Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-08-16
WORK OF GA SOLONS
IN SESSION REVIEWED
Much Constructive Legislation
Proposed and Discussed in
Both Houses

administered has broken down in
Georgia as it has broken down ev-
cry other state" said the exc
cutive. "The general property tax
is recognized as a failure by prac-
tically every tax expert for a num-
Der of reasons upon which there is
generally unanimity of opinion. I
need here refer to only one-its
failure to reach rapidly increas-
ing class of property, the intangi-
Bile personal property-notes, ac-
counts, mortgages, bonds and 9th
Yer credits.
Whatever may be said in its
favor, it cannot be questioned chat
large majority of the people of
the state are opposed to the tax
equalization law and it should he
repealed, because its history for
the past ten years clearly denim
strates that until repealed there
will be no civic or political peace.
harmony, or unity. among the ppo-
pie, state of mind, a public senti-
nent, so necessary to the construc-
tive program of progress which by
common impulse of the peonle
seems practically assured. The
legislature will. Of course, then
promptly turn its attention to the
enactment of more satisfactory
substitute hefoer if completes the
lshors of the year"
In his first message to the as
semblv and in another special ma
ner, the governor again urged that
his program be carried out. He
submitted the tax system in onera-
ton in other states for considera-
ton North Carolina, South Car
DINA, Kentucky and Virginia
were especially mentioned.
methods to the attention of the
Although he called these tax
legislators, the governor did not
designate any one of them as his
favorite Instead, he urged that
one of them, or a combination
best suited to the needs of the
state be adopted. In refusing to
point out one system as his favor
lite, the governor stated he did not
wish to put himself in the role of
Dictator and added he felt certain
the lawmakers could find a solut'
to the tax problems from the sys-
tenn he had outlined.
Requests for an investigation of
two state departments--the de.
partment of agriculture and the
highway ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LARGE portion of the 1923 session.
The highway department inves-
tigation was held and resulted in
charges brought by Representative
M"Michael, of Marion, that the d.
m vision was guilty of mismanage-
ment, inefficiency and wasteful of
~nuhlic funds not being sustained.
Mr. McMichael, the only member
Of the legislative investigating COM
mittee not agreeing to the majority
renort, filed minority statement
in supnort of his allegations against
Tho department
The inquiry this wear is the Sec
ond held within three sessions Of
the legislature as result of
charges brought by Mr.. McMichael,
The investigation two years ago
also resulted in an exoneration of
the highway department.
Stewart began his fight against
the agricultural department early
in the session.
Prohibition appeared as one OF
the principal subjects before the
assembly for the first time in the
past few years, but from the be.
ginning it was realized Fby DR..
Craig Arnold, of Lumpkin, that his
measure to repeal the state dry
laws, thereby placing enforcement
of the Volstead act in Georgia
entirely upon the federal govern
ment, would not be passed. The
bill was reported unfavorably by
the house temperance committee,
but in speaking to al point of per-
sonal privilege DR.. Arnold who,
said he had never tasted whiskey in
his life, assailed the present en-
forcement of the prohibition laws.
The purpose of his bill, he as
serted, was not to prevent en-
forcement of the laws, but to Sc
cure better enforcement by plac-
ing the responsibility upon the
government. State and federal dry
agents, he charged, were not work
ing in cooperation. Fred Dis
nuke director of the federal
agents in the state, denied the