MESSAGE

OF

HIS EXCELLENCY

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GOVERNOR

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L. G. HARDMAN

TO THE
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l.EGISLATURE ()F GEORGIA

JUNE 27, 1927

Message
To
The Legislature of Georgia
MR PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
We are here today in accordance with your Constitution, custom and law, which require that the Governor present to the General Assembly a report on the condition of affairs of the State and his recommendations for their improvement.
You to whom I speak are united with me in the bond of a common purpose, which i,s to serve the people of Georgia who have shown their confidence in us by entrusting the administration and development of their government to our hands. It is your desire and my desire to fulfill that trust, and we can best do that by entering into a spirit of cooperation and matual confidence.
During the campaign which resulted in your election and mine, the people have made known very clearly their desire for business administration of the State's affairs. This was declared from every Court House and in every campaign speech. The question was sometimes asked, "What is meant by the term, 'Business Administration?' " The answer was, an administration which gives a value of one hundred cents for every dollar of the money that is collected from the tax payer.
This degree of efficiency can not be achieved in a day, but it is the goal towards which both you and I are working. We shall need to confer together concerning means and methods of achieving it.
It is your desire and mine that there should be no
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waste, extravagance, graft, or inefficiency in the service rendered by any official of the State, but that all officials shall be men of ability, honesty and integrity, with education and training sufficient for the service they are expected to render.
I think you will also agree with me that reorganization is necessary in some of the departments of the State, looking to the more efficient operation of these departments and a wiser expenditure of the funds provided for them.
In the confidence, therefore, that we are working towards the same end, I present the following reports and recommendations to you:
THE CONDITION OF AFFAIRS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
DEFICITS
First, I call attention to the study and the recommendations as made to you by the Investigating and Budget Commission of Georgia. This Commission was unable to recommend to you the desires, needs and the requirements necessary for the various departments and institutions of the State of Georgia as presented to them by the official heads and I commend to you their report and ask that you give it the most thorough study.
This is one of the most important reports perhaps that will be presented to you, for the reason that it deals with the Department of Revenue of the State which supports the departments and institutions, giving their appropriations, their expenditures and their needs. The special reports from all of the interests, I commend for your consideration.
The report by the Investigating and Budget Commission, and the reports from all departments and institutions, are fundamental and vital because of the necessary support to maintain and expand in the work in all
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of these interests. The state, on account of inadequate revenue, will be unable to meet the requests of the varied interests of the State of Georgia.
I wish to call your attention in this connection to the deficits that are reported by a number of the institutions of your state, and, suggest that it is undesirable and unsafe for the State of Georgia to encourage the expenditure of funds unauthorized.
Deficit, thus created, certainly if it included a great number of Departments of State, would jeopardize the finances of the State. It is an unsound, unwise method and should not be indulged in.
I recognize that emergencies and extreme conditions might warrant the expenditure of funds unauthorized, and I recommend that you suggest and provide some plan by which if an emergency should arise, that this emergency, or extremity, could be met in a legal manner.
In the report of your Investigating and Budget Commission, you will note that it indicates that in 1929, under the plans and appropriations suggested by them, there will be an accumulated deficit of $572,000.00. I suggest to you that this is a debt of the state created without funds to liquidate the same. I suggest further that it is an unwise business method to provide for an accumulated deficit or debt to be provided for by future revenue, and it is your duty now to make provisions in your revenue to take care of the necessary operating expenses of the state government and all of its institutions dependent upon it. You have a reasonable expectation for increase of revenue, which you have already provided for consuming.
I understand that you have already provided that the Chief Executive of your State may borrow money, but is: the desire of your present executive, except in extreme emergencies, not to borrow money or create a debt which will call for a considerable sum to be paid with interest. Several hundred thousands of dollars have been paid in interest by your state which should be avoided.
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REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS
May I be permitted to call to your attention a careful study of the reports that have been made to the executive and legislative departments of your State, looking toward a better system of organization in these respective departments and institutions. It is only by a study of these conditions that we will be able to better provide and secure the greatest efficiency and economy.
REORG.ANIZATION AND REDUCTION OF STA TE DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS and INSTITUTIONS
