The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-10-14
Politics, People, Persiflage
Comment on Subjects in Which You
May or May Not Be Interested. About
People You Know and Ought to Know

By BRYAN MACK

Though have not heard the particulars
of the bill, am told there is a we'll
planned movement on foot to have the
next legislature enact a law providing
for a divorce commissioner. Possibly that
is not the name the official is supposed
to have. but the information as whispered
to me is that the bill has already been
drawn, and that it is agreed certain
lawyer will be given the position
Just what advantage there will be to
the state to have this divorce commits
sioner, I cannot imagine. but as the
story goes, the department will be self
sustaining. that the commissioner will
collect fees for his services amounting to
some twenty or thirty dollars each, and
that divorces will cost correspondingly
as much more than they now cost.
1t would appear that If such a law
should be enacted-and it will not if I
know the Florida people-that this COM
missioner could get his special agents
out and work up business during the dull
seasons, or he might make reduced rates,
say for club of five divorces from one
community.
Those announced candidates for COVER
race, should remember that one George
Powell. Of Jacksonville, has long been
considered gubernatoriaI timber. AS
political forecaster, George is in class
all unto himself. He usually knows, long
before the campaign gets under way,
who is going to be the fortunate winner,
and il he should announce, 1t would be
rather certain that George had analized
the situation thoroughly and found that
in m
pointed hour.
When J. D. Smith, Of the state road
department, resigned from office there
was genuine rgeret throughout the state
for everyone who knew Mr.. Smith realized
his earnestness of purpose and his en-
deavor to give the state conscientious
service.
OF Mr.. Smiths successor, W. NJ Cory,
Of Quincy. very little has been heard in
a political way by the general public. but
he is a man Of unusual business capacity,
and ought to make himself and the state
a reputation if he applies the same rules
to the states business as he has always
given to enterprises with which he has
been connected.
AWAY back in 1905, or about that time,
W. NJ Cory, A L. Wilson and three
other men whose names I do not now re-
call, were called upon by the citizens OF
Gadsden county to become county COM
missioners. The people there realized that
If business ability and integrity were
necessary ia the conduct Of private af-
fairs the same qualities ought to Work
to a good advantage in public matters.
Il was refreshing to see that board
transact business when the meetings of
the board were held. None Of the political |
BARGAINING, sidestepping and like con-
duct too frequently found among boards
handling the peoples affairs. were en-
gaged in. The result was that very quick
ly the affairs of Gadsden county were
put in fine shape.
feel sure that Mr.. CORY will insist
that the business OF the state road de-
partn2ent be conducted in an efficient.
economical and intelligent manner; that
roads will be built without political IN
fluence saying where they shall go and
what ones built first. In other words,
expect Mr.. Cory to sec that the people
get their moneys worth, and that Is
all that anyone can ask.
It is more or less OF a thankless job
to accept appointment on boards that
handle the state business. and on must
get his reward not from the plaudits OF
the public. but from the knowledge of
service rendered.
Much Of Florida's prosperity during the
next few years will depend directly upon
the efficiency Of the state road depart
ment. If the affairs Of the board are
handled in such a manner as will con,
struct highways that may be used to
attract tourists we will be fortunate. On
the other hand, II no judgment is used.
a great deal Of money can be wasted,
and thousands OF tourists will remain
away from this state.
Pensacola is especially fond OF Mr..
Cory. not only on account Of his splendid
worth, but on account Of his son. w NJ
CORY, Jr., who was Stationed in Pensacola