The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-08-23
WAYBRiGHT ON BOND ISSUE.

Elsewhere on the editorial page to-
day will be found communication
from Edgar Waybright, a member
of the house of representatives, stat
ing why he is in favor of the proposed
amendment to the constitution of the
state of Florida which if voted upon
favorably by the people. will give the
legislature authority to float bonds
not to exceed 5 percent of the as
sessed valuation of the state, for the
purpose of building good roads
throughout the state The assessed
valuation of Florida is 500. 000. 900,
thus setting the maximum bond issue
at $4,000.
Tersely, Mr.. Wright states his stand
for the amendment in three reasons:
/. This amendment should be rati-
fed because it affords our only means
of meeting the federal aid and secur-
ing the important assistance of the
federal government in building our
roads.
The federal government is meeting
dollar with dollar to states which issue
bonds for the building of permanent
roads. That is, if Florida should
float bonds to the extent of $40, 000.-
900, a like amount will be forthcoming
building. 1t is strictly up to the peo-
pie of Florida whether this opportu-
nifty of securing $4,000, 900 is to be ig-
nored. Perhaps later the federal gov
eminent will withdraw this PROPOSE
ton, and when Florida does decide
to build better .roads-which she will
do sooner or later, for the other
states will force her to it by their ex
ample-it will be necessary for her
to bear the entire cost. Twenty
million dollars, gratis, is not to be
laughed at.
2. Florida, by reason of her tour
lists and large stretches of undeveloped
land, needs a system of good roads
more perhaps, than any other state.
Tourists are big asset in Florida.
There is little question but that it is
the ideal state of the Union for tour
ing. These tourists used to come by
train; now a large percentage of them
are coming by automobile, with the
full intention of travelling to all parts
of the state, and we must not be
egotistical to the extent of believing
that they win not go elsewhere if we
fail to develop our roads. Our COM
petitive states are busily engaged in
road building. Nature has indeed
been kind to Florida, but she expects
US to do our part if we are to derive
the full benefits of her gifts. AS to
the undeveloped lands, any reasonable
minded business man can appreciate
just how great would be the useful
ness of good roads in these sections.
s. The legislatures of the state can
be trusted to guard the public inter-
est in the issuance of these bonds.
Surely the legislature of the state
of Florida, composed of representative
business men from different parts of
the state, is equal to that of any other
legislature in the Union, and the peo-
pie of other states. where bonds have
been issued, have trusted their legis-
latures and found them competent.
The idea is ridiculous if the legisla-
ture of Florida cannot handle wisely
and in a business like manner the
issuance of these bonds, then the vot-
err is himself to blame.
Florida must keep apace of the
times. Next to educational facilities,
good roads are closely allied.
We need better roads in this state.
They are imperative to proper pro-
gress.
A bond issue is the best method of
raising necessary funds, plus the ap-
of the federal government.
The amendment should be carried.
Jacksonville Metropolis.