Governor's message [John M. Slaton] to the General Assembly of Georgia, June 24, 1914

GOVERNOR'S M1~ssAGE
TO THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA
JUNE 24, 1914
ATLANTA, GA. CHAS. P. BYRD, STATE PRINTER
1914

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
TO THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA
JUNE 24, 1914
ATLANTA, GA, Chas. P. Byrd, State Printer.
1914.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE
STATE OF GEORGIA
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Atlanta, June 25th, 1914.
To the General .A sse1nbly:
I rejoice with you in the general prosperity which has blessed the State during the past year. Since our last session the people have enjoyed the favors of a generous Providence. Their crops have been bountiful, their industries have flourished to a degree hitherto unknown. The farmer, the merchant, the manufacturer, has utilized with ceaseless energy his opportunities, unrestrained in effort by the hampering effect of unwise Jaws. rrhe schools and in-
stitt1tions of learning are giving to the children and
youth the keys of knowledge and providing them with that equality of opportuity which is all the worthy can demand. And more important than all, the Church in every community is teaching the lessons of Him upon obedience to whose statutes rests the welfare of all nations.
You are entitled to the thanks of a great constituency for the achievements of the session of 1913'. You did not multiply laws, but with courage and intelligence met and solved problems, not of your own creation, but which affected the honor and fair name of Georgia.
3

As an aid in the exercise of the suffrage, you provided a permanent registration system which will remove unnecessary encumbrances in the way of the voter, and at the same time preserve proper safeguards. You made it possible for the farmer, often remote, to mail or send his taxes by his neighbor without risk of disfranchisement. The merchant, the travelling man, in fact, all classes, occupied with the affairs of business, are placed on an equal footing with the professional politician who never forgets the last day for registering.
You provided not only for the present, but for the future in the education of the children, and for the affiicted in the institutions, and recalling the past and our obligations to those who cheerfully imperiled their all in behalf of the South, you made provision for the declining days of the Confederate Veterans.
},'INANOE.
In future years, your body will be distinguished as the debt-paying Legislature. when the dis-honor of repudiation may blight the fair name of other States, you and your descendants may point with pride to the enactment of laws establishing a financial system which paid the debt of the State; made possible the refunding of our bonded indebtedness, rehabilitated our fiscal system, and, above all, gave to people the means of checking expenditures by making the tax levy reflect the amount appropriated by their representatives.
Now it will be easy for the people to know what appropriations their agents are making. Any condition which permits concealment, or interferes with a ready understanding by the principal of the actions of the agents is indefensible.
4

I have seen a Constitutional amendment sub-

mitted to the people involving an extra annual ap-

propriation of half million dollars, without provision

being made for raising the money, and so arranged

as to conceal the necessity for an extra revenue.

However worthy the cause, such legislation is in-

defensible.

The Comptroller-General, in his report of 1913,

said: ''In other words, tho entire appropriations

for the year 1913, exclusive of common schools and

pensions, could be met by a tax levy of about one-

third of one mill." In his report for 1914, he de-

clares that, exclusive of common schools and pen-

sions, all of the appropriations could be met by a

tax levy of about one-half of one mill.

vVho would wish to cut those two items of public

expenditure and if any one did wish to lessen them,

who will say the people will permit it 1 '\Vith a

deficit of over one million dolJars and with appro-

priations exceeding the revenue, how could you cut

from items other than common schools and pensions

enough to equal the deficit?

For 1913, the total raised from the tax levy on

property was $4,300,000, and leading items of ex-

penditure were as follows:

Public Schools, ---------------$ 2,550,000 Pensions, ____________________ 1,180,000

State Sanitarium, -------------
Public Debt, _______________1__ I~egislative Expenses, _________

550,000 378,000 66,000

Sum Total, _______________$ 4,724,000 This did not include the Blind Asylum, the School for the Deaf, the salaries of the State Honse officers, .Judges of the Supreme Court, and other institutions.
5

It is easy to obtain applause by general declamation against expenditure, but it is much easier to obtain execration by attacking any one of the items of expenditure named above.
There are those who would increase popular appropriations and vote to repeal revenue tax acts, but such a course cannot commend itself to any honest thinking citizen. The laws of our State provide that the widows' property may be sold under foreclosure to pay her debts. Should not the State pay its own 1 It may not be popular for the time, but the people cannot be long mislead, will recognize its justics and wisdom. No legislator or officer likes to tax, and the people may well understand that when he does, it is simply under a solemn sense of duty, in the performance of his sworn obligation.
TAX LEGISLATION.
You were faced with a deficit beginning about 1912, when the appropriations exceeded the revenue $427,000. In 1913, the added excess was $349,000, and in 1914, as estimated by the Treasurer, $313,000. Prior to this time the working balance had been exhausted. The tax rate being limited to five mills prior legislators had exhausted the amount collectable: The State was growing. 'l'he teachers were going without their pay, and the Veterans dying before getting their pensions. 'fhe Governor was kiting in order to maintain the State's institutions and borrowing money to the limit to satisfy current obligations. The people were unwilling for you to cut the great items of expenditure. what were you to do7
With an ability and fearlessness that entitled you to the ever-lasting admiration of the State, you
6

took the task up in full knowledge of the mis-construction and criticism to which you would be subjected, and succeeded in a statesmanlike manner in
rendering to the people as splendid a service as ever
they received from public officers.
You recognized that though corporations are necessary to development and enterprise and should not be oppressed by harsh measures, they received special governmental privileges for which they should pay. The amounts they had been contributing were
small in comparison to what other States were re-
ceiving, and you doubled their occupation tax. I have heard no complaint from that source.
A legitimate source of revenue to all States is an inheritance tax. The right to one's property during life has always been recognized as inherent
and fundamental, but to dispose of it after death
is a privilege granted by the State. Georgia had never utilized this source of revenue. You passed a conservative law providing for an inheritance tax, which will not only be productive of large income, but will have moral effect in disclosing for taxation much invisible property.
Finally, recognizing that many were not bearing their share of the common burden, while many were contributing too much, you passed the Tax Equalization Bill.
I believe no better or more necessary law was ever passed. Its only dang;er consists in being misunderstood. It may be improved. Time and experience will disclose its imperfections. But who can criticise a law which in simple terms provides for the honest levying of taxes and that burdens shall be equally borne?
7

It provides that personalty shall pay alike with land, and means are afforded for accomplishing this result. I am informed that this year's returns will be most conspicuous in an immense increase in personalty, due to this and the inheritance tax law.
There are no new features of taxation engrafted in the Equalization Tax Act. The Act only emphasizes what has always been the law in Georgia, that all property should bear its part of the expenses of government, and that the tax-payers should equally bear their respective burdens. There can be no valid objection urged to these two propositions.
Land cannot escape the notice of the taxing officers, while property in the form of invisible securities can be readily concealed. The main purpose of the Tax Law is to reach invisible property, and that it bear its part of the common burden. Every new do11ar put on the digest to that extent increases the volume of property taxed, and will result in lowering the tax rate, greatly to the benefit of the landowner, who could not, if he were disposed, conceal his property from taxation. The landowner is especially interested in the new Tax Law and ought to warmly advocate it, if for no other reason than that of self-interest.
It is not intended that the law shall be inquisitorial, but that it shall provide means for disclosure when the citizen who mainly uses the Courts for the collection of his debts flagrantly shirks his duty at contributing to their maintenance. In passing this Act you recognized that in multitudes of instances much land was not given in at all, and my information is that a large part of the increase this year comes from return of land which had not been upon
8

