Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-07-07

liar needs of Georgia, confer with
tax students and experts in this
and other states, hold public hear
ings in several sections of the
state, invite citizens of every char
acter to appear and give the COM
mission the benefit of their views,
and then suggest a tax system
which would provide the necessary
funds while distributing the burden
fairly among all classes of property,
tangible and intangible.
Early Reform Urged
Economy, so vitality necessary in
these times of financial depression,
ready referred to, suggest that a
finally reformed at the. earliest
and wise conservatism. l sincerely
trust that this can be done at this
session of the legislature, as prac-
ticaIy all constructive programs
must be suspended pending such
action. IT, however, the assembly
should reach the conclusion that
this vitalIy important work cannot
be properly completed within the fiji
ty-day term, then I respectfully but
earnestly suggest that the legislature
give its prompt attention to other
matters pending, in order that an
early adjournment may make possi-
Die an extra session to be held later
in the year for the exclusive consid-
Grafton of the report of such tax
commission without the burden of
extra expense to the tax payers of
the state. / confidently believe that
the legislature would receive the cor
dial commentator of the people if,
in this spirit, it would complete its
other labors within 80 days and
then adjourn for an extra session
of 20 days during the last weeks
of the year. For emphasis l repeat
my deliberate conviction that the
best interest of the state demands
that the tax laws be reformed be-
fore we enter into another fiscal
wear. To that end and to the eX-
ercise of every reasonable economy
in reaching that end, l confidently
crave the sympathetic co-opera ton
of the legislature.
Impressed as / am, as has already
been indicated to you, with the vital
importance of the earliest possible
tax reform. [ have up to this time
referred only to the tax question.
From time to time, later, l shall
send you communications on other
subjects which seem to be worthy
of your consideration.
Offers Cooperation
In conclusion, let me express
again nv earnest desire to cooper
ate with the legisla ture in every
possible way. I haye no desire and
certainly no intention to overstep
the constitutional prerOgatives of
the executive. In outlining the fore
going possible tax plans, [ do SO in
obedience to the provisions of the
constitution, which calls upon the
governor to advise with the general
assembly and not in the spirit Of
dictation. / would not if / could
shape q system which is to be the
basis of taxation of millions of peo-
pie for years to come without the
fullest conference with the people
of every section and class, through
you. their representatives, duly
chosen for this special service. I
do not come to you to suggest unity
Of thought, but / do plead for unity
of purpose-a determination to serve
the bes4 interests of the state. I
come not to dictate, but to advise
with you; not to direct, but to assist
you; not to command, but to serve
with you.
And finally, let me say that while
we labor together my office and my
home will be open to you; whether
on business or on special mission
bent, a genuine welcome will await
YOU. I trust we may thus continue
TO the end of the task before us
in spirit of fraternity in purpose
and of fellowship in service.
Respectfully submitted.
CLIFFORD WALKER,
Governor.