Journal of the House of Representatives of the session of ..

JOURNAL

OF THE

House of Representatives

OF THE

State of Florida

SOF THE

SESSION OF 1921

. J. APPLEYARD, PRINTER, TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

SI4 ,-

MEMBERS OF
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1921

Bailey, W'. A., of Columbia'.
Bailey, E. B., of Jefferson.
Bishop, W. B., of Jefferson.
Blanton, V. E., of Madison.
Busto, J. F., of Monroe.
Carmichael, M. D., of Palm Beach.
Carroll, Frank X., of Escambia.
Cason, W. M., of Suwannee.
Corbett, Frank M., of St. Johns.
Crofton, L. C., of Washington.
Davis, Fred H., of Leon.
Dees, W. J., of Hamilton.
Edge, L. D., of Lake.
Ellis, F. H., of Alachua.
Ellsworth, NW. J., of Pasco.
Etheredge, E. J., of DeSoto.
Fenn, L. E., of Liberty.
Fields, WV. P., of Calhoun.
Forster, F. P., of Seminole.
Fowler, A. S., of Flagler.
Fuqua, C. C., of Nassau.
Fntch, T. G., of Lake.
Goodbred, R. L., of Lafayette.
Godwin, W R., of Osceola.
Gregory, E. P., of Gadsden.
Griffin, S. S., of Orange.
Gunn, S. J., of Levy.
Hagan, J. A., of Wakulla.
Hale, Hugh, of Hernando.
Harris, E., of Jackson.
Harris, S. D., of Pinellas.
Harvell, J. H., of ISanta Rosa.
Hinson, Roy, of Gadsden.
Hunter, C. W., of Marion.
Jennings, Frank E., of Duval.
Jennings, Walter P., of Hiamilton.
Johns, E. M., of Bradford.
Keen, J. M., of Polk.
Koonce, J. C. B., of Sumter.
Kyle, W. C., of Broward.

154b64

MEMBERS OF HOUSE

Ladd, F. H., of Monroe.
Mann, W. D., of Baker.
Mayo, Nathan, of Marion.
McKenzie, Henry S., of Putnam.
McRae, John C., of Santa Rosa.
Miller, F. 0., of Duval.
Mobley, W. H., of Suwannee.
Moore, E. R. L., of Franklin.
Morgan, A. J., of Polk.
Newtol, A. B., of Orange.
Parrish, J. J., of Brevard.
Peiper, H. J., of St. Johns.
Perry, Francis W., of Lee.
Phillips, W. W., of Columbia.
Philips, Chas. P., of Putnam.
Putnam, H. G., of Volusia.
Raborn, J. D., of Walton.
Register, C. H., of Bradford.
Richbourg, J. F., of Okaloosa.
Riddles, E. B., of Holmes.
Rowland, W. E., of Escambia.
Sams, Murray, of Volusia.
Scales, J. H., of Taylor.
Scharfschwerdt, Ed, of Okeechobee.
Scofield, M. C., of Citrus.
Stewart, J. J., of Manatee.
Stokes, J. Ed., of-Bay.
Stuart, A. T., of Hillsborough.
Taylor, C. H., of Hillsborough.
Taylor, J. P., of Madison.
Tillman, 0. M., of Alachua.
Upchurch, F. D., of Nassau.
Wade, L. E., of Clay.
Willard, Ben C., of Dade.
Williams, A. H., of Leon.
Williams, Walter, of Jackson.
Young, A. W., of St. Lucie.

iv

OFFICERS AND ATTACHES OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Speaker-Frank E. Jennings.
Speaker Pro Tem.-L. D. Edge.
Chief Clerk-B. A. Meginniss.
Assistant Chief Clerk-M. F. Brown.
Bill Clerk-Mrs. W. R. Dorman.
Reading Clerk-W. B. Lanier.
Assistant Reading Clerk-Miss Hazel Hough.
Engrossing Clerk-R. W. Ervin.
Enrolling Clerk-J. B. Shuman.
Sergeant-at-Arms-C. E. Johnston.
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms-Johln W. Davis.
Messenger-J. N. Rodgers.
Doorkeeper-H. Wheeler.
Chaplain-Rev. J. E. Mickler.
Speaker's Secretary-Mi-s Nellie Cowan.
Janitor-R. J. Davis.
Page-Earl Hientz.
Page-Billy Galphin.
Page-Chas. LynA Mizell.
Page-Lovell P. Morgaln.

vi

ERRATA

On page 2, in the list of thle Members of the House of
Represent tives, the name "Deas" should read "Dees".
On page 8, the name "Lovet P. Morgan" (one of the
Pages) wherever it occurs, should read "Lovell P. Mor-
gan."
On upge 107, line 12, the words "-validate and legalize"
should be stricken out and the following insertion made
in lieu thereof: "alutlhorize county boards".
On page 140, the unme 'Iearwell," wherever it occurs
on said page, should read "Harvell".
On page 230, in tine 15, the words "Judiciary C" should
read "Constitutional AmeniCdmiients".
On page 230, the fourth word in line 32, should be "the".
On page 378, the words and figures "Senate Bill No.
"321" should rcad "- Senate Bill No. 32".
On page 451. the words and figures "House Bill No.
200," where they appear on said page, should read "House
Bill No. 290".
On page 266, line :::', the words and figures "'and House
Bill No. 81" should read "-and House Bill No. 84".
On page 610, line 22, the words and figures "Senate
Bill No. 116," should read "Senate Bill No. 111".
On i age 890, in the report of the Committee on Judic-
iarv A, the words and figures "House Bill No. 20," should
read "House Bill No. 9".
On page 969, line 26, the figures "154" should read
"454".
On page 1296, next to the last line the figures "45)"
should read "451".
On page 1465, fourth line from bottom of page, the
figures "343" should read "342".
On page 1555, the words and figures "House Bill No.
311," where they occur on said page, should read "Senate
Bill No. 311".
On page 1655, line 21, the figure "3" should read "13".
Following page 1775, the next page is numbered "7776"
and should be numbleed "1776".
On page 1899, the words and figures "Senate Bill No.
255" where they occur on said page, should read "Senate
Bill No. 225".

On page 1990, the authors of House Bill No. 857 should
read "McKenzie and Philips of Putnam," instead of "Mc-
Kenzie and Putnam of Putnam," as it there appears.
On page 1998, line 6, the words and figures -'Senate Bill
No. 347," should read "Senate Bill No. 374".
On page 2092, line 19, the words and figures "Senate
Bill No. 118," should read "Senate Bill No. 188".
On page 2236, line 34, the words and figures "Senate
Bill No. 425" should read "Senate Bill No. 427".
On page 2614, next to last line, the figures "78" should
read "778".
On page 2787, line 25, the figures "977" should read
"562".
On page 2823, second line of the title to House Bill No.
820, the word "Hall," should read "Wall".
On page 2897, line 13, the figures "18," should read
"185".
On page 2960, line 5, the figures "948," should read
"1048"..
On page 2962, line 1, the words and figures "House Bill
No. 85," should read "House Bill No. 851".
On page 2982, line 30, there should be inserted after the
figures "954," the figures "995".
On page 3288, line 24, the words and figures "Senate
Bill No. 498," should read "Senate Bill No. 498-A."
On page 3305, 7th line from the bottom of page, the
figures "936" should read "396".
On page 3330, the words and figures "Senate Bill No.
552" where they occur on said page, should read "Senate
Bill No. 553".
On page 3330, line 7, the word "iHllsborough" should
read "Hillsborough."
On page 3356, line 14, the words and figures "Senate
Bill No. 552" should read "Senate Bill No. 553," and the
same correction should be made in lines 25, 27, 30 and 33
where said words and figures appear.
On page 3448, line 24, page 3491, line 26, page 3514, line
11, and page 3449 wherever they occur, the words and
figures "Senate Bill No. 552-A" should read "Senate Bill
No. 552".
On page 3455, third line from bottom of page, the words
and figures "House Bill No. 470," should read "Senate
Bill No. 470".

ERRATA

vii

JOURNAL OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Of the eighteenth regular session of the Legislature
under the Constitution of A. D. 1885, begun and held at
the Capitol, in the City of Tallahassee, the State of
Florida, on Tuesday, the 5th day of April, A. D., 1921,
being the day fixed by the Constitution of the State of
Florida for the meeting of the Legislature.

Tuesday, April 5, 1921

The House was called to order by J. G. Kellum, of Leon
County, Florida, Chief Clerk of the House of Represen-
tatives, at 12 o'clock M.
The certified list of the Secretary of State of members
elected to the Legislature for the session of 1921 was
called as follows:

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

SESSION 1921.

F. H. Ellis, of Alachua County.
O. M. Tillman, of Alachua County.
W. D. Mann, of Baker County.
J. Ed. Stokes, of Bay County.
E. M. Johns, of Bradford County.
C. fH. Register, of Bradford County.
J. J. Parrish, of Brevard County.
W. C. Kyle, of Broward County.
W. P. Fields, of Calhoun County.
M. C. Scofield, of Citrus County.
L. E. Wade, of Clay County.
W. W. Phillips, of Columbia County.
W. A. Bailey, of Columbia County.
Ben C. Willard, of Dade County.

2

E. J. Etheredge, of DeSoto County.
Frank E. Jennings, of Duval County.
F. 0. Miller, of Duval County.
W. E. Rowland, of Escambia County.
Frank X. Carroll, of Escambia County.
A. S. Fowler, of Flagler County.
E. R. L. Moore, of Franklin County.
Roy Hinson, of Gadsdhn County.
E. P. Gregory, of Gadsden County.
Walter P. Jennings, of Hamilton County.
W. J. Deas, of Hamilton County.
Hugh Hale, of Hernando County.
C. H. Taylor, of Hillsborough County.
A. T. Stewart, of Hillsborough County.
E. B. Riddles, of Holmes County.
E. Harris, of Jackson County.
Walter Williams, of Jackson County.
E. B. Bailey, of Jefferson County.
W. B. Bishop, of Jefferson County.
R. L. Goodbred, of Lafayette County.
L. D. Edge, of Lake County.
T. G. Futch, of Lake County.
Francis W. Perry, of Lee County.
A. H. Williams, of Leon County.
Fred H. Davis, of Leon County.
S. J. Gunn, of Levy County.
L. E. Fenn, of Liberty County.
V. E. Blanton, of Madison County.
J. P. Taylor, of Madison County.
J. J. Stewart, of Manatee County.
Nathan Mayo, of Marion County.
C. W. Hunter, of Marion County.
J. F. Busto, of Monroe County.
F. H. Ladd, of Monroe County.
C. C. Fuqua, of Nassau County.
F. D. Upchurch, of Nassau County.
J. F. Richbourg, of Okaloosa County.
Ed. Scharfschwerdt, of Okeechobee County.
A. B. Newton, of Orange county .
S. S. Griffin, of Orange County.
W. R. Godwin, of Osceola County.
M. D. Carmichael, of Palm Beach County.
W. J. Ellsworth, of Pasco County.
S. D. Harris, of Pinellas County.