It is reported by the State Auditor that "there are about 80 Departments, Boards and Institutions of the State government." I suggest, and recommend to you, the grouping of many of these Departments under one head so as to relieve the overhead expenses and over-lapping, and, at the same time provide a better cooperation and greater efficiency in each interest included under these various heads, boards and institutions. The fact that these institutions have been created in an irregular and disarticulated way, although the greatest desire of service might have been the leading spirit, they cannot so well function as it is possible to have them do under reorganization, looking toward placing many of the boards and departments under one head.
STATE GOVERNMENT AND STATE FINANCES
In order that we may provide in our state government, the proper functioning, relations and cooperation, I suggest and recommend to you, a thorough study of our state government.
Revenues and Finances are necessary elements in the affairs of State, and since the source of revenue, as has the affairs of government, been placed upon the values, both visible and invisible, in an irregular and ofttimes undesirable and unjust way, I recommend to you,
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if your judgment suggests, that our system of financing be trained experts (if not found in your body, then secure them outside) and you can then present for the considera-: tion of the legislative body a better method that would bring equality in tax burdens, and a greater source of revenue to take care of the burdens of the state, one that would commend itself to the tax payer.
TAXES
The majority of the citizens of our state are willing to make their contributions for the support of the state government and the development of the number of interests that the state fosters. What they desire, if I may suggest, is that their money should be so handled that it is an investment for the interests of Georgia and her citizens. When they are convinced that the expenditures of tax money is as it should be, I do not believe that it will be difficult to secure the funds necessary to provide for their interests in our state government.
RECESS PERIOD OF THE LEGISLATURE
So far as it has been my privilege and opportunity to know the members of the General Assembly, I am convinced that you have a splendid, able and well equipped body of men, deeply interested in the affairs of state, looking to economy, growth and progress. I am sure that you are equipped in thought and training to solve the problems that will be suggested by you. I suggest, however, that should you feel for the lack of time and opportunity to investigate and secure information concerning the matters that will come before you, (if under our Constitution we are permitted to do so) that after you have completed your organization and the various measures have been presented to your body, say after 20 days, that you take a recess for the purpose of better studying the problems, and reconvene at such a time as you may deem wise. You would then have the information and conclusions to enable you to expedite the measures of
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the affairs of the state in a most complete and satisfactory manner. This leaves remaining forty days for the completion of the present session.
I suggest further that such committees be appoint-ed as will be best equipped for the study of the respective problems that come before you, making as complete and as thorough investigation of the subjects and measures presented so that the facts can be promptly and satisfactorily presented.
I also suggest an amendment to our Constitution providing that our governor shall be elected for four years instead of two years and that his term of office commence on January 1st and that the Legislature convene on February 1st. I suggest that the biennial session of the Legislature be continued, thereby giving two sessions to the governor instead of one session so that he may be better able to serve the State of Georgia.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
It has been suggested, from various sources, that the Constitution of Georgia, of 1877, is a document inapplicable and not specially fitted for the needs of this state today. Without suggesting whether it is or not, and with the thought that many favor a Constitutional Convention, and that a number rather dread and suspect that a Constitutional Convention would be detrimental, rather than helpful, to the state; I suggest to you the advisability of appointing a Constitution Commission, consisting of one citizen ( a native Georgian) from each Congressional District, one of experience, ability, and in touch with the affairs. of the state, to be appointed by the governor, whose duty it shall be to study the situation and affairs of state and to formulate and present to the State of Georgia a new Constitution to be submitted to a vote of the people, at such time as may appeal to you as being the desirable thing for the state.
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REVENUES OF STATE
I recommend for your consideration, and enactment, such a law as will provide that all revenues from whatever source derived shall be placed in the State Treasury and shall be paid out or distributed by appropriation from the Legislature, and under such vouchers and recommendations as may indicate safe and wise business methods, and, such amendments and repeal of laws as would harmonize with this Act.
BANKING DEPARTMENT
Perhaps there is no Department of State in our entire southern section, with few exceptions, whose Department has met with such disaster, reverses and calamities as have come to the people through this Department of our state. We are not disposed to admit that the ineffectiveness of the law alone is responsible, but conditions have been a very strong factor, and yet, if the law in the department is not so formulated as to function and to serve the people under times of stress and burd~n, it would seem that it would be practically useless. We need but little regulation when conditions are favorable and growth and progress are splendid.
