The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-08-21
MUST MEET FEDERAL AIp.


issue for good roads, in which among
other things. it points out that the SEN
ument of the people demand that the
money be derived entirely from auto
mobile license revenues. Personal
property and real estate will not be
affected.
Says the Metropolis:
"A reputable public accountant es-
Inmates that IL the number of automo-
biles increase fifteen per cent per year
in Florida for the next eleven years
which is a conservative figure-and if
the present automobile license tax is
raised fifty per cent, at the end of thir-
ty years the amount of $685. 55 will
have been derived by the state. The
Metropolis confidently expresses the
opinion that the increase for the next
eleven years will be much greater than
fifteen perfect. The automobile and
truck are just coming into their own.
The report that the proposed con-
stitutional amendment specifies $780,
100000 as the amount to be floated in
bonds by the legislature Is erroneous
Opponents of the legislation have dwelt
on this figure because 1t strikes the
citizens as an enormous amount.
this: To empower the legislature to
issue bonds for road-building, with
maximum limit of five per cent of the
assessed valuation of property in the
state. The assessed valuation at pres
ent is in the neighborhood of $500, o0o,-
600, and five per cent of this amount
the maximum-is $40 10000
The point has also been brought
that fex 1xxyfer - fns ~,
issue the bonds. In all likelihood the
first bonds would not be offered for
sale until 1922. and others would fol-
low over a number of years, the
amount of each to be designated and
directed by the legislature. Because
Florida has no bonded indebtedness. is
no reason why she should steer clear
or the obligations which she should
assume for the best interests of the
state. Credit is the soul of business.
With very few exceptions, all other
states of the union have bonded in
debtedness, the majority of which have
p9en issued for the specific purpose of
Dulioing good roads. Georgia and Ala
barpa have each recently voted bonds
to the extent of SIS, 100000. If Flor
IDA is to keep apace she must look to
AS to the alleged inefficiency of the
legislature, which has been dwelt upon
extensively by number of dafl,es
throughout the state. The Metropolis
sayt to them, Bunk Other states
nave vested their legislatures with this
authority to issue bonds. and they
havk not been disappointed. The
F1o$1da legislature is equal in ability
an3 business sense to that of any other
stafte In the United States. Bunk we
reAeat.
at the present time the taxpayers
OF Niorida are assessed a special tax
or TWO CD mills for road DEVELOPMENT
rms Two mills tax was levied in order
TO mfet government requirements and
avail the state of over $4,000, 900 Of
Tered the state by the Federal govern
ment Tor road building. This two-mill
tax will be discontinued should the
state be bonded for road work The
amount raised by bonds would be more
.nan suIricient to match any Federal
appropriation without the necessity ~
a special automobile tax levy.
II the proposed amendment is rati-
fled by the people and the bonds arc
issued by the legislature, Ii is pro-
permanent roads in Florida, connect.
ing the county seats throushout tho
state, which it is estimated can be done
Wltnln period of six years. Then by |
1880, at the limit, this state woull |
nave a system of highways equal 70 |
mat OF any other state at that time.
The Metropolis believes that the
right plan of building good roads is in
corporated in the proposed constitu-
-ional amendment. Only those who
benefit by these roads VIII pay-w:th |
he notable exception of the farmer,
AN be reached much more easily by |
which viii place his
produce on the market within the
shortest time after it has beer gath /
sred. The Sh!p-By Truck movement /
s certain to develop with the advent |
If good roads. Transportation Will
be solved. More tour
SITS will visit to the state. Each year
he number coming in automobiles in
,reases. Good roads are wonderful
lssets and still greater drawing cards.
And
FLORIDA needs good roads,
The proposed constitutional amend
nent should be adopted"
Inc journal would call attention TO
he fact that there is one point which
las been ignored by the opponents of
he amendment to make it possible to
,ond for good roads, and which has
lot been sufficiently stressed by its
Idvocates, and this is that we must
ither bond the state, as outlined. or
Increase the tax now levied to meet
ederal aid from two mills to four
nils, and later, possibly six mills.
The two mill tax now levied to meet
federal aid only produced about $780,
90 per annum. The Federal aid al
otted to thi estate is $1,1e9 900. not be-
ng able to match this sum Florida is
orfeiting each year vast sums of
money. this year alone S52e, 900 To get
he amount allotted, we must either
ond the state, as outlined, or increase
he tax to mills, and later when the
FEDERAL allotment reaches s.. 900. 900 as
will in 1928, our tax will be mills
his increase the people win not stand
or, and the only alternative. is to bond I
he state by this plan. or abandon a