3

J. M. Keen, of Polk County..
A. J. Morgan, of Polk County.
Henry S. McKenzie, of Putnam County.
Chas. P. Phillips, of Putnam County.
J. H. Harvell, of Santa Rosa County.
John C. McRae, of Santa Rosa County.
F. P. Forster, of Seminole County.
H. J. Peiper, of St. Johns County.
Frank M. Corbett, of St. Johns County.
A. W. Young, of St. Lucie County.
J. C. B. Koonce, of Sumter County.
W. M. Cason, of Suwanneee County.
W. H. Mobley, of Suwannee County.
J. H. Scales, of Taylor County.
H. G. Putnam, of Volusia County.
Murray Sams, of Volusia County.
J. A. Hagan, of Wakulla County.
J. D. Raborn, of Walton County.
L. C. Crofton, of Washington County.

STATE OF FLORIDA

Office Secretary of State.

I, H. Clay Crawford, Secretary of State, of the State
of Florida, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a cor-
rect list of the members of the House of Representatives
of the State of Florida, elected at the general election on
the second day of November, A. D. 1920, as shown by the
election returns on file in this office.
Given under my hand and the Great
(Seal) Seal of the State of Florida, at Talla-
hassee, the Capital, this the fifth day
of April, A. D. 1921.
H. CLAY CRAWFORD,
Secretary of State.

The following members came forward and took the oath
of office prescribed by the Constitution of the State of
Florida before Mr. Justice William H. Ellis of the Su-
"preme Court of the State of Florida:

4

Messrs.:
Bailey, W. A., of Columbia.
Bailey, E. B., of Jefferson.
Bishop, W. B., of Jefferson.
Blanton, V. E., of Madison.
Busto, J. F., of Monroe.
Carmichael, M. D., of Palm Beach.
Carroll, Frank X., of Escambia.
Cason, W. M., of Suwannee.
Corbett, Frank M., of St. Johns.
Crofton, L. C., of Washington.
Davis, Fred H., of Leon.
Deas, W. J., of Hamilton.
Edge, L. D., of Lake.
Ellis, F. H., of Alachua.
Ellsworth, W. J., of Pasco.
Etheredge, E. J., of DeSoto.
Fenn, L. E., of Liberty.
Fields, W. P., of Calhoun.
Forster, F. P., of Seminole.
Fowler, A. S., of Flagler.
Fuqua, C. C., of Nassau.
Futch, T. G., of Lake.
Goodbred, R. L., of Lafayette.
Godwin, W. R., of Osceola.
Gregory, E. P., of Gadsden.
Griffin, S. S., of Orange.
!Gnun, S. J., of Levy.
Hagan, J. A., of Wakulla.
Hale, Hugh, of Hernando.
,Harris, E., of Jackson.
Harris, S. D., of Pinellas.
Harvell, J. H., of Santa Rosa.
Hinson, Roy, of Gadsden.
Hunter, C. W., of Marion.
Jennings, Frank E., of Duval.
Jennings, Walter P., of Hamilton.
Johns, E. M., of Bradford.
Keen, J. M., of Polk.
Koonce, J, C. B., of Sumter.
Kyle, W. C., of Broward.
Ladd, F. H., of Monroe.
Mann, W. D., of Baker.
Mayo, Nathan, of Marion.

McKenzie, Henry S., of Putnam.
McRae, John C., of Santa Rosa.
Miller, F. O., of Duval.
Mobley, W. H., of Suwannee.
Moore, E. R. L., of Franklin.
Morgan, A. J., of Polk.
Newton, A. B., of Orange.
Parrish, J. J., of Brevard.
Peiper, H. J., of St. Johns.
Perry, Francis W., of Lee.
Phillips, W. W., of Columbia.
Phillips, Chas. P., of Putnam.
Putnam, H. G., of Volusia.
Raborn, J. D., of Walton.
Register, C. H., of Bradford.
Richbourg, J. F., of Okaloosa.
Riddles, E. B., of Holmes.
Rowland, W. E., of Escambia.
Sams, Murray, of Volusia.
Scales, J. H., of Taylor.
Scharfschwerdt, Ed, of Okeechobee.
Scofield, M. C., of Citrus.
Stewart, J. J., of Manatee.
Stokes, J. Ed., of Bay.
Stuart, A. T., of Hillsborough.
Taylor, C. H., of Hillsborough.
Taylor, J. P., of Madison.
Tillman, O. M., of Alachua.
Upchurch, F. D., of Nassau.
Wade, L. E., of Clay.
Willard, Ben C., of Dade.
Williams, Walter, of Jackson.
Williams; A. H., of Leon.
Young, A. W., of St. Lucie.

Mr. J. G. Kellum, Chief Clerk, announced a quorum
present.
Prayer by Rev. J. E. Mickler.

Mr. T. G. Futch moved that the House proceed with a
permanent organization by the election of a Speaker, a
Speaker protem, a Chief Clerk and other officers and at-
taches.
Which was agreed to.

16

Mr. W. W. Phillips, of Columbia, nominated Hon. Frank
E. Jennings, of DuvIl County, for Speaker.
Mr. Miller, of Duval, Mr. Harris of Pinellas, Mr. Wil-
liams of Leon, Mr. Parrish of Brevard, and Mr. Edge of
Lake, seconded the nomination of Hon. Frank E. Jen-
nings.
Upon call of the roll the vote was:
For Hon. Frank E. Jennings for Speaker:
Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bailey (Jefferson), Bishop,
Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll, -Cason, Corbett, Crof-
ton, Davis, Deas, Edge, Ellis, Ellsworth, Etheredge, Fenn,
Fields, Forster, Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, Goodbred, Godwin,
Gregory, Griffin, Gunn, Hagan, Hale, Harris (Jackson),
Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hinson, Hunter, Jennings
(Hamilton), Johns, Keen, Koonce, Ladd, Mann, Mayo,
McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mobley, Moore, Morgan, New-
ton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phillips (Columbia), Phillips
(Putnam), Putnam, Raborn, Register, Richbourg, Rid-
dles, Rowland, Sams, Scales, Scharfschwerdt, Scofield,
Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart (Hillsborou-gh), Tay-
lor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madison), Tillman, Up-
church, Wade, Willard, Williams (Jackson), Williams
(Leon), Young.
Mr. J. G. Kellum, Chief Clerk, announced that Hon.
Frank E. Jennings, was unanimously elected speaker.
Mr. Miller moved that a committee of three be ap-
pointed to escort the Speaker to the chair,
Which was agreed to.
Thereupon Mr. Kellum, Chief Clerk, appointed Messrs.
Miller of Duval; Ellis of Alachua, and Mayo of Mirion,
to escort the Speaker to the chair.
The Speaker being conducted to the chair, extended his
thanks to the House for the honor conferred upon him.
Mr. Miller of Duval, nominated Hon. L. D. Edge of
Lake, for Speaker pro tern.

Mr. Stokes of Bay, seconded the nomination of Mr.
Edge.
Upon call of the roll, the vote was:
For Hon. L. D. Edge for Speaker pro tem.
Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bailey (Jefferson), Bishop,
Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll, Cason. Corbett,
Crofton, Davis, Deas, Ellis, Ellsworth, Etheredge,
Fenn, Fields, Forster, Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, .Glood-

7

bred, Godwin, Gregory, Griffin, Gunn, Hagan, Hale, Har-
ris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hinsoli, Hun-
ter, Jennings (Hamilton), Johns, Keen, Koonce, Kyle,
Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mobley,
Moore, Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper; Perry, Phillips
(Columbia), Phillips (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn, Reg-
ister, Richbourg, Ri'ddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales,, Seharf-
schwerdt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart
(Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madi-
son), Tillman, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams
(Jackson), Williams (Leon), Young.
The Speaker declared Hon. L. D. Edge unanimously
elected as Speaker pro tem.

Mr. Fields, of Calhoun, nominated Mr. B. A. Meginniss
as Chief Clerk.
Which nomination was duly seconded.
Upon call of the roll the vote was:
For. B. A. Meginniss for Chief Clerk:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bailey (Jef-
ferson), Bishop, Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll, Ca-
son, Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas, Edge, Ellis, Ellsworth,
Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster, Fowler, Futch, Fuqua,
Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Griffin, Gunn, Hagan, Hale,
Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hinson,
Hunter, Jenning' (Hamilton), Johns, Keen, Koonce,
Kyle, Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mob-
ley, Moore, Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phil-
lips (Columbia), Phillips (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn,
Register, Richbourg, Riddles, Roland, Sams, Scales,
Scharfschwer.dt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes,
Stuart '(Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor
(Madison), Tillman, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams
(Jackson), Williams (Leon), Young.
The Speaker declared Mr. B. A. Meginniss unanimously
elected Chief Clerk.
Mr. B. A. Meginniss came forward and took the oath
of office as prescribed by the Constitution of the State
of Florida before Mr. Justice William H. Ellis.

Mr. Ellis, of Alachua, nominated the following:
Assistant Chief Clerk-M. F. Brown.
Bill Clerk-Mrs. W. R. Dorman.
Reading Clerk-W. B. Lanier.