the tax books. what landowner can complain if he and his neighbor owning property of equal value be required to pay the same amount 1 If the one who has been derelict pay his part, his neighbor will have to pay that much less. In many instances which have come u~der my observation, the returns of one citizen of a county have been reduced and those of another raised. The purpose is equality and justice. what true Georgian will complain if he and his fellows, say in Dade County and in Glynn are treated alike?
This Tax Act will inevitably lessen the burden of the small property owner who values his limited property and returns it accordingly.
It is the owner of large property who will be the sufferer from confiscatory tax laws, which will have birth when the deficit in the Treasury has become larger, and the absolute necessity will be recognized for immediate hasty action by the people and the Legislator. It is far better to make provision for the coming flood by opening an easy avenue of relief, rather than to await its destruction of the entire embankment with the devastation that will follow.
In the bill which was passed nearly 25 years ago, there was no method provided for equalization between the counties, and in consequence there was a fierce competition between them to see which could return the property at tho lowest figure.
It has been suggested to me in this connection that if the date of return of taxable property was changed from January 1st to January 10th, the debtor would be enabled to satisfy his obligations and such plan would meet with the approval of the peo-
9

ple of the State. This suggestion comes from rural communities and if you think it wise I trust it may be put in the form of a law.
The action of Judge Hart in performing his duty as Tax Commissioner has warranted the commendation you saw fit to pay his appointment at the last session. A land owner, in sympathy with the people of his State, he may be trusted to execute the law without harslmess and in full spirit of exact justice.
It is pleasing to know that Governor Stuart, of Virginia, unanimously elected Governor of that State, practically commended in his message the very law you have passed.
ECONOMY.
One strenuous objection to the passage of the law has been the feeling that the Legislature would spend any amount fonnd in the rrreasury. My experience of seventeen years in the Legislature and my knowledge of the hw load me to prophesy that this Act will not only be productive of great economy, but in arousing the civic virtue and patriotism of the people, will so emphasize the necessity of their watching expenses that henceforth no appropriations will be made which the people with full understanding will not approve.
The Constitution provides that no appropriations can be made excepting upon a call of the roll, and this requirement was adopted in order to check legislative extravagance and to give the people an opportunity to see how their representative voted in matters of appropriation.
So many appeals are made for money and for so many laudable purposes it is hard to resist them.
10

It is easy for the Legislator to glow with personal pride as he expends the taxpayer's money and receives the plaudits of the beneficiaries and the press.
Allow me to urge that you make no appropria-
tions at this session other than those absolutely necessary. Any amoul).t you appropriate will increase the deficit already existing. I earnestly submit that duty viewed from an angle cannot require you to give that which you have not. Such action is to be disapproved in the citizen and condemned in the legislator. It is hypocritical to favor economy in general terms and at the same time increase the deficit already existing by spending money not in the Treasury. To appropriate more than the revenue is indefensible, and you can make this answer to the appeals of all institutions: '' To be just before being generous is a cardinal maxim of force in legislation as well as in law."
One of the principal a,rguments in favor of the Tax Equalization Law is its tendency to force economy. So long as the tax rate is five mills and limited to that amount the legislator is tempted to vote for every popular appropriation, with the knowledge that his constitutent cannot know that he is spending more money than the revenue. The expenditure is not reflected in the tax rate. But when the tax rate is cut below the five mills, then no legislator dare raise it without giving a strict accounting to the tax payer. I believe that next year the rate will he re-
duced below five mills. The people ought not to pay
the entire deficit in one year which has accumulated in several years. But with property on the tax books which has never been returned, and with rigid economy practiced by the Legislature for a short
11

time, the rate should be reduced to three mills, with the certainty that the legislator will be no longer tempted to appropriate beyond the State's ability on the one hand, and cut the revenue on the other hand. The representative who dares to do his duty in opposing extravagance ":ill receive the commendation and support of his people.
I commend to your careful consideration the report of Comptroller-General wright, and call your attention to the compliment his figures pay you for keeping the expenditures below those of preceding years.
REFUNDING THE STATE BONDS.
On May 1st, 1915, there will come due $227,000 of bonds of the State, and on July 1st, 1915, wiU come due $3,300,000 of bonds. Provision must be made at this session for refunding these obligations.
We will have in the Treasury from the sale of the North-Eastern Railroad, payable in November, 1914, $153,812.50, which must be utilized in taking up these bonds. I think all the bonded indebtedness falling due in 1915 should be consolidated. Appropriate arrangement may be made by the State for carrying the bonds due in May until the first of July.
For these bonds falling due in 1915, there is no sinking fund. For the remainder of the bonded indebtedness aggregating $3,000,000, a sinking fund of $100,000 a year is provided, for the retirement of the. public debt. Therefore, in 1945, practically the only out-standing bonded indebtedness of the State will be that falling due in 1915, for which you must make provision.
I do not think it fair or right at this time to make our citizens pay more than the $100,000 a year to
12

the retirement of the public debt. The indebtedness was incurred largely in the construction of the W. & A. Railroad, which is an inheritance our children will enjoy, and it will lessen their burdens. Our institutions in this growing State must be taken care of, and they should not be cramped nor the people burdened unnecessarily by attempting to provide an additional sinking fund.
In addition, I find that 30-year bonds will sell at a higher price than serial bonds. Purchasers of bonds generally desire to make a permanent investment without the necessity of frequent change, and all the financial authorities agree that a 3'0-year bond can be sold to better advantage.
In addition, when these bonds become due, the sinking fund of $100,000 a year may be continued, which makes the burden of the tax payer easy.
The Governor should be given the power to obtain in his discretion a short time loan for the purpose of caring for these bonds, for the reason that in cases of financial depression or panic, it may be inadvisable to sell the bonds when they come due. Sister States found it necessary to follow this procedure last year, and they preferred to pay practically 7 per cent., rather than put the bonds upon the market at tremendous sacrifice.
I recommend that the Governor be authorized to offer the bonds bearing not more than four and onehalf per cent. interest at not less than par, with the right to advertise for bids in his discretion and 'to reject any and all bids, and that your Act be so flexible as to allow not only proper adjustment but also such discretion as may meet the exigencies of the situation at the time the bonds are to be sold.
13

AuTOl\'.IOBILE TAXES.
The State Treasurer has reported to me that there is in the Treasury $79,000 arising from the Automobile r:L1ax, which you provided by Act of 1913 should be distributed to the counties in proportion to the mileage of the roads in these counties, as shown by the Census of the United States. Federal authorities have made no record of this mileage, and therefore tho distribution under the plan contemplated in the Act was impossible, and the Attorney-General held that the money should be kept in the Treasury awaiting your direction.
OFFICIAL BONDS.
I beg to ask your especial consideration of the Comptroller-General's report regarding the decision of the Supreme Court which holds unconstitutional the law allowing that officer to issue executions for amounts due the State by Tax Collectors. While justice should be done the official, a hearing in accordance with the decision of tho Supreme Court can be allowed him, and at the same time relieve the State from entering into protracted litigtion w1th consequent deprivation of her revenue. I suggest that your appropriate committee take this matter up at once.
MILITARY DEPARTM.ENT.
Since the last session of your Honorable body I have had brought before me in acute form the relation existing between the National Guard of Georgia
and the ,ar Department at vVashington.
By statutes embodied in sections 1361, 1362 and 1363, second volume of the Code 0f Georgia, the office of Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-Genera] are
14

established, each with rank of Brigadier-General. Code sections 1367 and 1368 give general authority to the Governor aS' Commander-in-Chief regarding the numbers and grades of the officers.
The War Department at Washington issued an order requiring in effect that the QuartermasterGeneral in Georgia should have the rank of Major. The failure to comply with the order was visited with the penalty that the Quartermaster~Genera1 would not be recogni~ed for the purpose of receiving arms, equipment, etc., nor would he receive pay during manoeuvers.
I asked if this order could be suspended as to Georgia until the Legislature could meet and dea1 with the subject, as I maintained that obedience to the laws of Georgia was a superior duty and more
binding on me than the orders, of the ,ar Dei-mrt-
ment. This suspension was declined, unless I promisen.
to use my influence as Chief Executive with the Legislature to repeal legislation conflicting with the orders of the War Department. This I declined to do, and hence I designated the Adjutant-General to receipt for equipment until the subject could be brought to your attention.
Perhaps it may he the part of practical wisdom to adapt the office of Quartermaster-General to the grade required in the regular army, in order that our National Guard may receive the support of the Federal Government, as provided by its laws. But I believe it should be with the strict heed that the National Guard of Georgia shall always owe first allegiance to the State and subject to the order of her Governor as paramount authority. The National
15

