The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-01-05
OUTLINES PROGRAM OF WORK
TO COVER EVERY PHASE OF
CIVIC LIFE FOR NEXT
FOUR YEARS.

In his inaugural address, Governor
Hardee touched briefly on the high
points OF the work which he hopes to
accomplish and asked that he be given
whole-hearted cooperation from every
part of the state. He said:
My Fellow Citizens:
A very wise provision in our state
constitution has placed a limit OF time
in which one may serve continuously
as chief executive of Florida. That
he may not succeed himself, finds
hearty approval from thoughtful men
and women. The Inauguration Of
chief executive becomes a frequently
recurring event, marking the close of
one administration, and the beginning
of another. In this representative
government they who shall administer
the affairs OF the state, must first
be called to service by the sovereign
voice Of the people, and so today hav-
| ing been thus called. and in obedience
to the will Of the people of Florida,
] am about to assume the high and re-
sponsiblo duties appertaining to the
great office TO which they have called
me. 1t is my DESIRE and 1T seems
quite appropriate that / should avail
myself Of the occasion now presented.
| to pay grateful acknowledgment Of
/ my indebtedness to the people of our
| state for the confidence reposed in me,
as evidenced by election to such an
exalted station. 1 am not unmindful
of the great honor conferred, and am
not lacking. / trust, In the fine sense
of gratitude which fills my heart to-
day. AS I read the fundamental and
4 ~ rff To- Of xxyba a RI
prescribed the duties and obligations
OF the chief executive. any possible
| sense of self sufficiency seems to
grow less and my feeling of depen-
dence upon the patient good viii of
the people and upon the cooperation
and assistance of my associates in
office more pronounced.
seriously question If the present
| Is propitious for one to assume the
governorship Of the state, IL perchance
he expects TO bask thereafter in pop
ular favor. We are today in the wake
OF a great world conflict which taxed
TO the utmost the productive forces
OF the nation. During its continuance
and Immediately following the armis-
tice which marked its conclusion.
/ private business and public affairs
have been administered in keeping
with such profligacy of expenditures
as was never before known. Individual
thrift and frugality have been large
| ~ discarded, and erstwhile Injuries
are now being classed as necessities.
Thoughtful men have known that
such an orgy OF initiation and expen-
diture could not continue. and with
prophetic voice have all along wooed
the people back to safer ground. I'm
fortunately we have not listened TO
moro conservative counsels. and as n
result we are in the midst of a period
OF industrial deflation which in mag
uitude. our country has never expert
enced before. There is rapidly accum-
, ulating a vast army Of unemployed
and the farms and manufacturers find
difficulty In disposing of their pro-
ducts. II the people OF Florida. forced
by stress of circumstances need to
take stock, OF themselves and learn
again the lesson forgotten during the
great war. even so must the state
"set its house IN order" against tho
perils of changing conditions. l de-
sire to call upon the people to exer-
else a spirit of charity towards us.
who shall attempt to lead during the
critical period of reimbursement and
likewise / call upon them to practice
individually those wholesome princi-
ples-perseverance. industry, economy
and sober thinking.
We have no cause for gloomy fore
boding, no reason for discomfort, if
only we are filled with a conscious
ness of our inherent power. and
realization Of the matchless resources
which a kind providence has bestowed
upon us. The future is big with
promise, and Florida may if she will,
come into her own. Ours is a rising
state. Her people are not lacking in
vision, and in natural resources she
Is rich indeed. The sturdy character
of American citizenship is result
OF the admixture of virile elements Of
varied natlonalities. In a similar sense
the amalgamation of those ever in
creasing streams Of population. COM
ing to us from every section OF this
broad land. must mean a citizenship
OF spiritual power and material
achievement. The courageous spirit
OF the people. given fair opportunity
and materials with which to work.
will make Florida one of the greatest
of the union. Do I need to call your
attention TO the vast resources. grant
ed us by 81 beneficient creator? Nearly
4oou miles OF sea coast uOIleQ mere
and there by splendid harbors. The
commerce OF the world finds facili-
ties for trade and the wealth of the,
waters OF the sea belongs TO us. Mil
lions OF acres Of splendid agricultural
lands. rich and fertile, specially adapt
ed 70 agriculture, horticulture and live
stock development, with little mora
than five per cent OF It under cultiva-
ffop The wealth of our timber SIM
ply upon the face OF the land and the
hidden treasures beneath its surface
speak of potential wealth Of untold
millions, and above all Gods eternal
sunshine affords us a climate which is
attracting the peoples of less favored
chimes. 1 am tempted. perhaps to
speak too much at length while con-
templating the greatness of Florida
Let us set ourselves resolutely to the
task of utilizing the preferred oppor-
flnftiaa and building here IN thiS