There have been but few calamities that have brought a greater burden, suffering and want to the small depositors as has the many failures that have come to the banks of the State of Georgia. It is most desirable that such conditions do not e-xist. With this view in mind, I recommend that all of the taxes which support the Banking Department, go through the State Treasury as other funds, and that they be paid out by appropriation and vouchers as other Departments of State. I further suggest that the expenses of liquidating all banks be reduced.
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
I recommend a reorganization of the State Highway Department to be known as the State Highway Com-
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miss10n, providing for one comm1ss10ner and assistant commissioner, and, an engineer and assistant engineer in the respective road districts of the State. The head of this Department to be appointed by the governor, subject to removal at the will of the governor, and that the commissioner shall have the authority to appoint his assistants, subject to the approval of the governor; and, that the engineers shall be appointed by the commissioner, subject to removal at will, and that such division commissioner shall have the authority to hire and remove at will anyone under him in his district; and, the bridge engineer shall have the authority to appoint and remove any one under. him at will; and, that such organization as may be necessary for the purchasing of material and equipment be handled by the commissioner or anyone named by him; that no automobile shall be purchased that shall exceed $1300.00 to be used by the engineers or others in this Department and that no automobile or machinery shall be used except for the service of the State in the State Highway Department.
Due to the large sums of money that are to be used in this Department, it is most desirable that this organization should be placed upon wise and business methods so that the state will get value return for the money invested and at the same time provide for a wide distribution.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Agricultural Department of the State of Georgia is for the purpose of serving one of the most important and fundamental interests in the entire state. The farmer, the producer of the necessities of life, looks for help anq encouragement from the several heads that are operated under the Department of Agriculture.
There was expressed in the recent campaign, in speeches and by vote of the people, a desire to reorganize and reduce the expenses of this Department, and if possible, to make more efficient every division under this de-
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partment. It is not the desire that this Department should, in any way, be crippled, but it should be of greater service to the farming interests of Georgia at a less cost, and, it is recommended by the Chief Executive, that this Department should be placed upon a more economic and efficient basis to better serve the farmers of Georgia.
The Department of veterinarian, entomology, chemistry, and marketing are vital to the farmers of Georgia and should be arranged to provide the information -that should be available to them so that they can utilize these facts in a practical way.
I recommend that you make a thorough study of this Department and if there should exist any undesirable connections in these divisions that they be eliminated and placed under such other Departments or groups as will give the best service to the whole people.
SINKING FUND OR INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
The state property, including our Capitol, educational institutions, public school buildings, libraries, court houses and jails, would easily go beyond twenty million dollars. The insurance on this property, a large amount of which is paid by the state of Georgia, could be protected at a very low rate of cost by handling its own insurance, and at the same time co-operating with standard insurance companies that would give the state protection to their property at a very low rate, and bring in returns that could be wisely invested in erecting a building to be known as "The Geological & Department Building" of the State of Georgia, which would provide room space for some of our Departments that we are now paying rent for buildings for this purpose.
I recommend for your consideration the advisability of establishing a Department, or a head under some other Department, for the purpose of securing revenue that could be put into a Department Building. I suggest that this building be constructed of materials, marble, granite,
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clay or brick, secured in the State of Georgia, which would provide for us a much needed Department Building, and at the same time advertise some of the resources of Georgia.
EDUCATION
Every citizen within the borders of the State of Georgia recognizes the advantage and contribution that education gives to each citizen and to every interest of the state. I am sure that it is further recognized that the character, and the quality of this education, should be 9f the most practical type. Any so-called education that does not carry with it to some degree a helpfulness to the individual or service that the individual can render to humanity, the state or to themselves, has a very limited space in our educational program.
A practical education not only provides the individual with a means for the most profitable service and returns, but at the same time creates an industrial application of the energy of the individual. It further brings to the citizen a degree of prosperity and joy by the reason of his industrial habits, and, the elimination of an idleness which brings to the individual, discord, discontent, and a burden to the communities and state.
The institutions of our state whose function is to furnish the largest degree of this type of knowledge is today making the greatest contribution to the development of our citizens and to the development of our state resources.