Guard is ready in time of national peril to perform the duties of a soldier against a foreign enemy, and the Government should be generous with it and liberally support it on these terms. Its members spend time and money and make a tremendous sacrifice in its service. But I view with disapproval the growing tendency to militarism, with a large standing army under direct control of one man in ,Vashington. It is not difficult to suppose an occasion when such a force under the control of some one possessed of audacity, ambition and courage, might make it a menace to our Government and its institutions.
I shall gladly submit the correspondence to such committee as you may appoint to consider the matter and will render them such aid as may lie in my power.
ScHOOL BooKs.
The State Board of Education had under consideration the adoption of school books as provided by law, and performed its duty, in accordance with the directing statutes.
They could not find a book on Civil Government meeting their approval. Therefore, they tentatively adopted a book for the period of 12 months, under the Act of 1913, with the purpose of requesting the Legislature to authorize it to have a book written and published for use in Georgia under the supervision of the Department of Education. I commend for consideration this request of the State Board of Education.
INDETERMINATE SENTENCES.
Under the existing laws there is immense latitude given to Judges in the imposition of sentences.
16

The punishment may be from one to twenty years in the penitentiary in many cases. It is difficult to declare why a man is sent four years instead of five or seven years instead of six, and yet one year is a long period to serve. The slightest incident might make the individual Judge, however good, vary the punishment at different times in the identical case.
I submit to you whether it would not be more consistent with justice to provide that the Judge may impose a sentence between. certain limited periods and allow the good behavior of the convict to determine the length of the imprisonment after the minimum sentence has been served. This relieves the Governor of much work under the parole act and places the imposition of punishment where it belongs, with the Courts.
PRISON FARM.
The Prison Commission finds it difficult to meet its obligations in view of its limited appropriations, and this difficulty is increased by an abuse to which I desire to call your attention.
In many cases Courts will sentence a man to the Prison Farm for a few months' service, and under the law the Prison Commission must send a guard for him, pay the transportation to the Prison Farm, and when the term is completed, pay the return transportation of the convict. For transportation alone the Prison Commission spends annually $10,000.
It seems to me that in cases where the sentence is for a short period either the County should pay the expense of transportation or the sentence should not be to the1 Prison Farm.
17

PRINTING.
The State Librarian calls my attention to a rapidly increasing accumulation of publications in the basement of the Capitol, largely resulting from statutes requiring the printing of volumes in excess of what are needed. The available space in the Capitol is practically consumed, and thousands of volumes and manuscripts are lying there deteriorating! each year and practically of value to no one.
It would be an immense saving to correct this condition, and I request that you do investigate and by appropriate legislation correct this inexcusable waste.
MILITARY DEBTS.
In the Augusta strike trouble the militia incurred an indebtedness with merchants of that city which should have been paid over a year ago. Where indebtedness of this character has been incurred the obligation should be satisfied at once. I suggest that the exact amount be ascertained by your appropriate committee and provision be made for immediate payment.
PRISON DEPARTMENT.
Time has demonstrated the wisdom of placing the convicts upon the roads. From the standpoint of humanity as well as punitive effect, I think no better disposition could be made of those who have violated the laws of the land and placed upon the people the burden of court houses, jails and pensions.
Practically 80 per cent. of the convicts are negroes. Before the War there was rarely a case of tuberculosis among this population, because they slept in log cabins, which admitted the fresh air.
18

Now consumption is most prevalent among them, and working upon the roads in the open air is beneficial from the standpoint of health and returns to society in general some compensation for the expense of their conviction.
Of course, the highest humanity should be observed in the treatment of convicts. Cruelty, neglect, improper food, unreasonable service, insufficient clothing, lack of sanitary provision, should not be countenanced. Any cruelty to even the most debased should be met with the severest punishment.
Yet I am not in sympathy with that idea which would provide comforts and luxuries to the murderer, the burglar and the other violator of the law denied to the honest citizen.
There are thousands of honest parents in Georgia who find it difficult to provide their children with sufficient apparel to keep them warm in winter. They learn their lessons by the dim light of a pineknot fire, and as soon as1 opportunity arises go forth into life to struggle for bread. They are not provided with an education in trades, but must meet the problems facing them with the small equipment that poverty can furnish.
It hardly seems consistent with justice that the privileges of trade education shall be granted only to the criminal, while the honest are deprived of it. I do not believe the struggling head of a family should work longer hours and make more s'acri:fices to give facilities to the convict which are not granted to his own children. Especially is this the case when the average age of the convict would be between 25 and 30, and 80 per cent. being negroes having been in the habit of making their living by manual labor.
19

In addition, it is not fair to create competition between convict labor and free labor. The honest merchant and artisan should he given every encouragement to maintain and support those dependent upon him, and there is no better citizen than he.
The making of good roads is a trade in itself, and is far healthier than employment in mines, with their accompanying hardships.
HIGHWAY COMMISSION.
In this connection, I beg to call your attention to my preceding recommendations in regard to n highway commission. The Prison Commission has provided an engineer to visit roads and solve technical problems. It is hard to exaggerate the amount of waste resulting from the improper supervision and maintenance of highways.
Bills are pending in Congress for the purpose of aiding the various States in the construction of good roads, and these bills generally provide for expenditures of these contributions through Highway Commissions.
The Commission might be created without the necessity for extra expense by utilizing the engineer already supplied h:7 the Prison Commission, nnd the Professor of Civil Engineering nt the University of Georgia, and the Professor of a similar department at the Georgia School of Technology. Their suggestions and advice would be invaluable and the seryice would be economical. Any plan, accomplishing the same result, would be equally satisfactory.
"'\Vhile the building of highways from county site to county site is beneficial to them, the great majority of the people of other roads should not be
20

forgotten. Along these roads is the path of the Rural ]7 ree Delivery, and in proportion as they can be traveled rapidly, the facility for distribution of mail to those who live in the country is increased. It is impossible to over-rate the benefits resulting in the shape of education and increased joy of living that arise from this great privilege. As far as practicable the roads over which mail is delivered should be public roads.
The wisdom of the law providing for the work ing of convicts on the highways is further demonstrated in the flexible provision made for the smttll and less wealthy counties of the State. It is impossible for many of them to utilize their own convicts except at prohibitive cost, and hence the feature of exchange was wisely included.
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR WAYWARD GIRLS.
I beg to report to you that in accordance with law I declared on June 20, 1914, the Industrial Schoo] for wayward Girls, which was created by you at the last session, open for the reception of those entitled to its privileges.
Fulton County made the donation of the land, which is worth many thousands of dollars.
The Board of Trustees appointed in accordance with your direction represent the various sections of the State, and there is no board of higher pers-onnel than this.
While the segregation of the wayward girl from other criminals is demanded by the loftiest humanity, at the same time the management of the institution must always be accompanied by sanity as well as sympathy.
Tlhere could be no greater crown upon the State
21

than the reformation and reclamation of wayward girls. The problem has always been, and is, a most difficult one. \iVhen the inmate is not subject to reformation and proves unresponsive to the efforts in her behalf, she should not be permitted to utilize this school as a place for recuperation until she elects to leave and live a vicious and profligate life. Reasonable work is the most wholesome of all corrections, and the purpose of the creation of this school will be largely effectuated if these inmates are made content with the rewards of industry.
This institution is an experiment in Georgia, and is entitled to the earnest sympathy of the good people of the State, but the expenditures should be measured by the progress achieved. At no time would it be justifiable to make a contrast between the honest hard-working girl and the vicious one living in luxury and idleness and supported by the State.
While only $20,000 was appropriated to this institution it must be remembered that more than four million dollars of taxable values are required to produce this amount. The constitutional limit is five mills and collection costs 6 per cent.
I desire to call your attention to a discrepancy between the books of the Treasurer and the Comptroller-General arising from the law authorizing the Department of Agriculture to draw money directly from the Treasury. This prevents a balance between the books of the Treasurer and ComptrollerGeneral in the fiscal system of the State. I think this should be remedied by legislation, and request that the matter be investigated by appropriate committees of your body.
22

