA, one Of whom l am; and l most
respectfully submit that the time has
cblo to bear the burdens of taxation,
should be entitled to recognition at
The hands Of the laW-making body Of
our State.
1t costs the State of Georgia about
seventy thousand dollars per year for
the Legislature to hold a session of
fifty days, and what good is accom-
plished? Why do not the common
people,. upon whom the burden of
so great an expenditure falls most
heavily, rise in their might, and de-
mand that the law be changed so that
they would meet only once in four
years? Why do not the common
people demand that instead of them
having an hours session each day,
that they be required to spend eight
hours each day in legislating for the
dear taX-rdden people? Are legisla-
tors any better than ordinary folks
made out Of the same material? 1t
is a well known fact that if the Gen
eral Assembly would get down to
work, and spend even four hours per
(3y in their official capacity, they
could do all the work they do and
adjourn within twenty days from the
opening day. The employees of
ranks, stores, farmers and others
work from seven to ten hours per
Gay for far less wages than the
WAGES given our lawmakers. The
telling farmer feeds US ell; he can
scarcely pay the taxes now levied
upon him. Why not have some re-
form along these lines, and ease his
burden? No wonder the States tax
levy must be mills! But to my
mind the greatest wonder is that the
PEOPLE have for all these years stood
for it.
Referring again to the beer and
liquor question, I just wish to sey,
that the way I view the situation, the
prohibition, or so-called prohibition,
law in Georgia, is one of the most
palpable frauds and farces that has
ever disgraced any State. The idea
Of having a prohibition law, and then
permitting locker clubs Ito say moth
ing Of beeries) to sell liquid damna-
ton to any and ali corners! Why,
even preacher could go there and
buy it, if he desired to do so. Cen
tlemen Of the Legislature give us
absolute prohibition, so the whole
hog, or fix the law so that folks
across the Georgia line cannot point
to us and say. "They have a prohibit
tion law on their statute books, but
it's the biggest kind Of q farce!"
Now. word or two as to compul-
sorry education in Georgia.
Gentlemen Of the Legislature, for