8

Assistant Reading Clerk-Hazel Hough.
Engrossing Clerk-R. W. Erwin.
Enrolling Clerk-J. B. Sherman.
Sergeant-at-Arms-C. E. Johnson.
Messenger-J. N. Rodgers.
Doorkeeper-Henry Wheeler.
Chaplain-J. E. Mickler.
Janitor-R. J. Davis.
Pages (four)--Earl Hentz, Billy Galphin, Chas. Lyhn
Mizell and Lovet P. Morgan.
M1r. Ellis, of Alachua, moved that all officers and at-
taches as nominated above be elected by acclamation.
Which was agreed to.
The following attaches came forward and took the oath
of office prescribed by the Constitution of the State of
Florida before Mr. Justice William H. Ellis.
Assistant Chief Clerk-M. F. Brown.
Reading Clerk-W. B. Lanier.
Assistant Reading Clerk-Hazel Hough.
Engrossing Clerk-R. W. Erwin.
Enrolling Clerk-J. B. Sherman.
Sergeant-at-Arms-C. E. Johnson.
Messenger-J. N. Rodgers.
Doorkeeper-Henry Wheeler.
Chaplain-J. E. Mickler.
Janitor-R. J. Davis.
Pages (four)-Earl Hentz, Billy Galphin, Chas. Lynn
Mizell. Lovet P. Morgan.

Mr. Futch, of Lake, moved that a committee of three
be appointed to wait upon the Senate and inform that
body that the House was organized and ready for busi-
ness.
Which was agreed to.
Thereupon the Speaker appointed as such committee:
Messrs. Futch of Lake, Upchurch of Nassau, and Tillman
of Alachua.
After a brief absence the committee returned and re-
ported that they had performed the duty assigned to
them.
A committee of three from the Senate, composed of
Messrs. Stokes, Turnbull and Shelley, appeared at the
bar of the House of Representatives and announced that
they were instructed by the Senate to inform the House

9

that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed to
business.
On motion of Mr. Taylor of Hillsborough, a committee
of three, consisting of Messrs. Taylor of Hillsborough,
Young of St. Lucie, and Harvell of Santa Rosa, was ap-
pointed to wait upon his Excellency, the Governor, and
inform him that the House was organized and ready to
receive any message or communication that he may be
pleased to make.
After a brief absence the committee returned and re-
ported that they had performed the duty assigned to
them, and that the Governor desired to appear before the
Legislature in joint session.
Whereupon the committee was discharged.

Whereupon the Speaker directed the Sergeant-at-
Arms to provide thirty-two chairs for the use of the
Senate, and directed the committee which had heretofore
notified the Senate that the House was in session to
again appear before that body and advise them that the
House awaits its pleasure in the convening of the Joint
Session for the purpose of hearing the Governor's ad-
dress.
The committee retired and after a brief absence ie-
turned an l announced that it had performed its duty
and was discharged.

JOINT SESSION.

At 1 p. m. the Senate appeared at the bar of the House
and were awarded seats.
The roll bein e called is 'o the Senators, the following
answered to their names:
Mr. President, Messrs. Anderson, Bradshaw, Butler, Cal-
kins, Campbell, Cooper, Crosby, Eaton, Epperson, Hulley,
Igon, Johnson, Knabb, Knight. Lindsey, Lowry, Malone,
Overstreet, Plympton, Rowe, Roland, Russell, Shelley.
Singletary, Stokes, Taylor, Tuinbull, Weaver, Wells,
Wilson.
A quorum of the Senate was present.
The roll of the House was called and the following mem-
bers answered to their names:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bailev (Jeffer-
son), Bishop, Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll, Cason,

10

Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas, Edge, Ellis, Ellsworth,
Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster, Fowler, Fuqua, Futch,
Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Griffin, Gunn, Hagan, Hale,
Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hinson,
Hunter, Jennings, Johns, Keen, Koonce, Kyle, Ladd,
MXann, Mayo, McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mobley, Moore,
Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phillips (Colum-
bia), Phillips, (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn, Register,
Richbourg, Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales, Scharfsch-
werdt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart
(Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madi-
son), Tillman, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams
(Jackson), Williams (Leon), Young.
A quorum of the House was present.
The presiding officer-'the President of the Senate-
announced a quorum of the joint session.
Mr. Malone moved that a committee of three be ap-
pointed to advise the Governor that the Legislature awaits
his pleasure.
Which was agreed to.
The President appointed as such committee Senator Ma-
lone and. Messrs. Parrish, of Brevard, and McRae, of
Santa Rosa.
The committee returned in a short time and presented
the Governor at the Speaker's stand.
The President of the Senate introduced the Governor,
who delivered the following address:
Gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives of the Florida Legislature:
Section 9 of Article 4 of the Constitution of Florida is
as follows:
"The Governor shall communicate by message to the
Legislature at each regular session, information concern-
ing the condition of the State, and recommend such
measures as he may deem expedient:" In keeping with
the foregoing provision of our Constitution, I have the
honor of submitting to your consideration the following
information, together with such recommendations as
would seem appropriate at this time:
In a general sense, the financial condition of the State
is sound. The State has no bonded indebtedness except
the sum of $601,506.00, which bonds are now owned by
a division of the State Government, to-wit: the State
Board of Education.

-K

11

I believe the time has arrived when we should adopt
some plan for their retirement. The fact. that the bonds
are now owned by a branch of the State Government
does not mean that the State need not concern itself about
their retirement. They are, as stated, owned by the State
Board of Education, and the Constitution requires that
the funds held by said Board of Education shall remain
inviolate, except that the interest on the fund is dis-
tributed to the counties. The bonds must eventually be
retired, and we should now adopt a plan of retirement
which will make their payment easy.
I recommend that an act be passed creating what might
be called a Sinking Fund Commission, composed of the
Governor, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Secretary
of State, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction,
who shall direct the State Treasurer to open a Sinking
Fund account for the retirement of the bonds, all the in-
terest paid by the banks on State deposits to be credited
to this fund. The Commissioners should have power to
iinvest the funds in high-class bonds as it may accumulate
from year to year. And when this accumulation of securi-
ties and cash equal the bonded indebtedness of the State,
then the Commission should be clothed with the power of
substituting the accumulated securities and cash for said
State bonds, at which time the State bonds may be retired.
Through this method their payment may be easily accom-
plished and can be brought about in nine years, or per-
haps a little earlier.
There is another item touching the. State's financial
condition, to which I feel it my duty to call your atten-
tion, inasmuch as appropriate action must be taken by
your body at this session in, order that the deficit here-
inafter referred to may be taken care of.
During the year 1920 an appropriation by the Legis-
lature of 1919 for the support of the Hospital for the
Insane at Chattahoochee, and an appropriation made for
the support of the .Industrial School for Boys at Mari-
anna, were insufficient to take care of the large expendi-
tures at these institutions. The deficit at the Hospital for
the Insane amounted to $177,623.20. The deficit at the
Industrial School for Boys at Marianna amounted to
$41,784.52. The Board of Commissioners of State Insti-
tutions, under the administration of my predecessor, ar-
ranged with certain financial institutions to carry the
deficit above referred to at an agreed rate of interest of

12

six per cent per annum. That the credit and good faith
of the State may be maintained, it will be necessary for
the present Legislature to care for the obligations of the
State in this regard, and it will also be necessary to pass,
as speedily as possible, an emergency appropriation to
provide funds for the above institutions until the funds
under the General Appropriation Bill may be available.
Apart from the items above referred to, the financial
condition of the State is sound. I cannot say as much,
however, for the individual counties of the State. A great
many of the counties are largely involved financially, and
especially is this true regarding the County Boards of
Public Instruction. It will perhaps be necessary during
the present session to adopt measures authorizing the
County School Boards of the various counties to issue
serial obligations to care for much existing indebtedness.
The present law authorizes County Boards of Public In-
struction to borrow 80% of their adopted budget for the
purpose of maintaining their terms of school. This pro-
vision, while in a measure necessary, has in many in-
stances been abused to that extent that many of the
counties now find themselves very seriously involved. I
believe that under no circumstances should the limit thus
imposed by law be exceeded, and should the Legislature,
through proper authorization, provide some method by
which the counties may care for their present current
obligations, then it must be the policy of those Boards
to keep their expenditures within absolute limits imposed
by law.

SUGGESTED SUBJECTS FOR LEGISLATIVE
ACTION.

I am crediting you with much initiative in matters of
legislation, and am pleased to note in the membership of.
both branches of the Legislature so many men who are
familiar with the needs of the State, and who have so
much ability to be of real service to the people. I shall,
therefore, content myself with recommendations of only
what appears to be some of the more urgent matters re-
quiring your attention. Neither shall I burden this mes,
sage, or tax your time, by submitting detail matters or
intricate columns of figures, which are readily ascertain-
able through a perusal of departmental reports .

13

TAXATION.

The maintenance of the State Government largely de-
pends upon the levy of millage for State purposes against
the property of the State, such village, of course, being
uniform in all the counties. The valuations of property
in various counties are determined by the officials of each
of the counties. So long as our present system obtains,
that of having uniform millage for State purposes levied
upon all classes of property running throughout the
State, it necessarily follows that there must be uniform
assessments as between the various counties, else much
injustice will be done the county whose assessment is
upon a higher basis than its sister counties. Various plans
looking to a cure of this situation have been suggested by
men more or less familiar with theories of taxation. How-
ever, I believe that there is no plan which is feasible, ex-
cept that which places authority in some arm of the State
Government, who shall have power to determine and to
enforce a uniform basis of assessment. This cannot be
left entirely to the county officials themselves, because it
frequently happens that the local officials are disposed to
maintain inadequate assessment in their own counties,
rather than run the risk of subjecting their people to the
danger of paying more than their share in the expenses
of the State.
I recommend the creation of a Tax Commission, com-
posed of the Governor, the Comptroller, the State Treas-
urer, and the Attorney General. It will be noted that the
membership of the proposed Commission, taken from the
Cabinet, is identical with the Railway Assessment Board,
with the exception of the Governor. Provision should be
made for appointment by the Governor, of a capable as-
sistant, versed in matters of taxation, to prepare data
and to devote his whole time in co-operating with the
various county officials, looking toward the assessment of
property upon a uniform basis throughout the State.
I am sure that some additional sources from which the
State can legitimately secure added revenue will suggest
themselves to your consideration. I especially want to
call your attention to the advisability of a small tax upon
the intangible property of the State. Under the law as
it now stands, the assessment of intangibles is imprac-
ticable because of that provision which requires all prop-
erty to be assessed at its full cash value. I recommend

14

an amendment to the Constitution which, if adopted, will
permit the assessment of intangible property upon a
reasonable basis. It is the purpose of the present admin-
istration, in co-operation with the Tax Assessors of the
State, to secure a more general basis of assessment of
property. Much property is now avoiding assessment be-
cause not placed upon the tax rolls. I recommend the
passage of a law which, under appropriate penalty, will
require the property owner to give in, under binding
oath, all of his property to the Tax Assessor. I also in-
vite your attention to the necessity for a more efficient
system in the collection of revenue. But my immediate
concern as Chief Executive is to secure the best possible
administration of the laws we already have. Our greatest
problem is in getting all of the property assessed. I want
to see the property now escaping taxation placed on the
tax rolls, and much of it that is now on the rolls should
be greatly raised in value. If all the property which
ought to bear its burden of taxes was on our rolls at a
reasonable value, we could reduce the millage for State
and county purposes nearly fifty per cent. If you will
create the Commission suggested and also pass a law com-
pelling every individual to give in his taxes under binding
oath, and penalizing their failure to do so, then we can,
in my opinion, have a more effective enforcement of the
laws in this regard. It might be well also for you to pro-
vide for adequate punishment for the individual who
makes false return on his property to the Assessor.

ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURES.

I believe the people of the State, as a rule, will not
object to paying reasonable taxes if they are convinced
that the funds which are thus contributed by them will
be properly and economically administered. Every dollar
collected from the people should be made to perform a
dollar's worth of service. It cannot be made to do so
unless'there is intelligent oversight on the part of the
Legislature regarding appropriations which you are
called upon to make. I can conceive of no manner in
which the members of the Legislature can thoroughly
familiarize themselves with the various appropriations
and the necessity for such appropriations, except through
a carefully prepared budget to be submitted to them suf-
ficient time in advance of their voting, in order that they

i5

may fully prepare themselves to vote intelligently on
suggested appropriations. Thirty-nine States of the
Union have in the last few years adopted what is known
as the Budget System, the purpose of which is to fully
acquaint the Legislature and the people with the de-
tailed expenditures authorized by the Legislature.,
I recommend the passage of a law creating a Board to
be known as the Budget Commission, to be composed of
the Governor, the Comptroller, and the State Treasurer,
whose duty it will be, within reasonable time before the
convention of each Legislature, and in conference with
the various heads of the different departments of the
State, to have prepared for submission to the Legislature,
in the first days of its session, an itemized budget of all
suggested departmental appropriations, salaries to be
paid, work to be done, and all necessary data used in
ascertaining the amounts required for the maintenance
of the different departments of the State. Copy of said
budget should be furnished the individual members of the
Legislature, as well as the State Press, in order that they
may consider, and vote intelligently, and that the people
generally may know for themselves how the money which
they are paying each year in taxes is expended.

BACK TO THE CONSTITUTION.

The Constitution, in creating the different departments
of the State, placed at the head of each department a
constitutional officer, and clearly contemplated that the
various activities of our government should be largely
placed under Cabinet officers. Of course, we have de-
parted from the principles of the Constitution in this re-
gard, and have entered upon a policy of creating outside
commissions, when clearly, in most cases, the duties per-
formed by such commissions should be performed by the
Cabinet officers. Like many of the other States of the
Union, we are fast becoming a "commission ridden" peo-
ple. I wish to call upon you to adopt the policy of "back
to the Constitution." In the creation of such commis-
sions as you may deem wise and expedient, let your cre-
ations be carved out of the Cabinet. Elected by the peo-
ple, it is the sworn duty of a Cabinet officer to devote all
of his time and thought to the interest of the State.
There is nothing in the argument, so often advanced,
that the Cabinet officers are too busy to give attention to

16

the various matters that are placed under their charge.
They are at the seat of, the State Government all of the
time, ready and accessible for frequent meetings and con-
ferences. In their accessibility and their constant meet-
ings there is the greatest advantage of being able to give
attention to departmental matters incident to the various
State activities, readily, speedily and without delay. The
Cabinet members are advised as to, the various needs of
the State, and therefore can conduct different phases of
the State Government in harmony each with the other,
whereas when outside commissions are created, those com-
missions only too often arrogate to themselves the power
of caring for the particular matters under their charge,
independent of the other departments of the State, and
without knowledge as to what may be the requirements
of the State in departments other than their own, fre-
quently paying salaries out of all proportion to salaries
paid for like services in those departments not under their
control. The creation of outside commissions not only
makes for inefficiency, but it makes for extravagance in
expenditures. As a rule, the commissions do not feel any
obligation for the various departments of the State other
than their own, and too often we find them possessed with
the idea of getting all they can out of the State Treasury
for their own departments, irrespective of the needs and
requirements of the various departments of the State not
under them.
I believe that laws, rules and regulations can be more
adequately enforced when under the jurisdiction of Cabi-
met officers. There is more respect for such laws and
regulations when so administered; not that Cabinet of-
ficers are superior men, but because the people see back
of them a constitutional office not 'subject to change or
perhaps abolition by the caprice of public opinion.

ABOLISH NEEDLESS OFFICES.

There has been a tendency in the past to create too
many offices and positions. It has resulted in duplication
of work, in lessened efficiency, and the needless expendi-
ture of money. We have more traveling inspectors than
necessary, and some departments of the State can well be
combined with others. There is much work for you to
do at this session, along this line, if you would give to
the people that economical administration of affairs to

17

which they are entitled. I suggest the appointment of a
committee with membership from each the Senate and
the House of Representatives, who shall very thoroughly
examine into the matters suggested. Let the examina-
tions be exhaustive, and not superficial or perfunctory.
This should be done and report made during the early
days of the session.
I will be pleased to assist the committee with all infor-
mation obtainable and with such suggestions as may
seem proper. We need less legislation and more co-
operation. There should not be a single office created or
continued for political purposes in the State of Florida.
Politics and business do not mix to the benefit of the
State. Every unnecessary position, or every one even
though necessary, where the duties can be performed by
some other, should be abolished.

FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT.

The game and fresh water fish constitutes one of the
State's most valuable assets. They should be preserved
for the use of the people in the State, and for those in
other parts of the country who are attracted to Florida
by them, who are willing to pay a proper license for the
sport. There must be intelligent conservation, which can
be had only through reasonable regulations governing the
use and enjoyment of this, one of the most important
natural resources of the State. I am clearly of the opinion
that we cannot depend upon the present law or its method
of enforcement to properly protect our fish and game. I
recommend the passage of a measure which will provide
reasonable revenue and which will place the administra-
tion of the law under a Game Commissioner. I suggest
that this Game Commissioner be identical, one and the
same, as the Shell Fish Commissioner, who is now charged
with the administration of our oyster and salt water fish
laws. The fish and game are natural resources belonging
to all the people of the State, and certainly substantial
revenues should accrue to the State through the use and
enjoyment of this resource.

2-H. J.

18

LOCAL BILLS.

Before the Legislature has any right to pass any bill,
local in nature, it is required by the Constitution that
notice of the introduction of the measure should be pub-
lished in the county affected by such bill, for sixty days
before its introduction. This plain provision of the Con-
stitution is quite often ignored. If the Journals of the
Legislature fail to show the publication of such notice,
our Courts, in the absence of an affirmative showing, in-
dulge the.presumption that such notice was given as re-
quired. The effect of this construction of the law has
been that each session of the Legislature is flooded with
local bills, and practically no consideration can be given
to them by the Legislature. As is well known, they are
passed as a matter of course, sponsored and understood
only by the member of the Legislature of the county
affected by them. This practice has grown to such an
extent that it has become a real menace. Not only does
it require a great deal of the time of the Legislature, but
ofttimes legislation not local in nature is hurried through
the session without that due consideration which the
questions involved justly deserve. Apart from the above
suggestions, the people in each community are. entitled to
be advised in advance of the nature of the local bill which
will be introduced in the Legislature. There is no way
for a practical handling of this question except through
an amendment to the Constitution. If the Governor
should veto the local bill, because it might appear frbm
outside sources that the notice had not been given, it
would be easy for the membership, nearly all of whom
have local bills in which they are interested, to pass the
measure over the Governor's veto. Besides, if the Courts
indulge in the presumption that the required notice was
published, is not the Governor within his rights in doing
the same thing?
I recommend an amendment to the Constitution re-
quiring the publication of notice of all local measures,
before their introduction, of at least thirty days. It
would seem that thirty days, instead of sixty days, as is
now required, would be sufficient. But the publication
of such notice, with certified copy thereof, should be
spread upon the Journals of each branch of the Legisla-
ture. In other words, the Legislative Journals them-
selves should be required to show affirmatively that the

19

required notice was given. If affirmative evidence of
the publication of notice is required to be spread on the
Journals, we will have a cure for the dangerous practice
now prevailing.

STATE PRISON FARM.