AUDITOR.
I again beg to call your attention to the necessity for the creation of State Auditor. So far as I -am aware, Georgia is the only State which has no official whose duty it is to examine the various books of the State, with reference to the expenditure of money appropriated by the Legislature.
It is impossible for the Governor to keep check on the several institutions or determine their requirements. No money should be drawn from the Treasury excepting when absolutely necessary. So long as the money lies in the Treasury the State draws 2 per cent. interest, but if it lies in bank to the credit of any department the State receives no interest, and its ability to borrow in time of need is lessened.
There can be no wiser provision than constant and efficient checking of all public expenditures. The recommendations of such an officer to the appropriation committees of the Legislature would be invaluable and the money spent would be far more than compensated by increased economy.
PAROLE LAW.
In a large proportion of cases in which I have granted clemency it has been upon the recommendation of the Judge and Solicitor-General, who have been convinced that justice would be served by the exercise of executive clemency.
The parole law is as binding upon the Governor as any other law.
It is not the number of cases in which executive clemency is exercised, but the character of them, which merits approval or criticism. We have con-
23

servation of lands and forests and material r0sources, but the conservation of human beings is the most essential of all.
So long as the effect of punishment is preserved the release and reclamation of the criminal are in accordance with the demands of humane civilization. Many are in the convict camp who would make good citizens if released, and it requires the exercise of painstaking care and discretion to wisely exercise the power of the Governor as vested in him by the Constitution.
I submit herewith in accordance with law those cases in which I have exercised clemency.

OFFICIAL REPORTS.
I beg to call to your attention the reports of the various departments and institutions of State. The heads of these departments are familiar through experience with needed corrections, and I commend them to your careful investigation.

CONTINGENT FUND.

There are many expenses which by custom: have

bE;ien paid from the contingent fund. I think each

department should pay its own expenses of opera-

tion and the contingent fund be utilized only in cases

of necessity where provision could not be made. In

this way economy would be encouraged and the

needs of the departments be known to the Legisla-

ture.

w. & A. RAILROAD LEASE.

The Committee appointed in accordance with a

resolution adopted by you at the session of 1913,

with power to investigate and report regarding the

leasing of the Western & Atlantic R. R. will make

24

its recommendation. Composed as it is of men of the highest patriotism and experience, I commend their recommendation to your serious consideration. It is needless to comment on the permanent importance of this question and the extent to which its correct disposition will affect the entire State.

LAND TITLES.

The National Government is interested in the

matter of Rural Credits, and legislation will likely be passed providing for loans to farms at rates that

will permit investments in lands, with consequent ad-

vantage to the agricultural interests of our State. An essential prerequisite to such a plan is security

in land titles. The law should provide an easy and

inexpensive method of affording evidence that the

titles of agricultural lands are good and unincumbered. In many cases it is impossible to give this

assurance in Georgia to-day. While the Torrens

System may not be practicable in Georgia, I com-

mend the subject to your consideration, in order that this State may be prepared to take advantage of

such litigation as may be passed. Congress has recently passed a law allowing loans on land as secur~

ity, and a large part of the expense may be eliminated by providing a better system of land titles,

with a consequent reduction of expense to the bor-

rower.

CoNCL usrnNs.

I shall from time to time present such other com-

munications as conditions may require.

Governor.
25

EXHIBIT A.
Report of pardons, commutations, paroles, and respites granted since June 28, 1913.
PARDONS.
,JUAN FowLER: Superior Court of Rabun County; Fall term, 1896; voluntary manslaughter; two years in the penitentiary; disabilities removed September 27, 1913'. Applicant served his time with good behavior as shown by his discharge certificates. Since that time, for nearly fifteen years, he has lived as a good citizen.
BuNK ADDISON: Superior Court of Miller County: larceny: disabilities removed October 8, 1913, on recommendation of Judge of the City Court and nearly all of the county officers.
CHARLEY LoNG; City Court of Atlanta, October term, 1913; larceny from the house; $50.00 fine or ten months on the chaingang; pardoned November 18, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor. The showing made clearly shows a miscarriage of justice.
WALTER PHILLIPS; Superior Court of Muscogee County; November adj. term, 1903; simple larceny; twelve months on chaingang, or $100.00 fine; disabilities removed February 11, 1914, on recommendation of officials and leading citizens of Columbus.
FRANK S. VAN CEISEN; Superior Court of Chatham County; October term, 1913; malpractice in
27

office; $500.00 fine, or twelve months on the chaingang; disabilities removed March 20, 1914, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor General, county officers, and members of the General Assembly from Chatham County, because of the fact that applicant has carried out the sentence of the Court and is now mortally ill and not expected to live at most more than a month.
vV. 0. BROWN; Superior Court of Chatham
County; November term, 1912; embezzlement; one year; disabilities removed March 23, 1914, after he had served sentence with good record and since his discharge has been filling a responsible position in private life and his conduct has been such as to bespeak good citizenship in future.
WALTON MARTIN; Superior Court of Laurens County; July term, 1907 ; larcency from house; $50.00 fine; disabilities removed March 25, 1914. Applirant pleaded guilty to the offense of larceny from the house, and was fined in the F'ebruary term, 1908, of Laurens County Superior Court. Since that time he has been regularly employed, and has contributed the large part of his earnings to support of his widowed mother.
JORN H. HARTLEY; Superior Court of Bibb County; November term, 1911; manslaughter; eight years in the penitentiary; pardoned May 28, 1914. Ought never to have been ronvicted. Killed deceased in protection of fireside.
DAVID G. BLOOM; Superior Court of Muscogee County; September term, 1913'; unlawful shooting; fine of $100.00; pardoned I\Iay 29, 1914, on recommendation of ,Judge, Solicitor General and several of the county officers.
28

PARDON GRANTED AS PER rl1ERMS OF THE PAROLl~ LAW.
(Note.-The following case was reported in detail as parole, pardon order being promulgated in compliance with tho statutes under which he was paroled by Acting Governor, .Tohn l\L Slaton, in 1912.)
A. Y. CHASTAIN; Grady County; attempt to murder; pardoned, l\fay 16, 1914.
PAROLES.
ToM SPEER; Superior Court of Pike County; Spring term, 1896; murder; life imprisonment; paroled August 5, 1913? for statutory reasons and doubt as to his guilt.
CLIFFORD YOUNG; Superior Court of Effingham County; November term, 1901; manslaughter; twenty years in the penitentiary; paroled September 11, 1913, for statutory reasons and in view of the fact that defendant had served many years longer than the average term for manslaughter.
DocK BALDWIN; Superior Court of Ware County; Spring term, 1895; murder; life imprisonment; paroled September 18, 1913, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of the court officials, including the Judge.
RoMIE "\VILLIAMS; Superior Court of Tift County; July term, 1906'; manslaughter; ten years in the penitentiary; paroled September 17, 1913, for statutory reasons and as a reward for giving alarm when several prisoners tried to escape.
SAM YouNG; Superior Court of Miller County; October term, 1898; murder; life imprisonment; paroled October 7, 1913, for statutory reasons and because he had served nearly fifteen years; the offense not being one of extreme character.
29