I would not, however, have you understand that the culture; the literary attainment; the academic work; the arts; the higher cultured methods of education were undesirable. On the contrary, they bring to our state an interest, an attitude, an attraction and a joy among our citizens and furnishes the highest, most active, and the most beautiful inspiration to our state.
All departments of education must have for their bas-
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is the fundamental principles furnished by science, due to discoveries made largely through research work. These principles, although simple, have been obtained from generation to generation, and yet, there remains undiscovered truths that come to us every day, that bring progress and prosperity. Therefore, I commend to your attention the research work that is being done in some of our institutions, but principally that type of research work which is being carried on at the Georgia Experiment Station, and the Coastal Plains Experiment Station, as well as at the School of Technology and the School of Agriculture. I suggest to you the advisability of considering an additional appropriation to the Experiment Station to better equip and encourage the research work.
I suggest further that in the needs to regulate and
to bring to us prices in keeping with the labor and serv-
ice rendered by the farmer, that we could not better spend our appropriations than to encourage these Departments to do work looking to new outlets and new uses of the products that are being produced on the farms in Georgia, thereby securing better prices and being a greater inspiration for that class of professionals and scientific workers which so much need our help.
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
The University of Georgia at Athens is one of the oldest institutions in America, established for the purpose of education and conferring degrees. The University of Georgia has a number of departments or branches whose appropriations come through the University of Georgia as recognized by your Constitution. These branches, or departments, such as the Georgia-Agricultund College, State Normal at Athens, the Georgia School of Technology, the Woman's College at Milledgeville, the Medical College at Augusta, Valdosta, Dahlonega and others have done and are doing splendid work. Most of foese institutions have made wonderful progress in expansion in their work and buildings, while only a small amount
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has been appropriated for the repairs and construction of new buildings at Athens.
I have visited a number of the Institutions, as well as the Departments of our state since my nomination in order to b2tter understand the conditions and needs, and the work being done at the educational institutions.
I have inspected the buildings, dormitories, equipment and grounds of these institutions, and at this time I want to commend to your consideration and recommend the advisability of renovating, improving and putting these imtitutions in the best condition to render the most helpful service to the students who attend these institutions.
I recommend for your consideration that all of the state institutions be first put in good condition with the necessary equipment in dormitories and laboratories; that we provide the best teaching services that can be rendered, before expansion in the way of buildings should be provided.
The University of Georgia at Athens has had a number. of bequests and is having bequests even to recent date, for the purpose of providing for the individuals or citizens who are unable to educate themselves, the iunds to be used by them to secure an education in this institution at Athens. In recognition of these bequests and to provid3 the best opportunity for the citizens and students at this institution, we should provide the most favorable conditions possible in this institution.
Further, the University of Georgia has adopted coeducation, and since the young women of our state are also attending the University of Georgia, it is desirable, and I recommend for the safety of the lives and health of these young women, as well as the young men, that our buildings be made safe for their protection. I suggest therefore, that the dormitory equipment, the laboratory equipment, the accessibility of the class rooms, and the sanitary conditions be put in first class condition so as to
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make these departments comfortable, attractive and efficient. I also recommend for the comfort, safety and economy, a central heating plant; and adequate fire protection, which will be a matter of economy and safety' to the state and protection to the lives of the students.
Georgia should have an institution equal in equipment, in comfort, safety and in opportunity, to any in America. Her citizens are the life-blood of the Anglo..: Saxon who were among the founders of the Constitution and Government of this nation.
I suggest that you appoint a Committee of four :from your body who are best informed and equipped for the purpose of making an inspection of this plant, the committee to consist of one educator, one architect, one contractor and one business man, who shall inspect and make such recommendations to your body as in their judgment would be best for your property and for your institution, and to report back as early as possible for your action.
The school at Dahlonega, a branch of the University of_ Georgia, which is partly maintained by the Federal Government, should also have your consideration and inspection, and, I recommend that the same Committee inspect and make report on this plant at Dahlonega, so that we may put this plant in good condition and continue to receive the Federal Government funds, with possibly an increase.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AT MILLEDGEVILLE
You have a training school for boys at Milledgeville to which you appropriate thirty thousand dollars a year. I suggest that you visit this institution so as to familarize yourself with the work and see what is best to be done for the institution.
STATE SANITARIUM
The State Sanitarium at Milledgeville is one of the institutions of the state whose inmates are the most de:pendent citizens that we are producing, and I suggest chat