I believe that a State Prison Farm is necessary, and
we have at Raiford, in Bradford County, an institution
which, if properly handled, can be made to efficiently
serve the purpose of its creation. We have 17,953 acres
of land and nearly 4,000 acres of which are now under
cultivation, the remaining acreage being largely pas-
turage and woodland. The maintenance of such a farm,
in my opinion, is necessary in order that some place may
be provided for the convicts, and those aged and de-
crepit who are not physically fit to perform hard manual
labor. This is the only reason for the maintenance of
such an institution. The people of Florida very justly
feel that the convicts who are physically fit should per-
form manual labor, and certainly no better place for the
performance of such labor can be provided than upon our
public roads. In the meantime, we should require those
not able to work on the public roads, that they in a large
measure sustain themselves on the State farm, without
the financial burden to the State which it has borne in
the past.
The institution at Raiford has grown to such propor-
tions that it requires a large percentage of convicts there
to maintain the farm, resulting in a burden. upon the
State financially, which I believe should not continue.
Each year there is a large deficit in the expenditures over
the income derived from the receipts of the farm. The
operations for each year of its existence show large defi-
cits-that of 1920, approximately one hundred thousand
dollars. The State cannot operate an institution of this
character with the same economy as an individual. In
fact, the primary purpose of the farm was not to launch
the State out into private enterprise in competition with
its citizens. Our work there should be only incidental,
as a means of taking care of the prisoners who are not
physically able to perform manual labor upon the public
roads. The operations are upon too large a scale, and
the more convicts retained upon it the more will be the
expense of the people of the State in maintaining it. This

20

institution can possibly be made self-sustaining, but to
do so I feel you should consider very seriously the fol-
lowing recommendations:
1st: Reduce the number of first-class convicts to be
kept at the farm, which is now by law at seventy-five,
keeping at no time more than ten or twelve of such con-
victs at the farm.
2nd: Very carefully regrade the number two convicts
and place upon the public roads a large percentage of
this class.
3rd: Put into effect a rigid system of economy on ex-
penditures.
I hope the Legislature will reduce the number of num-
ber one convicts as suggested, and will also give the Gov-
ernor discretionary power in using second-class convicts
under proper rules and regulations for work upon the
public roads.
By drawing in, rather than spreading out; by sticking
to the original idea in the creation of the farm, rather
than place the State in the attitude of entering private
industry; and by practicing strict economy in its opera-
tion, I believe the farm can be made self-sustaining.
PUBLIC ROADS.
The creation of the State Road Department by the
Legislature of 1915 was necessary if the State would
utilize its share of the funds which the National Govern-
ment has appropriated for road construction. Its crea-
tion was essential then; its continuance is necessary now.
It has not performed in the past as effectively and effi-
ciently as the people have desired, and whether it will
do so in the future will depend largely upon the personnel
of the Department and of the policies which they adopt.
As is well known, the Federal Government will pay fifty
per cent of the cost of any road which has been desig-
nated as a Federal Aid Project, and provided that the
construction is in keeping with regulations prescribed by
the National Government. No funds are received what-
ever from the National Government except for work upon
Federal Aid Projects, and then only as the work pro-
gresses. The State of Florida has not utilized the appro-
priations of the National Government to any considerable
extent. There is to the credit of Florida nearly three
million dollars now held by the Natonal Government for
road construction in our State, none of which, however,

21

is available except for work on roads designated as Fed-
eral Aid Projects, and only then when the State con-
tributes a like amount as the National Government. It
is readily apparent that if we are to utilize the above
funds from the National Government, then we must take
steps to raise considerable money for the State Road
Department. And the State Road Department will be
obliged to expend the funds so raised upon the Federal
Aid Projects. Evidently, the work must be largely cen-
tered upon the roads approved as Federal Aid Projects,
and which will connect the different sections of the State,
as distinguished from the localities of the State. How-
ever, the Board should, and I am advised that they will
do so, use every effort to have designated as Federal Aid
Projects roads which traverse those counties which have
contributed funds to the State Road Department. The
only funds at the command of the Department is the two-
mill tax, which will provide little more than seven hun-
dred thousand dollars; the tax on gasoline, which pro-
vided last year about fifty thousand dollars; also fifteen
per cent of the automobile license tax, same being used
for the maintenance of the Department. Eighty-five per
cent of State automobile license tax being apportioned by
the State to the counties.
Another source of revenue which can be used by the
State as a credit for its fifty per cent on all Federal Aid
Projects is the actual work performed by the convicts.
But of course it requires an immense sum of money to
equip, feed and clothe the convicts while at work.
The Department is seriously handicapped on account
of funds. You are respectfully requested to consider
very seriously ways and means for providing more funds
for its use. I recommend an increase of the tax on gaso-
line, also tax on oils. I recommend the continuance of
the two-mill levy. I recommend, also, a more economical
and efficient handling of the affairs of the Department,
resulting not only in a great saving of money, but in-
creased road-building as well. The members of the De-
partment as now constituted are alive to the necessity
for more efficiency and economy, and I believe can be
trusted to inaugurate a system for the elimination of
much needless expense and for the accomplishment of
much work. What we largely need is a proper adminis-
tration of the laws already in existence, rather than too
many additional and cumbersome legislative programs.

22

THE EVERGLADES.

In 1850 the Congress of the United States passed an
act known as the "Swamp and Overflowed Land Grant
Act." Through this act there has come to this State more
than twenty million acres of swamp and overflowed land,
among which are the Everglades. One of the conditions
of the grant was: "That the proceeds of said lands,
whether from sale or by direct appropriation in kind,
shall be applied exclusively, as far as necessary, for the
purpose of reclaiming.said lands."
For the past fourteen years the State of Florida has
been actively and energetically engaged in constructing
drainage works in the Everglades, thus developing one
of the State's great natural resources.
The several Legislatures have enacted laws by virtue
of which the Everglades Drainage District was created,
and through which the drainage work has been made pos-
sible. The work thus far accomplished is reprseented in
principal part by the opening of three hundred and sixty-
one miles of main drainage canals, the construction of
twelve locks and dams, the survey of one million acres of
hitherto unsurveyed land into townships, ranges and sec-
tions, and other undertakings of an incidental though
important nature, involving an expenditure to date of
approximately six million dollars. The Everglades Drain-
age District comprises a land area of four and one-half
million acres, or larger than the States of Rhode Island
and Connecticut combined. Where a few years ago there
was an unbroken watery waste there are now, in those
sections of the Everglades where drainage work is most
advanced, thriving communities and productive farms.
The holdings of the State in the Everglades are repre-
sented by a million and a quarter acres of land.
The money for carrying on the drainage work is sup-
plied by drainage taxes levied by the Legislature upon
all the lands included in the Everglades Drainage Dis-
trict, but upon no other lands. The drainage project,
therefore, supports itself on its own merits alone. In
fact, it has contributed large annual amounts to the
State's treasury through taxes, but has received no funds
from the State. The amount of drainage district taxes
is determined and levied by the Legislature from time to
time as needs require. Based upon these drainage taxes,
Everglades Drainage District Bonds, authorized by the

23

Legislature, have been issued by the Board of Commis-
sioners of Everglades Drainage District to provide im-
mediate funds for the work. To meet future construc-
tion expenses additional funds will be needed, making
necessary a further assessment of taxes, accompanied by
authority to the Drainage Board for the issuing of such
additional bonds as may be advisable. This will require
Legislative action.
There will also be needed measures whose purpose will
be the general advancement of the Everglades, the further
protection of the works constructed, and for regulating
and controlling matters of importance relating to the
drainage project. There will be presented to the Legis-
lative Body by the Board of Commissioners of Everglades
Drainage District, which said Board is composed of the
Governor of Florida and four of his Cabinet members,
certain measures for your consideration, looking to the
advancement of this great reclamation enterprise on
which the State has embarked.

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION FOR THE
EVERGLADES.

"The Everglades is essentially an agricultural territory.
The entire justification for drainage rests upon the as-
sumption that the soil, when drained, will become valu-
able agricultural land. The entire problem of reclama-
tion will not be completely solved until agriculture shall
have been placed on a sound and profitable basis. The
solution of the problem in so far as the removal of water
from the land is concerned is without further question.
The establishment and conduct of an Agricultural Ex-
periment Station in the Everglades for the purpose of
studying and determining agricultural needs becomes of
vital importance to the development and advancement of
this constructive enterprise. There will be presented to
your body a proposed measure recommended by the
Drainage Board for the establishment of an Agricultural
Experiment Station in the Everglades.
Our Board recently made an inspection trip through
the Everglades, and we were deeply impressed with its
possibilities, its progress, and the amount of work accom-
plished. As Governor, I do not feel that I can impress
upon your Honorable Body too strongly the importance

24

of doing all within your power to foster and encourage
this great enterprise. For the proposed bill to establish
an Agricultural Experiment Station, and for other pro-
posed measures on behalf of the Everglades which will
be presented by the Drainage Board, I bespeak your very
earnest consideration.

THE NATIONAL GUARD OF FLORIDA.

The entire National Guard of Florida entered the Fed-
eral service at the beginning of the "World War." Dur-
ing the past three years there has been practically no
Guard in existence. About a year ago steps were taken
to reorganize the National Guard of Florida. This re-
organization has gone ahead steadily, and at this time
the entire regiment allotted to Florida has practically
been organized and equipped and is in fine condition.
More troops will be allotted to Florida each year and
the organization will proceed until the entire allotment
will be organized by the end of 1924. The total allotment
to Florida will amount to 4,800 men and will constitute
a splendid force for the protection of the State and the
United States.
The necessity for maintaining a strong, well-equipped
National Guard in the State of Florida, as well as in all
other States of the Union, must be apparent to all think-
ing people. It would seem desirable that a Regular Army
be maintained of sufficient size to guard our borders,
garrison our Insular possessions and form the nucleus
for the organization of a large army in case of war, but
it appears now that the policy of the Congress of the
United States is to cut the Regular Army establishment
down to a minimum. This being true, the organization
of a strong National Guard is more urgent than ever be-
fore. It is certain that the National Guard will have to
be relied upon in any sudden National emergency, as well
as emergencies arising within the State.
The fine record of the Florida troops is well known.
They have served efficiently in all wars, in the face of
adverse circumstances. Also they have always responded
to any call to assist the civil authorities in preserving
the peace of the State. This force can always be relied
upon in any emergency where the civil authorities are in
need of help, and this fact has often been an important

25

factor in preventing trouble that might have arisen other-
wise. All assistance possible should be given the Na-
tional Guard of Florida by the Legislature.

RIPARIAN RIGHTS.

Along our streams, coast lines and other navigable
waters, Florida has an attractive and valuable asset in
her water front, or what we generally speak of as her
riparian properties, a large portion of which has passed
into the hands of private owners. The Legislature has
from time to time enacted laws which affect certain of
these riparian properties, and of late years some mis-
understandings have developed in regard to the effect of
these acts on such ownership.
As a general proposition, the beds of all navigable
waters, including the space between ordinary high and
low-water mark, are what are known as sovereignty lands
and are held-by the State for the benefit of all its citi-
zens. This principle has come down to us from the early
Common Law and the Civil Law, and, as I understand, is
the prevailing rule in this country.
The trust with which these lands and water bottoms
are held being governmental in its nature, in that they
are for the common use and inheritance of all, should not
be distributed or in any way impaired. I would, however,
recommend the passage of an act, or acts, that would
clarify the situation and put the public and the riparian
owners on notice as to what constitutes the legal rights
of each and all in the premises.

