Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-03
Georgfa's Ne1p Administration

the threshold OF MS
The Journal wishes Governor Dorsey an ADMINS.
tration filled with usefulness, and assures MIN VI
its support in all that he may undertake Tor the
honor and upbuiIding of the Commonwealth
He assumes his high responsibilities at a time
of Tremendous moment to the State as well as 10
the Nation The world war in which America Is
engaged touches every region, every interest e'elS
citizen of our common country 1t is Georgias
war in Just as direct and vital sense as 1t is the
war of the United States; and Georgias oollgauon
to play loyal and effective part is just as impera-
tive as that resting upon the Government at WASH
ington- .
The surest way TO fulfill this high obligation is
IN conduct our own affairs efficiently possible
and 10 press to the the productive power OF
our own resources. This, We take 1t. will be the
chief aim of Governor Dorsey and Of all statehouse
officials together with the members OF the General
Assembly. The ideal is simple and clear but TO
translate it practical policies and definite re-
suits calls for self-torgetting craftsmanship on the
part of those IN authority and for spirit OF gen
erous. patriotic cooperation on the part Of all
the people
The views expressed by Governor Dorsey in his
inaugural address are in keeping with this spirit
and these needs. His recommendation that
State Council of Defense be instituted by legisla-
tive enactment to cooperate with the Council OF
Naional Defense should be carried promptly into
effect: and there VIII be instant response OIL
course, to his suggestion that;
Our great Democratic President, upon
whom unusual and difficult problems bear
heavily at this hour. deserves from Georgia's
representatives in her General Assembly in
dorsement for HIS patriotic devotion to those
principles symbolized by the flag of our com
mon country"
On the subject OF administrative and legisla-
tive efficiency, the Governors recommendations
are particularly we'll advised He urges that the
Tax Equalization law be not repealed but be
strengthened and perfected, with view TO max
ing il more equitable and more serviceable to the
common interests. He recommends the adoption
of budget system Of appropriations and the estab-
IshmeRt of efficiency commission to be COM
posed of the Governor, the Comptroller General,
the Attorney General, the Treasurer and State
auditor. These two improvements alone, if car
RED consistently forward. will be of incalculabe
benefit to the State. He emphasizes the long-felt
need of relieving the General Assembly of the cum
bersome mass of purely local legislation that
sumes so much OF its time at the sacrifice of far
broader and more important interests. He advises
prompt compliance with the requirements of the
federal Vocational Educational act in order that
Georgia may receive its due share of the funds to
be allotted under that law. He asks that effectuaI
steps be taken to furnish free school books in
Georgia and he stresses the need for a Statewide
system of local county taxation to supplement the
Legislative appropriation for the upkeep and i'm
provement Of public schools. The last mentioned
item is peculiarly important, for without fairer
measure of local support rural schools. on
which the State largely depends for progress
and upbuilding. cannot as they should.
These and other constructive suggestions in the
Governors inaugural address constitute a program
of helpful legislation to which the people and the
General Assembly should give earnest thought and
favorable action.
Pledging support to all helpful policies that
he may advance we extend to Governor Dor
sey, to President Olive, Of the Senate, to Speaker
Holder, Of the House, and to all their co-workers
in the tasks OF State. sincere wish that their
record may be honor to themselves and boun-
tiful service to the Commonwealth.