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you appoint a committee, consisting of one physician, one architect, one contractor and one business man to inspect this institution for the purpose of bringing to you the facts and the conditions of. this Institution, and I recommend to you such action as your committee may deem wise and best.
I recommend that a separate place be provided for the fifteen hundred negro inmates, either on the same property or other property that may be thought best to purchase for this Institution.
I also recommend that the defective childnm at this Institution be removed to Gracewood, or as many of them as is thought wise by the Superintendent of this Institution.
I further suggest a new site for the machine shop and wood shelter, which is now so near to the wings of this institution where the unfortunate women are located.
I also recommend a new heating plant and proper fire protection for the comfort and safety of the lives of these unfortunate invalids of this institution.
I call your attention to the tubercular and epileptic insane in this Institution which should have your attention.
I commend the very splendid work that is being done by this institution with the equipment provided. It has been my privilege to visit institutions of this type in other states who are doing splendid work. No institution that I know of has so many unfortunates in their buildings as are to be found in the State Sanitarium at Milledgeville.
GRACE WOOD
You have an institution at Grace,vood for defective children that has been doing splendid work. You have there about three hundred and seventy-five acres of land. If this institution is to go fonvard, and those removed
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from Milledgeville to this plant, you need an additional building.
I want to call to your attention the contribution that
is being made by Gracewood, as well as at the State Sanitarium, to the method of occupation work in the way of treatment for these unfortunates-this, I consider a very valuable contribution.
DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS
I have visited two of the District Agricultural schools which I found to be doing splendid work, and I recommend to you for your consideration the advisability of investigating and making improvements to the buildings, dormitories and equipment of these institutions.
You have splendid property in these institutions, especially is this true at the Fifth District Agricultural School at Monroe and the Ninth District at Clarkesville. The students in these institutions are doing their own work in maintaining and bettering the conditions of the buildings, which is your property, and I suggest that you take better care of your investment at these institutions. I recommend the completing of the dormitory for girls at Clarkesville. I also suggest that the other District schools be investigated by a committee with the same purpose in view.
I do not believe we could at present render a better service than to maintain these District schools for the reason you haven't the funds to convert them into a Normal or Junior college, and these institutions, even if they are only Agricultural District High Schools, are most helpful to the farming interest. I recommend that the very greatest efforts and energy be exercised in making these schools better and more effective.
GEORGIA STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
In visiting five different states, I ,vas unable to discover in any of these states an institution that was doing
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as much and a more thorough work than is being done at the Georgia State College of Agriculture; and, no where did I find an institution that seems to be in closer touch with the agricultural interests of the state than is our own College of Agriculture.
SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
I visited the Georgia School of Technology, and I want to commend to your attention the very splendid and high class work that this institution is doing and the con-
tribution that it is making to one of the fundamental in-
dustries of our state, that is the textile and engineering work; and, especially do I commend the work being done in the ceramic department. In my visit to other states I didn't find any institution that is doing a higher class of work and rendering a better service to their state than is our own School of Technology.
NORMAL SCHOOL AT A THENS
I commend to your consideration the Normal School at Athens. I have had the opportunity of visiting the institution and speaking to the splendid young women who are being trained for teachers for your state. There is a great need and demand for thoroughly equipped and trained teachers for service in our common schools.
GEORGIA SCHOOL FOR WOMEN AT MILLEDGEVILLE
I commend also to youi at_tention the Georgia School for Women at Milledgeville. They have splendid grounds, magnificent buildings, splendid equipment and are doing a wonderful work, and at no place have I found a more enthusiastic faculty than is at this institution.
SOUTH GEORGIA WOMAN'S COLLEGE
I call your attention to the South Georgia Woman's
College at Valdosta, which I have visited more than once. This institution is doing splendid work; they have splend-
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id buildings and grounds. Georgia should feel greatly interested in the above named three institutions for the education of our young women, and I commend to you the very fine work that is being done by this school at Valdosta.
STATESBORO NORMAL SCHOOL
I commend to your consideration this institution and
suggest your investigation of the work and possibilities of this school.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
You have an institution in the city of Atlanta for the training of girls that is easily accessible in the city, to which you are making an appropriation of $35,000.00; and, I suggest your inspection and investigation of this institution.
CONFEDERATE SOLDIER'S HOME