EDUCATION.

I assume that it will be very readily agreed that the
education of the children of the State is our most im-
portant activity. The achievements of today had their
foundations laid in the past. We are moulding and build-
ing today the kind of citizenship we will have in the
future, and this process of citizenship-making must be
largely left to the schools. Every child in the State of
Florida should receive a good common school education.
We have in our educational institutions of higher
learning a most valuable asset. They must be adequately
supported, and I trust you will give them the needed
financial assistance. Our greatest problem, however; is

26

with our elementary schools. It is in the common schools
where the great bulk of our future citizenship is being
trained for the duties of life. These common schools,
many of them situated far out in the country, are playing
a very large part in building up the social life of the
community. The elevation of farm life to the high stand
ard it deserves will come only through proper education,
and I bespeak for our common schools your very serious
consideration. I would like to see our schools, as far as
possible, divorced from politics. School officials should
be chosen not because of "political pull," but because of
their ability to deal efficiently with educational prob-
lems.
The fathers who framed our Constitution thought
enough of the importance of education to create a De-
partment of Education, and placed at its head a Cabinel
officer, the State Superintendent of Schools. I am leav-
ing to him the specific recommendations, and I trust you
will carefully consider such recommendations as he may
make to you, looking to adoption of forward' looking
policies along educational lines.

APPORTIONMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE MEM-
BERSHIP.

The Constitution limits the membership of the Senate
to thirty-two, and that of the House to sixty-eight mem-
bers. It requires a reapportionment of this membership
at ten-year intervals. The :ramers of our Constitution,
looking down the years, saw the probability of more rapid
growth of resources, and increase of population, in dif-
ferent sections of the State, and they wisely provided that
those sections showing increase of population should be
equitably represented in the Legislature.
"We have in one Senatorial District as many as six
counties, with large aggregate resources and a population
of nearly one hundred thousand, which is rapidly increas-
ing. This particular territory comprising six counties
has but one Senator, and each of the counties one Repre-
sentative in the Lower House. There are other instances
which might be called to the attention of the Legislature,
almost as striking, whereas there are many other counties
in the State, with relatively small population and re-
sources, which now have one Senator and two Represen-
tatives. Apart from the plain mandate of the Constitu-

27

tion requiring reapportionment every ten years, it is just
and fair that the membership of the Legislature should
be more justly and equitably distributed. I recommend
that the Legislature pass a reapportionment measure,
giving to the various counties of the State a just appor-
tionment of its membership in the law-making body.

AGRICULTURE AND LIVE STOCK.

We have about thirty-five million acres of land with
only a very small percentage of it under cultivation.
There is no State in the Union which can grow profitably
such a large variety of crops as Florida. We are specially
adapted to tL3 development of the live stock industry.
Our climate in this respect is ideal, and nutritious grasses
for pasturage grow abundantly. The real need of the
farmer is to be found in marketing facilities. We can
grow the crops, but not always dispose of them to the
best advantage. There is but one successful method of
promoting agriculture. It is to make farming pay. Some
system of co-operative marketing would no doubt prove
beneficial. Co-operative selling agencies have been suc-
cessfully tried in other sections. The proper support of
the Bureau of Marketing is a practical way by which the
Legislature may aid in this work.
Florida produces a greater variety of products than
any other State, which makes our marketing problems
greater than any other section. We produce more than
thirty million crates of perishable products per annum,
to say nothing of our live stock, poultry and staple crops.
We should stabilize the marketing of these products, and
distribution should be as direct as possible. I recommend
full and adequate support of the Marketing Bureau, and
feel that by so doing we will receive very practical re-
sults.
The work undertaken by the State Live Stock Sanitary
Board in co-o}eration with the National Government,
looking to the eradication of the cattle tick, should con-
tinue. The State is now practically shut off from all out-
side markets for its cattle, by quarantine, and the eradi-
cation of the cattle tick is now an absolute necessity if
we would have access to outside markets. Do we want
our farmers and cattle men left entirely at the mercy of
buyers wholly in the State of Florida? Ours is essentially
a producing State, and markets for our live stock must

28

be opened up to our people, else the industry will shrivel
to one of small proportions. As fast as physical means
for dipping cattle can be provided, then in such locality
we must have laws insuring the dipping of all cattle. By
this means eventually our State will be rid of the cattle
tick, a pest which has cost the people of Florida untold
sums of money through its injury to our cattle. Whether
you favor the dipping of cattle or not is now hardly per-
tinent to the issue. The action of other States in their
quarantine of Florida renders the dipping of cattle abso-
lutely essential, and there is no other alternative for us.

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

Under a separate head I have discussed the importance
of conserving the game and fish of the State, and have
suggested the policies which I believe will be of profit in
preserving to the people for all time these great resources.
There is another natural resource, the conservation of
which must receive our attention. I refer to the timber
supply of Florida. As a State, we have been specially
rich in timber, and we have seen it rapidly depleted, and
no policy whatever has been attempted in the past re-
garding its proper use or intelligent conservation. We
are face to face with a very increasing demand for timber
products, being an agricultural, trucking and citrus fruit
producing section; on the other hand, we are confronted
with an ever decreasing supply. It must suggest to us
the inauguration of a policy of conservation as well as
the encouragement of regrowth of forests through ade-
quate reforestation. The National Government, through
its Forestry Bureau, is calling upon us for active co-
operation in this regard. I suggest the passage of a law
giving the assent of the State to the acquisition and main-
tenance by the National Government of national forests,
guaranteeing to them proper control and administration
of lands so acquired. Second, I favor the passage of a
law which will limit the size of timber to be boxed by
the producers of naval stores. I favor also the passage
of a law which will control, as far as possible, the spread
of forest fires. I also invite careful study on behalf of
your- Forestry Committee, of the question, which is a
vexed one, looking to the creation of a department which
shall be charged with the working out of a system for
forest protection, as well as reforesting of cut-over lands.

29

PUBLIC HEALTH.

I am sure there is no one subject of more direct public
concern than the health, physical and mental, of our
people. Our progress in the future will depend very
largely upon the virility of the citizenship of the State.
That section is usually dominant and progressive where
the individual citizen is of strong body and sound mind.
In this respect the State Board of Health must play a
very important part. Its work must be educational,
teaching the people not only the importance of good
health, but likewise instructing them how it is best to be
secured and maintained. We have a Board of Health,
composed of three members, who employ a State Health
Officer, who is charged with the administration of those
policies, means and measures which may be prescribed
by the Board. I feel that its work in the past has been
highly conducive to the best interest of the people, and
that the department should be adequately maintained
and the State Health Officer paid an adequate salary.
There should be an act passed at the present session of
the Legislature defining most specially the authority of
the State Health Officer, and such an act should provide
for his appointment by the Governor. At present he is
neither an official elected by the people, nor one ap-
pointed by the Governor. We should provide for the ex-
amination of the children of the public schools, providing
sufficient funds for such examination, or. for the co-
operation of counties and cities in such examination for
the expense thereof. A Bureau of Vital Statistics should
be very carefully maintained, and all physicians should,
under penalty of law, be required to make prompt and
full report to such Bureau. We should also require, by
statute, that all diseases declared notifiable by the State
Board of Health should be promptly reported thereto.
We should also have most adequate supervision by the
State Board of Health for quack institutions, as well as
the advertisement and sale of quack nostrum and reme-
dies, the use of which undermines the health and energies
of the people rather than afford a cure.
We should have a more effective system for examina-
tion and licensing of medical practitioners. This not only
for the protection of the high and honorable members of
a great profession who, through the outlay of much time
and expense, have prepared themselves for practice, and

30

who should be protected against the unscrupulous and
unprepared man, but the protection of the public against
the unprepared and uninformed practitioner, is of pri-
mary importance. It is for the protection of the people
primarily which causes me to invite your attention to the
necessity for a more effective system, looking to the issu-
ance of licenses to practice.

LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I am not undertaking to suggest many and varied laws
for your consideration, dealing with criminality or meth-
ods for its suppression. Out of the collective experience
of this Legislature I am sure there will be submitted many
measures which should engage your attention and which
will make for the enforcement of law. My observation
has been that we need more effective enforcement of
statutes already in existence. It has been said that "We
do not need any more laws, but we do need better en-
forcement." It is true that the administration of the law
in this respect is, or should be, the main consideration.
Unfortunately, we have had in the last year or two an
apparent increase of crime, much of it of very serious
character. Perhaps the most flagrant and general viola-
tion of our criminal statutes is found in the disregard of
those prohibition measures against the manufacture and
sale of intoxicating liquors. I believe that if offenses of
this character were placed in the jurisdiction of the Cir-
cuit Court it would make for better enforcement of law.
The inquisitorial powers of the grand jury could then be
utilized. Apart from this, there is somehow, in the breast
of the criminal, a more wholesome respect for the higher
court. Of course this would only be applied in those
counties which have not established Criminal Courts of
Record.

CONCLUSION.

Some of the Legislatures of the past have apparently
acted on the theory that they could best make a credit-
able record by the enactment of a multiplicity of laws.
I am sure the people have the conviction, in which I share,
that enactment of fewer laws, but with more considera-
tion of the value of such measures in dealing with specific
problems, would be of much greater value. I wish to

31

urge, therefore, that such measures as you may consider
and pass shall be of that character only needed for the
advancement of the higher interest of the State. I shall
not, during my administration as Governor, neither will
you as Legislators, be able to achieve the impossible, or
all of the possible; but we should endeavor, day by day,
to do the day's work. Thus may we hope to execute, with
reasonable satisfaction, the high and responsible obliga-
tions which we have assumed.
At the conclusion of the Governor's address-
Mr. M1alone moved that the joint session now rise and
the Senate retire.
Which was agreed to.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS.

