Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1923-06-29
HAPDWICK RAPS HART
ON AGGIE DEPT. AND
KHAN IN HIS ADDRESS
Retiring Executive Says Georgia
Is Board Ridden. Commission
Ridden and Trustee
Ridden.
RECOMMENDS INCOME TAX
No Room in Georgia For Invis-
ible Government in Georgia,
He Declares

ATLANTA, June 29.-Governor,
Thomas W. Hardwick delivered his
final message to the Georgia legis-
lature today, pointing out that in
view of mot only possible but a
probable crop failure in Georgia
this year he felt it his dtuy to in-
vite the attention of the general
assembly to it, so that it may pro-
ceeding along lines of "the most
rigi dand ruthless economy"
At the outset the governor de-
clared he would depart form his
previous custom and not present Il
mass of figure and wealth of de-
tail, referring the members of the
general assembly to the reports of
the comptroller general, the state
tax commissioner, and to his de-
tailed message of last year. The
general assembly of 1921 restored
balance to the states fiscal affairs,
he said, and the deficiency appro-
priations made by the 1922 gem
eral assembly did not destroy the
balance, though they did wipe out
substantially all surplus.
Income and outgo must be kept
balanced in Georgia." the governor
declared. PAY as you go is. the
motto of common senee which
ought to apply to and govern pub
lie and private business alike and
! was uanble to give my approval
to any legislation that sought 10
appropriately money for any pur-
pose, when ! knew that the rese-
hues of the state could not meet
and pay the appropriation and
when the body making the appro-
priation, also clothed with the pow
er to levy taxes, failed and refus-
ed to provide any adequate addi-
tional revenues out of which to
pay the appropriations.
Il am Of the opinion that the
department Of agricultpr has
many unnecessary employees, is far
more of a political machine than
an agricultural department and is
conducted at far too great an ex-
pense, both direct and indirect to
the taxpayers of Georgia" +"
In this connection the governor
referred particularly to the two
hundred oil inspectors, saying they
were paid total annual comper.
sation of S99,315.72.
Discussing the question of tax
alton, the governor said he Rad
never been either a champion or
apologist for our present equaliza-
ton law" he expressed the be-
lief that the state could, with prof
1T, follow the example of North
Carolina and impose an ADEQUATE
income tax sufficient for all state
purposes, renting the state tax
on property.
Governor Hardwick concluded
his address with an appeal for law
and order. eve have no room, n
Georgia for invisible governments of
any KIND or character" he declar-
ed. Government in Georgia should
be IN the open and above board.
The general assembly Of the state
should pass a statute making it un-
lawful, under heavy penalty, for
any man or woman in GEORGIA "a
wear mask over their faces an
Jne public streets or the roads Of
the state, Or in any other public
place. We have no room in
Georgia for petty hates and for
elther political or religious bigot-
ry," the governor declared. "Tf
Georgia IS to remain a land of
freedom we have no room for these
forces in our state" /"