The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-02-17

sketch OF the career OF Governor A. II. Roberts in his pres
et official position is the story Of but slightly more than a year
1t is, however, a story chock full OF meat, a year of tireless
activity and, his friends think, a year OF constructive achievement.
As candidate for governor he made a number Of vital prom,
Uses. His success was to him a signal OF the publics approval
and no sooner had he taken over the job than he began to get
busy as the saying is. W.
He detailed his plans to the legislature and secured from the
coordinate branch the passage of a number of desired laws. The
last legislature was the most progressive and constructive body
ever assembled in the capitol.
He selected his appointees from his personal and political
friends on whose loyalty and devotion to duty he could abso-
|lutely rely, and has made them his working machinery and at the
same time his counselors and advisors,
During the year he has seen many OF his plans carried into
execution.
One OF the strongly distinctive acts OF his administration has
been a new system Of taxation laws, based on the constitution
which guarantees equal and exact justice 10 all men and special
PRIVILEGES ia none TO such he has strenuously devoted himself
To raise revenue for the maintenance of the state government is
absolutely essential. Such revenue must come from the people;
it must come from taxation. Such taxation, in justice to all
classes, should be equitable. It should be fair to one and fair
to all. A crying injustice for a long TING has been from the
inequality OF property assessments, and the total failure to assess
many large properties at all
Governor Roberts determined to right such inlustices, and
though criticized in certain quarters, especially by owners who
have been so long exempt from fair taxes because of prominence
or personal pull or Tor whatever reason, he and his assistants have
gone right along doing the right not only as they thought III
As a result there will ultimately come equality in taxation
and a greater supply Of revenue for the maintenance and develop
ment OF the state in all such functions as the times demand.
Further, during the Roberts administration all departments
of the state originally intended to be self-supporung have been
made absolutely so, whereas some Of them had heretofore been
burdens upon the treasury.
In all matters pertaining 10 cuuCdllOH, UelCl hOo dha
longer sessions, it has been a forward administration y
The year has been an era Of highway construction and 81
preparation for more and better highways for the benefit OF the
producers as well as the, consumers OF the state. M
Much attention has been given to the development OF the
valuable but not always resourceful properties OF the state, and
to either putting them upon a paying basis or ~dsposing OF them
to the states best advantage.
The State Board of Administration has been made compact
and been thoroughly efficient and is handling the convicts and
looking to the various other institutions of the state in a thor
oughly business-Gke and efficient manner,
During the present administration Woman Suffrage has been
enacted, 50 far as the legislature under the state constitution could
90. Women who paw taxes. those who work. who have burdens
as is possible, along with men. Next year it is practically assured
the state will take its stand with the ever-growing number OF
states which are supporting the Federal Equal Suffrage amends
There are other matters that have been and are being worked
out. One OF these is the Workmen's Compensation law, which
has for SO many years been promised to the ear" but had never
been given. The new law has the support of employers as we'll
as laborcrs and is the happiest solution possible, because it has.
The Insanity law and the preparation OF a State Home for
the Feeble Minded may also be mentioned.
The story would not be complete unless it told of the tire
less efforts OF the governor in behalf of law enforcement and the
preservation OF order throughout Tennessee. Never have the law
breakers OF the state had a more active and determined enemy. He
to save Tennessee from the mob. So active have been his efforts
and so forceful his appeals that his fame has gone lar abroad and
he has been called to many other states to give impetus and
strength and intelligent direction to a nationwide movement tor
better conditions along the desired lines. He wants no scandal
upon the states iar name during his tenure OF office, or, Tor that
matter, ever thereafter. HIS ambition has been and Is 70 aave
laws respected and a reign OF order between man and man.
Today Tennessee is in good condition is financially on on : sound mdd basis
aIm6 pF' o9 aaF5hg d ire war r ERA and is is now neacd in'e rhs noEt W %oT Ixns q ps ni tas
laung wealth than eyer befo ~ The Tbe + Ta % @gai Who r foday Sn owns a : farm farm
is more firmly intrenched than the feudai barons Of other days, hemmed
IN by m9ats and bridges, high walls and Iampar tsa and served p. by g !.
the n first time in the states history oTn who grows hogs and markets cattle
'. play y" as he p p IS TH%re i is the veg spirit 5p s of Sp ppoSuc tts 1 behind nd all per m
ration to give all announcement and opportunity to labor that it may
harmony, at peace with each other, headed alike for a common goal