J uDGE FANT; Superior Court of Franklin County; March term, 1910; manslaughter; fifteen years; paroled October 10, 1913, for statutory reasons and evidence showing the offense to be involuntary manslaughter as Court of Appeals intimates.
MosE HousTON; Superior Court of Chatham County; March term, 1901; murder; life imprisonment; paroled October 15, 1913, for statutory reasons and his youth, being only fourteen years old when the crime was committed. Prior to the offense his record was good and was good in the penitentiary.
AmsTRIDE, FRANZONI; Superior Court of Pickens County; Spring term, 1912; manslaughter; ten years paroled October 22, 1913, for statutory reasons and because circumstances showed defendant was not a bad man, but killed Hugo Passani in defense of his daughter.
WILL JoHNSoN; Superior Court of Walton County; August term, 1909; manslaughter; ten years; paroled October 28, 1913, for statutory reasons.
JIM PoPE; Superior Court of Dougherty County; May term, 1910; attempt to murder; eighteen months and seven years; paroled November 13, 1913, for statutory reasons and because it was clear that the combined sentences were excessive.
ARTIS WILLIAMS; Superior Court of Harris County; April term, 1909; manslaughter; twenty years; paroled November 28, 1913', for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
WILLIAM HERRINGTON; Superior Court of Fulton County; May term, 1911; attempt to murder; five
30

years; paroled December 18, 1913, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
GEORGE Ronny; Superior Court of Calhoun County; December term, 1902; attempt to wreck train; life impr:isonment; paroled December 27, 1913, for statutory reasons and because of his youth. He was between eleven and thirteen years of age when crime was committed.
J. W. GARNETT; Superior Court of Richmond County, May term, 1911; burglary; seven years; paroled December 29, 1913, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General and all Court officials of Richmond County.
1CHARLIE LEAK; Superior Court of Brooks County; November term, 1890; murder; life imprisonment; paroled January 2, 1914, for statutory reasons an<l on recommendation of jurors and Solicitor General.
Bun CHAPMAN; Superior Court of Bibb County; Spring term, 1903; burglary; twenty years; paroled January 5, 1914, for statutory reasons.
AMos KING; Superior Court of Fannin County; May term, 1912; burglary; three years in the penitentiary; paroled January 8, 1914, for statutory reasons, on account of youth of defendant and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
WILEY REDDING; Superior Court of Spalding County; Spring term, 1902; murder; life imprisonment; paroled January 17, 1914, for statutory reai;;ons, previous good character, and on recommendation of trial Judge.
DALTON KELLY; Superior Court of Jasper County; September term, 1894; murder; life imprisonment;
31

paroled January 17, 1914, for statutory reasons and because developments subsequent to the trial indicate that the negro was unjustly convicted.

JOHN PLEAS; Superior Court of Meriwether County; Spring term, 1895; murder; life imprison-

ment; paroled January 17, 1914-, fo1: statutory reasons.

JAMES PHILLIPS; Superior Court of Coweta County; Spring term, 1894; murder; life imprison-

ment; paroled ,January 20, 1914-, for statutory rea-

sons and the fact that offense was not such as would sons. Defendant served twenty years.

JOHN vVRIGHT; Superior Court of Decatur

County; May term, 1903; murder; life imprison-

ment; paroled January 20, 1914,for statutory reas-

ons and the fact that offense was not such as would class him as a confirmed criminal.

FORTUNE ANDERSON ; Superior Court of Liberty County; Spring term, 1903'; murder; life imprisonment; paroled January 20,1914-, for statutory reasons

and extenuating circumstances. ' CRAWFORD HAMPTON; Superior Court of Johnson

County; Fall term, 1899; murder; life imprisonment; paroled January 26, 1914, for statutory reasons, his youth and good record.
STANLEY HE,NDRix; Superior Court of Cherokee County; August term, 1912; involuntary manslaugh-

ter; two years; paroled February 6, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and

Solicitor General. En. CoawELL; Superior Court of Clinch County;

October term, 1897; murder; life imprisonment; pa-

roled

J
'

a

n

u

a

r

y .

27,

1914-,

for

statutory

reasons.

The

facts in the case indicate the killing was accidental.

32

WrLL BARKSDALE; Superior Court of 1Vilkes County; May term, 1910; voluntary manslaughter; twenty years; paroled February 6, 1914, for statutory reasons.
SAM JONES; Superior Court of Richmond County; January term, 1912; burglary; five years; paroled February 10, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge and Solicitor General.
ALFRED TowERS; Superior Court of Floyd County; .Jaimary term, 1907; burglary; fifteen years; paroled February 10, 1914, for statutory reasons and doubt as to his guilt.
BEN PARHAM; Superior Court of Irwin County; Fall term, 1903; murder; life imprisonment; paroled February 11, 1914, for statutory reasons.
JoHN MosELEY; Superior Court of Montgomery County; Spring term, 1895; murder; life imprisonment; paroled March 3, 1Q14, for statutory reasons and evidence presented since the trial.
FRANCIS ROBERSON; Superior Court of Campbell County; Spring term, 1894; murder; ]ife imprisonment; paroled March 5, 1914, for statutory reasons.
M. J. WEBB; Superior Court of Johnson County; March term, 1910; manslaughter; six years; paroled March 7, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Solicitor General.
JoE GADDIS; Superior Court of Whitfield County; April term, 1911; burglary; four years; paroled March 12, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge, Solicitor General and prosecutor.
JoHN CRrsP; Superior Court of Fannin County; August term, 1909; burglary; ten years; paroled
33

March 12, 1914, for statutory reasons and previous good conduct.
WILL PHILPOT; Superior Court of Heard County; March term, 1911; manslaughter; five years; paroled March 12, 1914, for statutory reasons.
WEST CocHRAN; Superior Court of Spalding County; Fall term, 1910; voluntary manslaughter; six years; paroled March 14, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge, Solicitor General and all county officers of Spalding County.
REDDIE DoNALSON ; Superior Court of Pulaski County; February term, 1905; manslaughter; fifteen years in penitentiary; paroled March 24, 1914, for statutory reasons.
WILL MoBLE,Y; Superior Court of Houston County; Fall term, 1907; burglary; fifteen years; paroled March 17, 1914, for statutory reasons.
MITCHELL JACKSON; Superior Court of Bibb County; April term, 1909; burglary; seven years; paroled March 19, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge who expressed some doubt as to the negro's guilt.
C. E. BAILEY; Superior Court of Upson County; November term, 1909; manslaughter; ten years; paroled March 27, 1914, for statutory reasons and on account of good conduct prior to commission of crime and in the penitentiary, and on recommendation of the leading white people of Upson County.
M. L. LOWERY; Superior Court of Glynn County; Spring term, 1897; murder; life imprisonment; paroled March 25, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge and Solicitor General
34

who declared that in their opinion he had been sufficiently punished.
FRANK KIMBROUGH; Superior Court of Greene County; November term, 1910; attempt to murder; seven years; paroled April 3, 1914 for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge and Solicitor General.
GEORGE HALL; Superior Court of Muscogee County; Spring term, 1911; burglary; five years; paroled April 6, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of prosecutor, county officers and grand jurors in county where he is serving.
WILL HARRIS; Superior Court of Mitchell County; October term, 1900; murder; life imprisonment; paroled April 15, 1914, for statutory reasons and on account of his fingers being burned off and feet being crushed while working in the penitentiary.
TAP ARMOR; Superior Court of Greene County; March term, 1891; murder; life imprisonment; paroled April 15, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Solicitor General.
ED Hooirn; Superior Court of Sumter County; Fall term, 1901; murder; life imprisonment; paroled April 15, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Solicitor General. The defendant was only nineteen years old when convicted.
ARCHIE AuGUST; Superior Court of Chatham County; July term, 1912; burglary; two years; paroled April 19, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of authorities of Thunderbolt. This boy was only sixteen years old when offense was committed; the offense consisting of taking some whiskey.
35

