The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-09-28
THE BIRMINGHAM AGEHERALD TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28 1920

enue to meet them. This is contrary to every principle of sound financi2l policy. It violates the first and chief principles that underlie the budget sys- tenn, which you adopted with such fine effect
 With the expected revenue from an in- come tax included, in the revenue budget, which unfortunately has been lost, ap- propriations made at the regular session did not exceed the revenue budget. But with the loss of income taxes taken into account the pending appropriations will run the total far above it. Right nere it should be remembered that the ap- propriations for the next fiscal year, be- ginning october 1, 1920, aggregate $1.00O,- 000 more than those of the present fiscal year, ending September 30, 1920.
 FEARS MISAPPREHENSION
 Tt is also~well to remember that fn- creased revenue from ad valorem taxes resulting from increased taxes will not take care of these increased appropria- tions. l fear there is misapprehension existing as to this, which is responsible for the disposition of the legislature to look with favor on appropriation bills No positive assurance can be given that the contingent appropriations already made can be released. We will be for tunate if the condition of the treasury warrants release. These contingent funds will be available only as the result of the most economical and efficient conduct of every department of the government.
 ''The passage and approval of addi- tional appropriation bills would enevitably bring embarrassment to our financial condition, which happily, has recently become quite satisfactory. It is true that
 in my message at the beginning of this session I recommended some approprla- tions to meet emergencies in which the i of 4l,n tata the enforcement of law and order are deeply concerned, but there was no in- tention of opening the flood gates. rfg- ured as closely as possible what amount might safely be anticipated and recom- mended the passage of bills conforming to the estimate which does not exceed $100,o00. I also suggested a contingent appropriation of $500 900 for institutions or higher learning. l note an amendment 10 the bill transferring s15o,Ooo of the amount to common schools. It seems to have authorized a contingent appropriation of $1 ,000000 for common schools and that there is an expected increase of N,5oO- = 900 per year for common schools (state and county funds) to come from in- creased ad valorem taxes and poll taxes.
 EMERGENCY HAS ARISEN ''Since the submission of the recommen- dations, however, an emergency has
  military force in the coal district at a daily cost of $3,000 How long this eX- pense may be necessary is problematical. Some measures of much merit nave been presented to me and approved be- ] fore the introduction of bills covering l them, but the amount involved is com paratively small. Others of equal merit l involving larger sums have been ap- proved upon the condition that the rev enues to provide for them be raised 1 Some others, doubtless of equal merit. 1 have been proposed and adopted Tn one house or the other with seeming dis regard of where the money to pay them 1 is coming from. 'In view. of these circumstances, l deem it to be my duty to inform you al this time that I shall be compelled to withhold my approval of bills carryins appropriations for which provision has not been made unless and until addl- 1 tional revenues are provided to covef 1 them.
 l "The state, for the first time in many years, is free of floating debt. Yot had principal part in bringing abou' that condition. I feel sure that upon re, l flection you will agree with me that Il would be most unfortunate to go back to the old unhappy and distressing con ditions.
 1 Respectfully,
 l THOMAS E. KILBY, | Governor. | "Santember 27. 192o''