The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-08-19
Gov. Hall Speaks to the Point.

Gov. Hall Speaks to the Point.
New Orleans, Aug. 16.-Gov. Hall made
the following statement to-day:
1.-The State absolutely needs, above all
else re- arrangement of it's fiscal system
on business basis. The condition that
confronts US is not peculiar to this State.
It exists in as acute degree in the rich
State of Illinois and other States where
practically the same system prevails. Those
who feel an interest in the future welfare,
progress and prosperity OF the State realize
that something must be done.
1.-THE matter of our equalization of as
sessments began to be agitated back in the
administration of Gov. Heard. It received
more serious consid during the ad-
ministration of Gov. Blanchard, when, it
will be remembered, commission was
appointed. During the last State campaign
it was considerably discussed, and every
candidate for Governor was pledged to use
his influence and power to accomplish the
necessary reforms. One of the important
matters mentioned in my 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 instrumentality of the legisla-
ture to secure relief, but every effort has
been defeated as result of the obstructive
tactics of politicians and special interests.
"They offered nothing and made no eff
fort to do anything except to prevent any
thing from being done. They said that the
proper way to accomplish the necessary
change was constitutional convention.
Now they are opposing convention. What
do they offer at this this time? Nothing !!
They merely want for reasons of their own,
the convention defeated.
"Having exhausted every effort to rem
edy the system in some way, have advo-
Gated the calling of this convention, so that
the people through the men specially
chosen by them may do it. | do not con-
slider that my personal or political fortunes
are remotely involved. The only interest
feel, is in securing, if possible, a proper
organic law for the State. The people have
the power to decide. The question, OF
course is entirely with them.
"There are other important matters
, which should and am sure would, receive
J the consideration of the convention. will
not undertake now to go into details.
"Some criticism is made that no one
t knows what the convention will do. This
, is absurd. There is no one authorized te
r formulate a constitution or any plan. Who
t has the right to do it? The people know az
\ much what the convention will do as they
, know what Congress will do when it con
r venes or what the Legislature will do. Blu
f the people have this safeguard, if one b.
9 needed. Ii the constitution is not satisfac
f tory, they can defeat its ratification. VIII,
e then should anyone have any honest mis-
;, apprehension?
b "The political elements opposing tn
: convention, as usual, evolve from thei
q imaginations many reasons why the con
g vention should not be held.
Q "None of them are really worthy of con
s sideration. One of the things charged
: which may be mentioned, is that there
e some scheme behind it all to extend term
It of office. This, of course, if accomplish
e ed, would interfere with the ambition Q
), some of them to hold office. There is moi
: so far as know, the slightest foundatio
it in fact for any such statement. Certainl
/. | have never said or done anything to in
n dictate desire for an extension of term
% if | could obtain an extension of two, c
: even four years, by turning my hand,
n won Id not turn it.
n 81 went into office to serve the people {
Of this State to the best of my ability for fou
l. years. l have. served them unselfshly
Or fulfilling every pledge that made befor
ID the election. When my term Of servic
er will have ended shall have the satisfae
J. ton of knowing that have been faithf,
to the trust and of being able to show
record of accomplishment not surpassed b
any other administration in the history
the State"