En DAVIS; Superior Court of Chatham County; Spring term, 1895; murder; life imprisonment; paroled April 30, 1914, for statutory reasons.
CLIFF SHAw; Superior Court of Fulton County; Fall term, 1901; burglary; thirty years; paroled May 2, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Chief of Detective Department of Atlanta, and on account of the exceptionally good conduct of defendant while serving as a convict.
JAMES RouNTREE; Superior Court of Emanuel County; Fall term, 190:3; murder; life imprisonment; paroled May 4, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
MANUEL KNIGHT; Superior Court of Pike County; April term, 1903; murder; life imprisonment; paroled May 4, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
BEN CoLLINS; Superior Court of Meriwether County; Spring term, 1901; murder; life imprisonment; paroled May 4; 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of leading citizens of Meriwether County. This negro made a good record and aided in preventing escapes.
WILL THORNTON; Superior Court of Ware County; December term, 1910; manslaughter; five years; paroled May 14, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of trial Judge and Solicitor General.
JOHN W. MAHONE; Superior Court of Talbot County; September term, 1903'; murder; life imprisonment; paroled May 19, 1914, for statutory reasons and on account of previous good conduct and recommendation of the leading white men of Talbot County.
36

GEORGE F. MoonE; Superior (1ourt of Crisp County; February term, 1912; cheating and swindling; three years; paroled May 28, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of prosecutor.
H. H. BUTLER; Superior Court of Grady County; September term, 1911; attempt to murder; three years; paroled May 28, 1914, for statutory reasons and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
J. D. STRINGER; Superior Court of Wayne County; Spring term, 1913; embezzlement; one and one-half years; paroled May 28, 1914, for statutory reasons, because of his youth and on recommendation of prosecutor.
JrM ALLEN; Superior Court of {'obb County; November term, 1910; burglary; ten years in the penitentiary; paroled June 8, 1914, for statutory reasons, on recommendation of Solicitor General, prosecutor and jury.
CALVIN BEACH; Superior Court of Houston County; Fall term, 1901; murder; life imprisonment; paroled June 8, 1914, for statutory reasons, on recommendation of Judge and on account of doubt as to guilt of applicant.
WALTER CREWS; Superior Court of Charlton County; April term, 1911; manslaughter; four years in the penitentiary; paroled June 8, 1914, for statutory reasons.
CHARLES THOMAS; Superior Court of Richmond County; November term, 1903; manslaughter; twenty years; paroled June 22, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
37

COMMUTATIONS.
ALBERT NORMAN; City Court of Moultrie; July term, 1912; larceny; $50.00 fine and 8 months on clrningang; commuted July 3, 1913, on statement of court officials that applicant has complied with sentence of court.
LuLA BERBIG; City Court of Fulton County; June term, 1013'; running disorderly house; six months in jail or $50.00 fine and three months in jail; commuted July 26, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
HENRY rrEw ; Superior Court of Spalding County; Fan term, UJlO; seduction; eight years; commuted July 14, 1913, on account of applicant's mental condition.
,JESSE SEWELL; Superior Court of Coweta County; September term, 1911; bigamy; two years in penitentiary; commuted July 25, 1913, on recommendation of .Judge and Solicitor and on account of applicant's good behavior.
B1LL rrHOMAS; City Court of Houston County; August term, 1911; larceny; $25.00 fine or 6 months on chaingang; commuted July 28, 1913, to payment of fine of $25.00.
JOE PLAYMALE; City Court of Brooks County; May term, 1913; gaming; $75.00 fine or six months on chaingang; commuted July 3'0, 1913, on account of physical condition of applicant.
JACK DAVIS; City Court of Chatham County; Spring term, 1913; vagrancy; $100.00 fine or six months in jail; commuted July 30, 1913, on account of physical condition of applicant.
ANNIE LE-E BooTH; City Court of Fulton County;
38

August term, 1912; larceny and carrying concealed weapon; commuted August 22, 1913, on account of applicant's youth and on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
MABEL SANDERS; City Court of Valdosta; February term, 1913; vagrancy; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted August 22, 1913', on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor, Sheriff and other officers.
HARRISON STEELE; Superior Court of Dougherty County; November term, 1911; perjury; four years in the penitentiary; commuted August 5, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Deputy Sheriff.
W. P. GRIMES; Superior Court of Putnam County; September term, 1911; forgery; four years in the penitentiary; commuted August 8, 1913, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor, Prosecutor and Jury. The amount involved was small and no loss was sustained.
HowARD GuFFIN; City Court of Atlanta; Sep tember term, 1912; wife-beating; twelve months on the chaingang or $200.00 fine; commuted August 22, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor who assert that developments since the trial indicate that prosecution was for spite.
EDWARD MuRPHEY; Superior Court of Fulton County; Fall term, 1911; forgery; three years in the penitentiary; commuted September 11, 1913, for statutory reasons.
C. IL SADLER; City Court of Americus; August term, 1913; stealing ride on R. R. train; $50.00 fine or four months on chaingang; commuted September 9, 1913, to payment of fine of $50.00.
39

LraE LANE; Superior Court of Clinch County; March term, J 913'; rape; to be hanged; comrnuforl to life imprisonment September 9, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General.
KELLY HOLDER; Superior Court of :F'ulton County; May term, H)]:3; simple larceny; six months on chaingang, or $100.00 fine; commuted August 9, 1913 to payment of $50.00 fine.
CHARLES HoGAN; City Court of ]~ulton County; December term, 1912; cheating and swindling; twelve montlis on the chaingang, two cases; commuted September 16, 1913.
D. L. McCORD; Superior Court of Monroe County; Spring term, 1913; violating prohibition law; 12 months on chaingang; commuted September 23', 1913, on recommendation of Judge.
S. R. HARWELL; City Court of Atlanta; April term, 1913; vagrancy; eight months on the chaingang; commuted September 27, 1913. Relatives of applicant aver that he was sent to jail and later to the cliaingang because of his addiction to the use of opiates. The county physician certifies that he is now cured. 'l'he deputy warden under whom he has worked, and the Judge and Solicitor who tried him, recommend clemency.
W. J. McNAUGHTON; Superior Court of Emanuel County; October term, 1910; murder; death sentence; commuted to life imprisonment; September 27, 1913, on the ground of extenuating circumstances.
R. G. CoRAM; Superior Court of Murray County; February term, 1912; assault with intent to murder; two years in the penitentiary; commuted October 7, 193, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
40

ALBERT MooRE; City Court of Macon; June term, 1913; gaming; $40.00 fine or six months on the chaingang; commuted October 13', 1913, because of serious illness of applicant, who is in last stages of tuberculosis.
GEORGE OLIVER; Superior Court of DeKalb County; September term, 1913; murder; to be hanged; commuted to life imprisonment October 14, 1913, on recommendation of about one hundred citizens of DeKalb County and Sheriff and other county officers.
GEORGE BRINKLEY; Superior Court of Fulton County; shooting at another; fine of $100.00 or six months on the chaingang; commuted to payment of $50.00, October 21, 1913, on recommendation of various parties concerned and officers of the court.
LEWIS HARDY; City Court of Butts County; March term, 1913; violating prohibition law; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted to payment of fine of $50.00, on statement of .Judge who imposed the sentence that he has no objection to applicant being allowed to pay a fine.
RoBERT A. TucKER; City Court of Fulton County; ],-,all term, 1912; carrying concealed weapon and selling whiskey; twenty-four months or $1,000.00 fine; commuted to payment of fine of $50.001 on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor General and prosecutor.
HENRY SMITH; Superior Court of Newton County; September term, 1904; murder; life imprisonment in the penitentiary; commuted to present service November 10, 1913, on account of his good conduct, and evidence showing that the murder was not of such extreme character.
41

WILLIS JONES; Superior Court of Morgan County; March term, 1913; murder; death sentence; commuted to life imprisonment November 9, 1913, on recommendation of the Judge, Solicitor General and nearly all of the county officers of Morgan County.
MALLARY BEDINGFIELD; Superior Court of Bibb County; April term, 1913'; shooting at another; one year at the State Farm; commuted to payment of fine of $100.00 November 13, 1913. The jury convicting applicant, recommended a misdemeanor punishment. The Judge did not approve this recommendation and imposed a sentence of one year. The Prison Commission, after a thorough investigation, do not believe there was any intentional shooting of prosecutor.
,V. L. BENTON; Superior Court of Dougherty
County; Spring term, 1911; attempt to murder; three years in the penitentiary; commuted to present service November 13, 1913, on recommendation of trial Judge.
CHAS. D. LANE; City Court of Atlanta; Spring term, 1913'; vagrancy; eight months on the chaingang; commuted to present service November 13, 1913, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
JAMES SPENCE; Superior Court of Whitfield County; April term, 1913'; adultery and fornication; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted November 13, 1913, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and officers of the Court.
W. F. WHITEHEAD; Superior Court of Muscogee County; February term, 1913; abortion; twelve ~onths at State Farm; commuted November 28, 1913, on recommendation of trial Judge.
42