I made my :first visit to the Confederate Soldiers' Home in Atlanta and met a great number of these grand old heroes. I inspected their buildings, their sleeping apartments, their dining room and grounds, and I want .to suggest that you make a visit to this place-one of the neatest and best kept institutions in the state.
THE ACADEMY OF THE BLIND
It being your privilege to support this unfortunate class of people, whose institution receives forty-five thousand dollars a year, I suggest and recommend that you visit this institution with the idea of providing better facilities, and if possible, provide for better equipment and new outlets for the lives of these unfortunates.
I have visited some of the institutions for the blind in other states, and I consider it a joy for any commonwealth to make contribution for the support and comfort of this unfortunate class. We found in North Carolina
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splendid work of this kind. The education of these unfortunates is perhaps better done in Alabama than any other state.
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AT CAVE SPRINGS
I suggest that you visit this institution in order that you may be informed as to their needs.
THE COMMON SCHOOLS OF YOUR STATE
The common schools of your state are receiving the largest appropriation of any of the interests that you foster and you are making splendid progress, but I suggest to you the advisability of perfecting plans that will contribute to the education of the unfortunate ill.iterates of our state. Our percentage of illiteracy is much higher than it should be. When we make a comparison of our state with Minnesota, whose percentage is only 1.8 per cent, we realize how little is being done in our state for illiteracy.
I recommend for your consideration the advisability of an equalization fund to take care of the counties of the state who are unable to educate their people. Many of the. states are making such provisions. North Carolina arid Tennessee are doing magnificent work along this line.
I recommend to you the consideration of the distribution of the school funds in the counties and suggest that accurate accounts be kept of all of the funds for educational purposes in their school district and county, so that we may ascertain the exact amount of money received, and from whatever source, and how disbursed.
THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Health Department of your state is comparatively a new Department and has made wonderful progress. The divisions of this Department include the State Sanitarium at Alto, the tuberculars at Milledgeville and the Child Welfare Department. I suggest a \'isit and an in-
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spection of these, as well as the Department itself here in the city of Atlanta.
You have now equipped at Alto one of the most modern sanitariums for this class of work that I know of, and I commend to your attention the possibilities of this line of work, that we may through the proper functioning of this Department eliminate tuberculosis from our state. \Vhen we can prevent, through the proper handling and inspection, the infection of children then we may hope to reach the end where there will be no tubercular adults.
This work should be grouped with the veterinarian work of your state in the way of inspection and test of tubercular infected cattle over out entire state in order to prevent the bovine tubercular infection to your children through the milk.
I want to commend to your study the manufacture of the serums, toxins, anti-toxins, diptheratic toxins., typhoid serums, and other serums preventing diseases and saving human lives, which is tremendously glorious to contemplate.
To thoroughly familiarize yourself with this Department, the health problem should be studied county by county, and this would bring relief in the support of some of your institutions, such as the tuberculars at Alto and the unfortunates at Milledgeville; and, would bring to the state a new group of contributors of earning capacity that we need.
FORESTRY
I suggest to you a study of the Forestry Department of the state. Since our state has been forced by the reason of conditions, to consume the larger timber interests of our state, a reforestation of Georgia is a problem that deserves your consideration.
The reforestation of the timber producing lands in
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our state would bring to Georgia a new use of our lands that are unoccupied and unused in the state today. Since Georgia is an agricultural and timber producing section, equal perhaps to any state, and that she is now destined to be a manufacturing state, the reforestration of Georgia in pine, dogwood, the persimmon and black walnut and black lotus, to say nothing of the many other varieties of trees that might be placed upon our lands, would be an attractive feature, as well as a profitable industry, when these hardwoods enter into some of the equipments necessary for the operation of the textile industries.
NEGRO EDUCATION IN GEORGIA
I want to call to your attention the three institutions in your state for the tducation of the negroes: The Georgia Industrial College at Savannah, the Normal School for Colored at Albany, and the A & M School for Colored at Forsyth.
The Georgia Industrial College at Savannah
I commend especially to your study and consideration the Industrial College for the colored at Savannah. The colored population of the State of Georgia gives to Georgia her best labor and this Institution is doing work which instructs their students in and along lines that look to the service of this state. You have there about one hundred and twenty-five acres of land. You have a beautiful campus. These students are able and willing to do work to improve your property and make more efficient their work for edueation and training. They are citizens of Georgia and should be provided with opportunities to better fit them for service. Already the campus and grounds haYe been planned by a landscape gardener from the Georgia State College of Agriculture. I anticipate the time will come when this will be one of 'i:he mots beautiful campuses in your state. Mr. Pratt Adams, Chairman of the Board, is doing splendid work there.
