Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-03
URGES REFORMS
IN STATE FINANCES
TO SECURE ECONOMY
Declares Tax Equalization
Law Should Be Strengthen
ed, Invisible Property Un-
covered, Auditor Created

Governor Hugh NJ. Dorsey delivered
his inaugural address Saturday before
The house Of representatives and the
state senate in joint session. which was
attended by many spectators in the gal
Iery and on the floor. The address was
brief, straight TO the point. and showed
a grasp Of the important problems con-
fronting the state government 1t fol-
lows in full:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the
General Assembly:
The sovereign people Of our common
wealth. BY the free expression of their
will, have accorded ME the privilege
and honor of serving for the ensuing
two years as chief executive of Geor-
gia, and the oath 10 which l have Just
subscribed clothes me with the great
and responsible duties OF the chief mag
istracy.
The one quality of administration de-
manded by this oath and expected by
the people is fidelity-that l shall
faithfully execute the office and 10 the
best Of my ability, preserve. protect and
defend the constitution OF our state and
of the United States OF America
While many will undoubtedly disap-
prove Of much that is done by any
executive, yet universal condemnation
will always follow a betrayal Of trust,
where honest mistakes would be con-
doned. That mistakes will be made is
certain. That sincere and honest ef-
fort. however, will be appreciated.
though not always approved, is as GER
tain and sure as that OpprObrium will
follow him who proves recreant.
The duties OF this high Office are
not always easily performed; indeed.
are often Onerous- They are varied, and
in the discharge Of the functions Of this
responsible position il not infrequently
happens that the conduct of your eX-
ecutive affects for veal or woe the
people OF this great empire
Approaching the great honor. fully
conscious Of the responsibilities, 1 un-
dertake the duties devOlving upon me
with a fixed determination to render
the people of this state the most effi-
cient and faithful service OF which 1
am capable.
/ conceive this an OppOrtune time TO
discuss briefly and in a general way
some OF the problems that you and 1
are TO consider. l purpose at an early
date to transmit TO your bodies a mes
sage. in which 1 shall amplify and en-
large my views as TO the several mat
ters of which 1 deem IL profitable TO
speak today. and in which l shall dis
cuss other important matters for the
consideration of which this occasion is
not deemed opportune.
l realize that there are many MEM
bers in your bodies more familiar with
state problems than 1 who have had
heretofore no official opportunity for
first-hand observation; but 1 shall ex-
press frankly the convictions which 1
entertain concerning all matters to
which / refer, knowing that you will
accord my views such consideration as
they may deserve, but will rely, as the
constitution and our laws contemplate,
upon your own experience and wisdom
10 guide you Alright
RELIES on COOPERATION
or THE LEGIsLATURE.
l hardly need to assure you that IL
will be my pleasure. as il is my oath
bound duty, on every occasion and in
every matter where the welfare of our
state and it's people is concerned, to
cooperate heartily with you to the full
lest extent Of my ability, and 1 assure
you l shall confidently expect at all
times your complete cooperation.
There are important problems de-
handing immediate attention and cor
rect solution at your hands. and call
ing for the exercise Of both patriotism
and ability.
To maintain the state government and
make appropriations necessary for i'm
. provements and progress requires rev.
enue, which must come from taxation
the most complex, intricate and per-
picking problem with which you will
be confronted, and one in which ev-
cry person is directly interested.
The tax equalization law of 1913 is
not perfect and injustice. no doubt. fire.
quently results in it's administration.
But / should greatly regret TO see it
repealed unless a better one IS substi-
tuted therefor.
This law, IL occurs to me. should be
strengthened and perfected No scien-
tific and absolutely equitable scheme of
taxation is susceptible of attainment
except II be built up through expe-
rience.
Unfortunately. invisible property. un-