HARRY GIBBONS; City Court of Quitman; October term, 1913; misdemeanor; seven months on the chaingang; commuted December 18, 1913, on account of serious illness of applicant.
,V"EsLEY HENDRICKS; County Court of Wayne County; July term, 1913; selling whiskey; $300.00 fine and costs, or twelve months on chaingang; commuted December 19, 1913, on account of critical physical condition of applicant.
MAUDE ScoTT; City Court of Fulton County; November term, 1913; larceny; $50.00 fine or eight months on chaingang; commuted December 27, 1913', on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and party from whom goods were taken.
HE,NRY DICKERSON; Superior Court of Fulton County; September term, 1907; sodomy; life imprisonment; commuted January 3, 1914, on recommendation of trial Judge and on account of good conduct of prisoner.
JIM BAXLEY; Superior Court of Coweta County; March term, 1913; murder; death sentence; commuted to life imprisonment January 6, 1914, on recommendation of Prison Commission, Judge anw Solicitor General who tried the case.
WILL OGLESBY; City Court of Atlanta; December term, 1913; vagrancy; $50.00 fine or eight months on the chaingang; commuted to present service January 8, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
HENRY McKEEVER, alias BuNcH McKEEVER; Superior Court of Coweta County; September term, 1906; murder; life imprisonment; commuted January 12, 1914, because of doubt as to guilt of applicant.
43

I. B. HALL; Superior Court of Tift County; July term, 1913; murder; death sentence; commuted to life imprisonment January 15, 1914, on occount of mental condition of applicant and unanimous recommendation of Prison Commission.
JoE EnGE; Superior Court of Cobb County; March term, 1910; arson; five years in the penitentiary; commuted January 17, 1914, on account of youth of applicant and earnest recommendation of ,Judge and Solicitor.
JIM DuNSON; City Court of Atlanta; October term, 1913; gaming; six months in jail; commuted January 17, 1914, on account of severe injury received by applicant while under arrest.
C. A. ,:VrLKEs; City Court of Atlanta; October term, 1913; carrying concealed weapons; $75.00 fine or twelve months on the chaingang; commuted to present service January 20, 1914, on payment of $25.00 fine, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
FRANK ,VHELCHEL; City Court of Gainesville; May term, 1913; larceny from the house (two cases) ; $175.00 fine or twenty-four months on the chaingang; commuted January 20, 1914. Really this negro was guilty of only one offense, for which he has more than served the extreme penalty provided by law. The Judge, Solicitor and prosecutor recommend commutation.
ATTICUs RICHARDSON; Superior Court of Fulton County; January term, 1913'; forgery; two years in the penitentiary; commuted January 20, 1914, on account of youth of applicant and recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and other officers of the court.
44

MILT PATTERSON; Superior Court of Elbert County; September term, 1913; assault with intent to murder; $100.00 fine or twelve months on chaingang; commuted January 24, 1914, on account of physical condition of applicant, he being in the last stages of consumption and liable to die at any moment.
GEORGE WALKER; Superior Court of Laurens County; December term, 1913; selling liquor; $1,000. fine or twelve months on the chaingang; commuted January 26, 1914, to payment of $75.00 fine, on recommendation of Judge and Grand Jury.
LuKE PALMORE; City Court of Waycross; January term, 1914; stealing ride on R. R. train; twelve months at the State Farm; commuted February 14, 1914, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and Prosecutor and on account of youth of applicant.
RoY HARPER; Superior Court of Cobb County; September term, 1913; assault with intent to murder; $150.00 fine or twelve months on chaingang; commuted February 6, 1914, to payment of $75.00 fine. The applicant served one half his term and the Judge and Solicitor recommend that his fine be apportioned according to service of the boy, who was only 17 years old.
SHEP KING; Superior Court of Upson County; November term, ,1913; selling liquor; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted March 5, 1914, to payment of fine of $100.00, on account of the enfeebled condition of applicant and the fact that he has servea four months.
J.P. CRONIN; City Court of Macon; November term, 1912; violating prohibition law; twelve months on chaingang, or $500.00 fine and three months in
45

jail; commuted March 6, 1914. Applicant has served four months on the chaingang and has paid the fine of $500.00 and costs. Therefore the service of four months on the chaingang has more than equaled the service of three months in jail.
C. P. Nix; Superior Court of Laurens County; April term, 1913; carrying concealed weapon; twelve months on chaingang; commuted March 9, 1914. The term of applicant will expire in a few days. There is another case pending against him in ,Johnson County Superior Court and the Solicitor General desires to try him at the approaching term of Court. Unless he is released at once, he will claim lack of opportunity for preparing for his trial.
SAM SMITH; Superior Court of Bulloch County; April term, 1913'; selling liquor; $400.00 fine or twelve months on chaingarrg; commuted March 9, 1914, on account of physical condition of applicant.
ERNEST MERRITT; Superior Court of Spalding County; ,Tanuary term, 1910; murder; life imprisonment; commuted March 14, 1914, on account of doubt as to guilt of defendant and on recommendation of Solicitor, Judge and Grand Jury.
IsAAC PoTTER; Superior Court of Walker County; August term, 1911; seduction; ten years in the penitentiary; commuted March 13, 1914. Evidence submitted since the trial renders it practica11y impossible for defendant to have been guilty of the crime of seduction.
W. M. HAYES; County Court of vVayne County; February term, 1914; stealing ride on R. R. train; $30.00 fine or five months on chaingang; commuted March 16, 1914, on recommendation of trial Judge
46

and Department of Charities and Correction of Cincinnati.
Z. A. BnooKs; ( 'ity Court of Columbus; January term, 1913; keeping le,vd house; twelve months on chaingang; commuted March 16, ]~)14, on recommendation of leading l'itizens and officials of Columbus.
CnARLIJ,, SHEPPARD; City Court of Carrollton; Spring term, 1913; larceny; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted J\Iarch 19, 1914. rrhe Judge Rtates that the sentence was imposed under a misapprehension and asks that it be reduced.
Hol\iER .TORDAN; Superior Court of Spalding County; August term, 1912; simple larceny; four years in the penitentiary; commuted March 19, 1914, on recommen<lation of Solicitor General.
CAP FLANIGAN; Superior Court of Walton County; August term, ] 913; se11ing liquor; six and twelve months (two cases) ; commuted March 19, 1914, to payment of fine of $150.00 on recommendation of ,Judge and Solicitor General.
Pol\lP McLENDON, alias PAUL TnoMAS; City Court of Atlanta; February term, 1913; larceny; $150.00 fine or ten months; commuted March 21, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor and in view of time served by applicant.
ToM GRAN'.I;; Superior Court of Richmond County; November term, 1913; larceny; twelve months on chaingang; commuted 1farch 21, 1914, on account of physical condition of applicant and on recommendation of the County Commissioners and County Physician of Richmond County.
RoBERT MrNoR; Superior Court of Richmond County; January term, 1908; rape; fifteen years in
47