By Mr. Harris, of Pinellas-
House Resolution No. 1:
Resolved, That the rules governing the Legislature of
1919 are hereby adopted until such time as the rules for
this session can be prepared and adopted.
Which was read.
Mr. Harris (Pinellas) moved the adoption of the resolu-
tion.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Phillips, of Columbia-
House Resolution No. 2:
Whereas, at a prior session of this Legislature it wasg
provided that no committee clerks would be employed at
the session of this body and that a sufficient number of
competent stenographers should, be selected by a commit-
tee, by process of competitive examination, to take care
of the work usually performed by committee clerks and
house stenographers; and
Whereas, this provision was carried into effect at the
1919 session of this Legislature with splendid results in
efficiency and economy; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Legis-
lature of the State of Florida, That the Speaker of the
House appoint a committee of three for the purpose of
selecting said stenographers, who shall certify those so
passing to the Committee on Legislative ExDpense; that
said stenographers shall not be required to write per-

32

sonal or business letters, but that their services be only
required for legislative business, and business pertaining
to the work of the Legislature.
Which was read.
Mr. Phillips (Columbia) moved the adoption of the
resolution.
Which was agreed to.
The Speaker appointed as such committee the following:
Messrs. Phillips, of Columbia; Parrish and Edge.

By Mr. Miller, of Duval-
House Resolution No. 3:
Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That the
Speaker of the House be, and he is hereby, authorized to
appoint a Secretary to serve for the session of 1921.
Which was read.
Mr. Miller moved the adoption of the resolution.
Which was agreed to.

Mr. Williams (Leon), on behalf of the citizens of Talla-
hassee extended a most cordial invitation to the members
of this House to visit and avail themselves of the privileges
of the Tallahassee Golf Club and the Lake Bradford Coun-
try Club, and on behalf of the Tallahassee Elks invited
them to attend a dinner to be given in their honor by the
Elks on Thursday evening.

Mr. Stokes moved that the House extend, through Mr.
Williams, to the people of Tallahassee its thanks for
courtesies extended and offered.
SWhich was agreed to by a rising vote.

Mr. Ellis moved that the thanks of the House be ex-
tended to the ladies of Tallahassee for the beautiful flow-
ers so effectively used in decorating the hall of the House
of Representatives.
Which was agreed to by a rising vote.

Mr. Davis moved that the House do now adjourn until
tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock.
Which was agreed to.

33

Wednesday, April 6, 1921

The House was called to order by the Speaker at 11
o'clock A. M.
The roll being called the following members answered
to their names:

Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bailey (Jef-
ferson), Bishop, Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll,
Cason, Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas, Edge, Ellis, Ells-
worth, Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster, Fowler, Fuqua,
Futch, Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Griffin, Glunn, Hagan,
Hale, Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hin-
son, Hunter, Jennings, Johns, Keen, Koonce, Kyle, Ladd,
Mann, Mayo, McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mobley, Moore,
Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phillips! (Co-
lumbia), Phillips (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn, Register,
Richbourg, Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales, Scharf-
schwerdt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart
(Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madi-
son), Tillman, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams (Jack-
son), Williams (Leon), Young.-77.

A quorum present.
Prayer by the Chaplain.
The Speaker Pro Tern in the chair.
Mr. Newton moved' that the reading of the Journal be
dispensed with.
Which was agreed to.

The following communications were read:

Jackson Lodge No. 1, F & A. M.
Tallahassee, Florida, April 5th, 1921.

To the Honorable Speaker and Representatives.

Gentlemen:

Jackson Lodge No. 1, F. A. M., cordially invites all
members of the House who are members of the Masonic
3-H. J.

34

Fraternity to meet with them as often as their duties will
permit.
Meetings are held regularly every first, and third Mon-
days of each month, and you are earnestly requested to be
present..
CADE E. SHACKELFORD, Secretary.

Also the following:

Office of Secretary, Leon Lodge No. 5, I. 0. 0. F.
Tallahassee, Florida, April 4th, 1921.

To the Honorable Members of House of Revresentatives,
State of Florida.

Gentlemen:
All members of your Honorable Body who are mem-
bers of the I. O. O. F. are cordially invited to meet with
Leon Lodge No. 5, I. 0. O. F. every Tuesday evening at
8 o'clock.
A special invitation is extended to meet with us on
Sunday, April 24th, to celebrate the One Hundred and
Second Annniversary of the Order.
By order of the Noble Grand.
W. H. CHANCEY, Secretary.

Also the followidng-
The Staff and Battalion of the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps, University of Florida, request the
honor of your presence at their First Annual Military
Ball, Saturday evening, April the ninth, at 9 o'clock,
University Gymnasium. Formal.

The following telegram was read:
Washington, D. C., April 5, 1921.

Speaker House of Representatives and President Senate,
Tallahassee, Fla.
The Florida State Society to Washington, D. C., sends
greetings to Governor and Legislature, assured of re-
newed prosperity to State under new administration.
W. C. HARLLEE, President,
LOUIS C. VOGHT, Secretary.

35

The following messages from the Attorney General
were received and read:

STATE OF FLORIDA,
,OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Tallahassee, April 5, 1921.
Hon. Frank E. Jennings,
Speaker House of Represen tati:cs,
Tallahassee, Fla.

Dear Sir:
In compliance with the provisions of Section 104 of
the Revised General Statutes of Florida, I hereby recom-
mend Mrs. Mary M. Meginniss as a person experienced
in indexing to supervise and assist the respective clerks
of each branch of the Legislature having such work in
hand in making the index for both the Journal of the
Senate and the Journal of the House of Representatives.
Very respectfully,
RIVERS H. BUFORD,
Attorney-General.

STATE OF FLORIDA,
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Tallahassee, April 5, 1921.
Hon. Frank E. Jennings,
Speaker House of Representatives,
Tallahassee, Fla.
Dear Sir:
Under the provisions of Section 13, Article V of the
Constitution of Florida, I herewith transmit to the House
of Representatives of the Florida Legislature, Session or
1921, certain recommendations proposing amendments to
existing laws and the enactment of additional laws which
I deem expedient.
Very respectfully,
RIVERS H. BUFORD,
Attorney-General.

36

ATTORNEY GENERAL.

STATE OF FLORIDA,

Tallahssee, Fla., April 5th, 1921.

To the Legislature of the State of Florida:

In compliance with Section 13, Article V of the Con-
stitution of the State of Florida, I herewith transmit cer-
tain recommendations as to legislation for the consider-
ation of this honorable body.
On the First day of February, 1921, I addressed a letter
to each of the Circuit Judges of the respective circuits of
the State of Florida, requesting each of them to kindly
submit to this office any proposals, which they deemed
proper for the amendment of any existing laws, and for
the enactment of any new statute which might be needed.
Upon this request I have received fromsix of the Cir-
cuit Judges of this State certain recommendations, and
that you may have the full benefit of their suggestions I
attach hereto a copy of the letters containing these sug-
gestions.

Jacksonville, Fla., March 9th, 1921.

Hon. Rivers H. Buford,
Attorney General,
Tallahassee, Fla.
Dear Mr. Buford:
In compliance with Section 13 of Article 5 of the Con-
stitution of this State, Judge Simmons and I respect-
fully report to you the following defects in the laws which
have been brought to our attention, and suggest to you
the following amendments and additional legislation:
1. We recommend that the law with reference to court
reporters be so amended as to make the court reporter
subject to the order of the trial judge in civil cases the
same as is now provided in criminal cases; that his fees
be taxed as' costs in the case, where the reporter is as-
signed to take it by the trial judge; and that such costs
be paid by the county. Then, that these costs be taxed
as other costs against the losing party in a case, and,

37

when collected in the cause, that the same be paid over to
the county treasurer to reimburse the county for the pay-
ment of reporters. Under the present law, unless one or
the other of the parties to a cause requests the reporter
in writing, in a civil case, there is no stenographic report
of the testimony. In courts with a large number of cases
to try, it is physically impossible for the Judge so to
charge his mind with all the evidence in any case, and all
the rulings that they may be made thereon, so as to be
able to reproduce such evidence, his rulings .and excep-
tions taken; so that the case may be fairly reviewed by
an appellate court on the bill of exception. Our view
was shared by our predecessor on the bench, Judge R.
M. Call.
2. We suggest that Section 5051 of the Revised Gen-
eral Statutes be amended by adding to the penalty pre-
scribed therein these words "or for such term of years
in the State prison as the court may direct." We make
this suggestion as there are sometimes cases in which
the life penalty is unjust. We speak particularly with
reference to those cases in which only negroes are in-
volved. While the offender is guilty according to the
statute, still there are such extenuating circumstances
as to make a life sentence unjust.
3. We suggest that the legislature fix the situs for the
purpose of taxation of the estate of a decedent.
4. We suggest that Section 3135 of the Revised Gen-
eral Statutes regarding evidence in chancery be so
amended as to allow testimony to be taken directly be-
fore the Court and not make it essential for such testi-
mony to be taken down in writing and filed in the case,
unless by order of the court or by request of one or the
other of the parties to the cause. We believe that a great
saving in time and expense would be had if these chan-
cery cases could be tried, under appropriate rules by the
Supreme Court, as common law cases, directly before the
Court.
5. We deem it of essential importance to the State
that such laws be passed as will enable the Florida In-
dustrial School for Boys to carry out the objects for
which the school was created as embodied in Section 6298
of the Revised General Statutes, to-wit: The making
such reform school not simply a place of correction, but

38

a reform school, where the young offender of the law,
separated from vicious associates, may receive careful
physical, intellectual and moral training, be reformed
and restored to the community with purposes and char-
acter fitting for a good citizen, an honorable and honest
man, with a trade or skilled occupation fitting such per-
son for self-maintenance.
6. We suggest that a statute be passed providing that
upon the investigation of a death caused by violence or
unnatural cause, of murder, rape, or assault with intent
to commit rape, or -where a person is charged with any
such crime, the Justice of the Peace as ex officio Coro-
ner, the committing Magistrate presiding at the prelim-
inary hearing, and the Judge of the Court upon the trial
of the cause, shall in the discretion of the Judge, or Jus-
tice of the Peace, before whom such hearing or trial shall
be had, have power and authority, upon the request of the
State of Florida, through its prosecuting officer, or of the
defendant, to require from any person testifying or sum-
moned to testify at such hearing, or trial, a good and
sufficient bond for the appearance of such person at any
subsequent hearing or trial of a cause involving the sub-
ject matter of such charge, investigation, preliminary
hearing, or trial, and that in default of the giving of
such bond such Judge, or Justice of the Peace, shall, .in
his discretion, have the power and authority to commit
said person to the custody of the sheriff of the County in
which such investigation, hearing, or trial, may be had,
to be held by such sheriff pending such investigation,
hearing or trial, or intil the giving of such bond.
7. We would suggest that some statute be passed au-
thorizing and requiring the several counties to pay
mileage of witnesses in behalf of the 'State in capital
cases from points beyond the territorial limits of the
State in cases where such witness, .or witnesses, volun-
tarily attend the trial of such case, or any hearing
therein, at the request of the State Attorney.
8. Many statutes provide that certain things shall
be done within a limited time and many contracts give
an option or require a performance within a fixed period
of time. Frequently the last day of performance under
the statute or the contract falls on a Sunday or legal
holiday. The rules of court and certain statutes, among
them the Negotiable Instrument Act, prescribe that the

39

time fixed shall be extended under such circumstances
to the next succeeding day.
A general statute covering contracts and statutes
should be enacted to meet this contingency. I would
suggest that this statute be modeled on the language
used in the Negotiable Instrument Act.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) DAN'L A. SIMMONS,
GEORGE COUPER GIBBS,
Judges.

