The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-17
BRANDON'S PROGRAMME

Q In his inaugural address Governor Bran
don gives to the people of Alabama the graf
flying assurance that he will endeavor to
the utmost of his ability to carry on the
constructive programme already under way,
in order that this state may reap the full
benefit of its rich inheritance in manhood,
womanhood and material resources. Since
education is the basis of all permanent
progress, his first care will be the schools OF
Alabama, from the lowest to the highest.
The governor is right in assuming that the
rural schools must no longer be neglected,
but must be given the assistance by the peo-
pie which will enable them to lay sure
foundation for an enlightened citizenship.
There should be, as he declares, at least
seven months of schooling every year in
each school district. The boys and girls in
the rural schools may then be equipped to
complete their education in the higher in
stitutions of learning, such as the Univer
sity of Alabama, Auburn and Montevallo.
Alabama is first of all an agricultural state
and its future growth will depend to large
extent on what is done to improve rural
conditions and provide the means for train
ing agricultural and industrial leaders.
Although committed to a policy of strict
economy and tax reduction, the governor
makes it clear that nothing will be done to
halt Alabama's advancement, but he will
seek, by abolishing useless offices, by bring
ing about a more equitable distribution of
the tax burden and by close scrutiny of
all expenditures, to provide funds Cor legiti-
mate needs without exceeding the states in
come. Since the general fund, by which all
departments of the state arc supported, is
only about $6,000,00o year, it is evident
that it is not sufficient to meet the require
ments of the states educational Institutions.
The governor believes that the people them
selves will be willing to amend the constitu-
ton and authorize a millage tax for educa-
ton, which will insure the uninterrupted
growth of Alabama's educational facilities.
In this he is not mistaken, for the people of
this state no longer question the claims of
the schools. They will be all the more will
ing to assume this additional responsibility
when they have the assurance that property
now on the tax books which is heavily taxed
will be gwen relief, while exempted prop
erty which has escaped taxation will bear its
proportionase share of the burden. That is
just and practical way to view the prob
lem. There can be no valid objection to
giving the schools more adequate support
if taxation is shared by all and the advan-
tages are felt in every section of the state,
however remote from the centers of popula-
ton. The expenditure Of this money to ac-
complish the greatest possible good should be
preceded by minute survey of the states
entire educational system and close CO.
ordination of all It's branches
Governor Brandons other recommends
tions are timely and constructive. He
pledges himself to such measures as strict
enforcement of the prohibition laws, proper
health laws and protection from disease !;
farming more profitable in Alabama; care
of the states dependents, with particular
reference to the work being dona by the
child's welfare department; good roads. en-
forcement of all laws on the statute books,
and the port amendment to provide addj-
tional equipment for the Port of Mobile.
There will be little criticism of the COVER
nors programme, which conforms to his pre-
election pledges. He shows laudabe de-
sire to do what is best for all the people of
Alabama and to perform zealously and con-
scientiously the duties of chief executive.
The people of Alabama stand soiidly behind
Governor Brandon in his efforts to carry
the state onward and upward.