the penitentiary; commuted March 25, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor General and request of father of prosecutor.
MrLES PIERCE, alias BusTER PIERCE; Superior Court of Greene County; August term, 1909; murder; life imprisonment; commuted March 25, 1914. The developments since the trial of the applicant leads the tria} Judge and Solicitor General to believe that this applicant is not guilty of the crime drnrged ancl they both recommend full pardon.
SAM rrHolVIAS; City Court of Valdosta; June term, 1913; misdemeanor; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted April 6, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor.
GE.NE ARNOLD; Superior Court of Fayette County; September term, 1913; selling liquor; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted March 3'0, 1914, on recommendation of ,Judge, Solicitor General, Grand Jury and County Commissioners of Fayette County and on account of physical condition of applicant.
CAP FLANIGAN; Superior Court of Walton County; August term, 1913'; se]]ing liquor; six months and i-Yelve months; commuted to payment of fine of $90. 00 April 11, 1914. On March 19, 1914, about a month after the original request for clemency was made by the Judge and Solicitor, an Order was passed commuting the penalty to a fine of $150.00. The applicant was unable to pay this and has served an additional month. Now the Solicitor asks that the penalty be commuted to a fine of $90.00.
J. F. ALEXANDER; Superior Court of Fulton County; March term, 191:3; forgery; three years in
48

the penitentiary; commuted April 11, 1914, on account of mental condition of applicant.
A. J. DEKEYSBR; City Court of Macon; February term, 1914; misdemeanor; $125.00 fine or six months on chaingang; commuted April 15, 1914, on recommendation of Judge.
GEORGE vVmGHT; Superior Court of Harri:,; County; April term, 1907; murder; life imprisonment; commuted April 16, 1914, because of donbt ns to guilt of applicant.
CLYDE AUTREY; City Court of Atlanta; January term, 1914; vagrancy; twelve months; because of the fact that no offense was committed. by the boy, aud the serious injury he has received, and the emergency recommendation made by Judge Patterson.
WILLIE STE\\'ART and FosTEH SIMPSON; Superior Court of Dodge County; Novembcr term, 1911; perjury; four years in the penitentiary; commuted J\fny 2, 1914, on recommendation of trial ,Judge.
BEsHAZZA CHA\VFOHD; Superior ('ourt of Oconee
County; January term, mos; attempt to rape; ten
years in the penitentiary; commuted April 24, 1914, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and prosecutor.
G. W. BLACKSTOCK; Cit,r Court of .._\tlanta; l\fareli term, 1914; vagrancy; sLx months in jail; eommutcd May 9, 1914, on account of physical condition of applicant and doubt as to his guilt.
J.M. PETTIGREW; City Court of Macon; December term, 1913; violating the prohibition law; 12 months on the chaingang, or three months in jail and payment of $250.00; commuted l\Iay 11, 1914. rn1e defendant has paid the fine of $250.00 and costs and
49

is now serving on jail sentence. His sentence is commuted to present service on account of his physical condition.
JOSEPH KELVIN; Criminal Court of Atlanta; April term, 1914; vagrancy; six months in Fulton County Jail; commuted May 11, ]914, upon request of ,Judge and Solicitor.
T. ,J. MEDLEY, JR.; Criminal Court of Atlanta; October term, 1913; vagrancy; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted May 16, 1914, in view of the facts and the rernmmendation of Judge and Solicitor and that the committal was for the purpose of saving the man from the cocaine habit.
JORN GRunBs; Superior Court of Stewart County; October term, 191:"3; cheating and swindling; twelve months on the chaingang, or $125.00 fine; commuted May 23', Hll4, to present service upon the payment of $50.00 fine. He has served more than five months.
C. J. NoBLEs; Superior Court of Laurens County; October term, 19B; furnisliing liquor to a minor; twelve months on the chaingang and costs; commuted May 2~3, 1914, to payment of fine of $]f:;0.00, upon recommendation of Judge, Solicitor, prosecutor and a large numhel' of citizens of Laurens County.
JACK SHEALEY; Superior Court of Sumter County; November term, 1911; murder; life imprisonment; commuted to present service :May 28, 1914, on. recommendation of .Tmlge and Solicitor General and on account of doubt as to guilt of applicant.
CLIFF GRAY; Superior l 'ourt of Taylor County; April term, 1913; larceny; twelve months on the chaingang and $300.00; commuted to present service
50

May 28, 1914, on recommendation of prosecutor and many other white citizens of Taylor County.
H. B. MoRGAN; Superior Court of vVebster County; April term, 1904; arson; twenty years in the penitentiary; commuted to present service June 3, 1914, on recommendation of Solicitor and many good citizens of vVebster County and on account of doubt as to applicant's guilt.
CoLBERT BONNER; Superior Court of Carroll County; October term, 1905; murder; life imprisonment in the penitentiary; commuted to present service June 3', 1914, on r~commendation of Prison Commission and on account of physical condition of applicant.
JETHRO CLEMENTS; Superior Court of Fayette County; March term, 1914; murder; death sentence; commuted to life imprisonment June 5, 1914, on recommendation of Judge, Solicitor and leading citizens of Fayette County and on account of mental condition of applicant.
HENRY USHER; Superior Court of ]'ulton County; April term, 1906'; manslaughter; ten years in the penitentiary; commuted to present service June 11, 1914, on account of physical condition of defendant, he having sustained a stroke of paralysis, affecting his entire left side.
CLYDE Woon; City Court of Fulton County; Spring term, 1914; vagrancy; twelve months on the chaingang; commuted to present service .Tune 28, 1914, on recommendation of Judge and Solicitor. The record shows that this boy has committed no crime, but was addicted t~ the cocaine habit and sent to prison on the charge of vagrancy.
51

PRATT JENKINS; Superior Court of Burke County; October term, 1912; shooting at another; four years; commuted to present service June 22, 1914, on recommendation of Judge, Jury and Solicitor General.
OTIS W ooD; Superior Court of Newton County;
September term, 1906; murder; life imprisonment; eommuted to present service June 23, 1914, on recommendation of .Judge and Solicitor General and because of doubt as to his guilt.
COMMUTATIONS AS THE RESUL'r OF PAROLES.
( These 1cere reported to previous Leg,islctture in detail as paroles) .
To1rn ANTHONY; Hancock County; burglary. MARY FORTSON; Fulton County; manslaughter. .TuLE RENFROE; Lowndes County; attempt to mur-
der. w1LL KNIGHT; Fulton County; robbery. (hwncm Krna; Putnam County; murder. .TERRY HOLMES; Chatham County; murder. B1m JONES; Randolph County; murder. Pm Km FosTER; Floyd County; manslaughter. HENRY EvANS; Fulton County; murder. vVrLLIAM LUNDY; Screven County; murder. ,TAMES BRucE; Pickens County; robbery. .ANNA WOOTEN; Fulton County; murder. .TonN ROBERSON; vVashington County; murder. CHARLES SuTTON; Ji'ulton County; robbery.
vv. C. (<ARTER; Polk County; manslaughter.
JOE TENNYSON; Emanuel County; murder.
RESPITES.
vV.J. McNAUGHTON; Emanuel County; murder; from September 5, 1913, to October 3, 191:3, to afford
52

time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
"\\rILL GATHRIGHT; Gwinnett County; murder; from October 10, 1913", to ~ovember 14, 1913, to afford time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
.WILLIE JONES; Morgan County; murder; from October 24, 1913, to :N'ovember 14, 1913, to afford time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
JIM BAXLEY; Coweta ( 'ounty; murder; from Jannary 2, l~l14, to January H:i, 1914, to afford time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
GEORGE SMITH; Lo,vndes County; murder; from January 16, 1914, to February 6, 1914, to afford time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
JIM CANTRELL; Hall County; accessory to mur-
der; from February 27, 1914, to _i\Iarch 27, 1914;
from March 27, 1914, to April 24, 1914; from April 24, 1914, to May 29, 1914, and from May 29, 1914, to June 26, 1914, to afford time for the Supreme Court
to pass on the Case of Bart Cantrell; also to afford
time for Prison Commission to pass on cases of Bart Cantrell and Jim Cantrell, who have applied for executive clemenry.
NicK vVILBc:RK; Jones County; murder; from J\Iay 29, 19] 4 to .Tune 12, 1914, to afford time for proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
JoHN WRIGHT; ],'annin County; murder; from
June 5, 1914, to ,Tune 26, 1914, to afford time for
proper consideration of application for executive clemency.
53