The A & M School at Forsyth I suggest that you visit the A & M School for the
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colored at Forsyth. It has about four hundred students and now provides summer school work for the negroes.
STA TE FARM OR PENITENTIARY
This is one of the Institutions of your State which should claim your attention. I have not had an opportunity to visit thiR institution, however, the conditions that exist must make it apparent to you that this should have your study.
STA TE CAPITOL
I wish to call your attention to the improvements that have been made in your state capitol which have furnished more room for some of you,r Departments. There is considerable space yet not utilized in this building. It could be put in condition suitable for keeping records, if for no other purpose. Records for a great state like Georgia should be placed where they can be preserved. I might suggest that this first floor of the capitol have other purposes as well.
MOTOR VEHICLE TAGS AND TAX
Some of the states adjoining Georgia manufacture their own vehicle tags-not only their own, but for other states. I suggest that it might be wise to investigate the advisability of having Georgia manufacture her tags. I suggest also that you give consideration to the advisability of having your prisoners manufacture necessities connected with that department of the state.
I call your attention to the fact that the department of Secretary of State is crowded with the great amount they are doing in the way of looking after the motor vehicle tags and tax. I suggest the advisability of giving more space to this department for the handling of tags in a different manner. I shall be glad to have you consider the advisability of having the motor vehicle tags distributed by the different counties.
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LAW
It is one of the privileges of the General Assembly of Georgia to enact, to repeal or to modify the laws of your state. I suggest that it would be a very helpful thing to the state of Georgia if our laws could be simplified and repealed, rather than increased. It is the simple and plain laws that appeal to the average citizen, however, we recognize that conditions, progress and advancement bring new demands upon us.
As I understand our law in reference to a common schools, one half of the revenue coming into the State Treasury goes to the common schools. This should be repealed or modified, so as to be in keeping with the appropriations providing for the definite sums that we make for the common schools.
Laws that are not enforced are harmful, rather than beneficial, although their purpose may be a desirable one. A disregard for any law creates a tendency in a citizen to disregard all laws. I suggest that we should repeal or enforce our laws and that every citizen should add their contribution to this end.
ELECTION LAWS I recommend that you give consideration to the election laws in Georgia, and provide such laws as will eliminate the undesirable and unfortunate conditions that occur from time to time in the way of unwise and unjust measures in regard to the eleciion of candidates for office in the State of Georgia.
I recommend an amendment to the laws of Georgia that provides in a run-over or in the second primary of a candidate for Governor of Georgia that the second election shall take place within ten days after the first primary.
PATERNALISM
There seems to be a tendency among some of our
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citizens who entertain the opinion that the purpose of the state government is to maintain, support and care for individuals. The government, however, was created for the citizens to support and not to support the citizens. One of the highest contributions that could be made to any citizen, by the reason of governmental suggestions or aid, is one creating within them an initiative to adopt business methods that would be productive to them, and at the same time aid in the support of the government.
I understand that certain legislation has been rather antagonistic to some of the fundamental interests and favorable toward other interests of the state. I, therefore, suggest that every enterprise have an equal opportunity. It would be more helpful to the citizens to provide conditions that suggest measures whose tendency would be to keep them out of debt, rather than to create a condition among them which would encourage debt and destroy their initiative and bring destruction and confiscation to the property they hold.
Production of the necessities of life and the prevention of debt is one of the greatest safeties and comforts to the citizens. It is not a question of securing credit but in achieving a position wherein we do not need credit.
CONCLUSION
I have called your attention to a number of matters that appeal to me as being of a constructive nature and will aid in placing Georgia on a better business basis.
Time forbids that I go into many other matters that I am sure will claim your attention during the present session of the Legislature. From time to time, as I may have knowledge of the affairs of the state, it will be my desire to suggest to you for consideration such other matters as appear to me as would bring Georgia greater prosperity and happiness.
Thrift more desirable than Paternalism; Prevention better than Support; Economy better than Waste; En-
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couragement better than Censure; \Vise stable business methods better than Politics-these mottoes, if adhered to, will lessen burdens and sorrows, and will bring happiness and efficiency.
I anticipate a most cordial cooperation between the Executive Department and the Legislative Department and I crave, through the guidance of Divine Providence, a harmonious cooperation so that at the end of the se<;sion we may look back and view with gratitude the work that has been done. May each member have for his motto the words on the great Seal of Georgia, "Wisdom. Justice and Moderation."
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SUMMARY

I recommend that deficits should be discontinued or provisions made by which the state caneficits legally create them.

I recommend a reorganization for economy

and efficiency and a reduction in some of the~::rginiza-

0

d epart ment S, board S and institUt"ions.

IBnostairtdustioannsd

I recommend to you a study of our state government and state financing with an idea of reducing the expenses in state government, and if possible, increase the efficiency. There is a considerable demand in the state government for support, as well as institutions, and I recom-state Governmend a study of the tax question, and if possi-&:~! and ble, make provisions for increasing revenues and Finances new sources of revenue looking to the support, maintenance and improvement of the institutions of Georgia.

I recommend to you a thorough study of the

Banking situation and that all taxes which sup-

port the Banking Department, State Treasury, and that they

go be

pthari.odugohut thbyeDSetaptaertBmaennkit.ng

appropriation and vouchers as other Depart-

ments of State. I further suggest that the ex-

penses of liquidating banks be reduced.

Since this department consumes the largest

sum of money that comes to the State of Geor-

gia, and since good roads are most desirable andst:ite

one

of

the

greatest

assets

to

the

state,

I

Highway
recom-Department

mend a reorganization of this Department for

the purpose of reducing expenses and increas-

ing the efficiency and economy of this Depart-

ment.

As the Department of Agriculture, as well as the Department of Roads, is a matter that has been extensively discussed before the people of

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Department
of Agriculture

Georgia and they having expressed their views on the two Departments, I recommend a reorganization of the Department of Agriculture and that such changes in the Department, as may appeal to your judgment as being best, be made and reductions in its operations be provided as in your judgment is wise.

Sinking Fund or Insurance Department

Since it is desirable that the property of the state, as well as the property of the public institutions of the state, be safe-guarded and protected by insurance, I recommend that a Department or a provision be made under some other department, looking to the safety and saving of insurance to the state of Georgia.

Education

I have called your attention more or less in detail to the condition of our educational institutions, and I recommend that a thorough study and a sufficient appropriation be made to put them on a basis of service and efficiency. I recommend that we better equip these institutions for the service they are required to render the state.

Health Department

No subject that comes before you touches more directly every citizen of the state than does the Health and Welfare Departments and I recommend to your consideration an investigation, and the necessary investment to place this Department of your state on a basis that will provide better service in every element that it fosters.

Forestry

I suggest to you the very great need of the Forestry Department and such provisions be made as will put that Department on a higher and better basis than it has heretofore enjoyed.

State Capitol

I recommend to you an improvement of the conditions so as to better utilize the space now housed by the State Capitol.

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I recommend that the matter of motor ve-t'e'::i:'iie Tags hicle tags and taxes be thoroughly considered aRtl Taxes in order that we may arrive at a more efficient and less expensive method of handling tags than we do today.
We cannot hope to maintain the highestLaws state of our government unless we enfore our laws, and I call your attention and ask for your helpful consideration of this Department.
(Signed) L. G. HARDMAN.
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