Jasper, Fla., March -, 1921.
Hon. Rivers H. Buford,
Attorney General of Florida,
Tallahassee, Florida.

My Dear Sir:

In obedience to the requirements of Section 13, Arti-
cle V, Constitution of Florida, I beg leave to submit, for
your consideration, my suggestions as to such amend-
ments and additions to the laws of Florida as I consider
advisable at this time.
1. I suggest that Section 3117, Revised G'eneral Stat-
utes, be :imewned to read as follows:
"In case of foreclosure.-In the foreclosure of
any mortgage the original mortgage or a copy
of the same shall form a part of the bill of com-
plaint for the foreclosure of such mortgage."
I can see no good purpose or reason for requiring the
complhinwnt to incur the expense of a "certified copy"
of such mortgage, as the conpy is only filed for information
to enable the defendant to properly plead to the bill of
complaint.
2. I suggest that Section 3405, Revised General Stat-
utes, be amended by striking out the words "the posses-
son of which has remained in the debtor."
This statute in its present wording is of little value,
as an attachment in aid of foreclosure is seldom neces-
sary where the property has remained in the possession
of the debtor. With said words omitted, attachment
would often be of much value where the debtor has parted
with the possession of the mortgagedl property.

41)

3. I suggest that Section 2496, Revised General Stat-
utes, be amended so as to designate in what county the
mortgage should be recorded. Often the property is lo-
cated in one county and the mortgage executed in an-
other county. There should be a fixed place for the re-
cording of such mortgages, so that all parties interested,
or who might become interested, in the property will be
protectedin their rights.
4. I suggest that there should be enacted a law pro-
viding for the recording of United States Patents to
lands. At present we have no such law, and a patent
that is recorded is of no value so far a:s using the record
or a certified copy thereof as evidence.
5. Section 3076, Revised General Statutes, among
other things, requires the Clerk of the Circuit Court to
keep
"A Chancery Order Book, in which shall be en-
tered all orders and decrees taken in chancery, in-
cluding those required to be signed by the judge
exclusively."
Section 3160, Revised General Statutes, provides that
"Decrees in equity may be signed by the Judge
when pronounced and shall be recorded upon the
minutes of the court without any other enroll-
ment. And no process shall be issued or other
proceedings had upon any final decree or order
until the same shall have been signed and re-
corded as aforesaid."
These two sections above quoted would seem to require
all decrees signed by the Judge in Chancery matters
to be recorded both in the Chancery Order Book under
Section 3076, and in the Circuit Court Minute Docket
under Section 3160.
Litigants should not be put to the expense of having
to pay for recording a decree or order of the court in
both books.
6. I suggest that there should be a law fixing the lim-
itation of the time in which an outstanding tax certifi-
cate, in the hands of a person other than the State of
Florida, would be valid. The Legislature has on several
occasions, enacted laws cancelling outstanding tax cer-
tificates held by the State, thus removing such as liens
against property. But there are tax certificates, that
their records show are held by individuals, and as tax

41

liens against property, and the certificates are so old
that it is impossible to locate the holders thereof. Any
person acquiring a tax certificate against land should
be required to acquire a tax deed thereon within a speci-
fied time, and if he fails to do so, the certificate should
become void.
7. I suggest that Sections 3107 and 3110, Revised
General Statutes, be amended by substituting the word
"summons" in each of said Sections for the word "sub-
poena" where the word "subpoena" appears in said Sec-
tions, as by Section 3109 Revised General Statutes, we
now have sumnmons in chancery instead of subpoena in
chancery.
8. I suggest that Section 3211, Revised General Stat-
utes, should allow writs of garnishment to issue in chan-
cery matters, at the discretion of the court, upon proper
showing, and that the issuance of such writ, and the
proceedings thereon be in substance similar to our pres-
ent laws (Sections 3446-7 Revised General Statutes) reg-
ulating the issuance of writs of garnishment in law ac-
tions before judgment.
9. I suggest an amendment to Section 3252, Revised
General Statutes. This Section, while under the sub-
division of "Writs of Fi. Fa" covers only Writs of Fi Fa
issued upon Lost or Destroyed Judgments. The section
covers a condition which would hardly ever arise, that is,
a loss and destruction of both writ fi fa and the judgment.
It should be amended to cover lost or destroyed writs of
fi fa issued upon any judgment and also cover a lost or
destroyed judgment. It should not be limited, as at pres-
ent, to a lost execution upon a, lost judgment.
10. I suggest that Section 5012, Revised General
Statutes, be amended by substituting the word "ten" for
the word "two" in said section. This would necessitate
the amending of Section 5011 Revised General Statutes
also to meet this change.
11. I suggest that the statute of limitations, Section
5011, Revised General Statutes, be amended so as to pro-
vide that any prosecution under Chapter XL, Offenses
against the Suffrage, Article 1 as embraced in Sections
5873 to 5936 Revised General Statutes inclusive, may be
had within ten yea.s.
It is very important that we protect and make pure
our ballot box.

42

12. I suggest that Concealing the Death of a Bastard
Child, covered by Section 5048, Revised General Stat-
utes, be made a felony, so that accessories may be pun-
ished and attended to.
13. I suggest the amendment of Section 5057 Revised
General Statutes so as to permit the imposition of a fine
also.
14. I suggest that an Aggravated Assault, covered by
Section 5061, Revised General Statutes, be made a felony.
15. Section 5202-Disposing of Property Under Lien
-Should be amended so as to make it unlawful only when
a fraudulent intent is alleged and proven.
16. Section 5229 Revised General Statutes should stop
with the penalty. The presumed consent destroys the
statute. It may be that automobiles, bicycles, etc.,
should be more specifically named in this statute.
17. I suggest the passage of a statute making it a
small misdemeanor to obtain property or money design-
edly by a false promise, and with intent to injure and
defraud.
18. There should be a general statute on the subject
of misfeasance and non-feasance of state, county and
municipal officers, and the penalty should be large, with
great discretion in the court.
Very truly yours,
(Signed) M. F. HORNE.
Ju dge.

Miami, Fla., February 24th, 1921.

February 24th, 1921.
Honorable Rivers H. Buford,
Attorney General,
State of Florida,
Tallahassee, Florida.

Dear Sir:

As required and requested, I respectfully submit the
followVing su;.igeslions as proper subjects for legislation:
1. An Act to proihiit divorced persons from remarry-
ing until at least the period for appeal has expired.

2. An Act requiring that all orders as to constructive
service required by law to be published, shall be pub-
lished in the county seat, provided there is a proper paper
published in the county seat.
3. An Act to require that all affidavits for construc-
tive service show that the affiant has caused process to
be issued and returned not served according to law, and
that the affiant has made diligent inquiry to ascertain
the absent ones' last known address, giving house number
and street name, else to be treated as. unknown and the
longer publication required.
4. An Act to require that all, orders for construc-
tive service against an absent husband or wife in di-
vorce proceedings be published in the county seat of the
county of residence of the complainant, provided a proper
paper is published in the county seat, if not in some paper
in the county of residence of complainant.
5. An Act to require that all testimony in all divorce
proceedings for final decree be taken before the court;
and that the official court reporter be allowed a certain
sum for taking the same and that he be required. to tran-
scribe the testimony and file it in said cause.
6. An Act to give courts of chancery jurisdiction to
require parents to support their children in some proper
proceeding to be instituted by the probation officer,
County Solicitor or any person having knowledge upon
affidavit of the person instituting the proceeding.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) H. PIERRE BRANNING, Judge.

Bradentown, Fla., February 21, 1921.

Hon. Rivers .H. Buford,
Attorney General,
Tallahassee, Fla.

My Dear Sir:

In compliance with law, and at your request, I here-
with submit my recommendations relevant to the existing
state of the criminal laws of Florida.
First: Without restating them I want to refer to my
recommendations made to the'Attorney General two years
ago, none of which were acted upon by the last Legisla-

44

ture, and make the recommendations then submitted a
part of the recommendations now submitted.
Second: Sec. 6040, Revised General Statutes, requires
witnesses to be recognized by committing magistrates to
appear before the Grand Jury on the second day of-the
succeeding term of the Circuit Court. This section should
be changed so as to require witnesses to appear on the
1st day of the term. I can't imagine any reason for de-
laying their appearance to the second day, because the
Grand Juries take up their work immediately.
Third: A suitable statute should be framed to punish
and fully cover the offense of "wire tapping" or "confi-
dence games." Crimes of this character have been en-
gaging the courts more or less for the last two years, and
we have no statute designed to especially cover this class
of crime.
Fourth: A statute should be framed providing that
where defendants are held under information for any
crime and there shall be in the custody of the court money
or other personal property used as evidence in connection
with the existing- charges and such defendants shall es-
cape custody that the money or other personal property
should be forfeited to the County; and, if money paid
into the County Treasury, and, if other personal prop-
erty, sold and the proceeds paid into the County Treas-
ury. The necessity of such a statute has been made ap-
parent to me because in my circuit a raid was made on
a gang of "wire tappers" resulting in the capture of a
number of telephones, some telegraph equipment, and
about a thousand dollars in money, then being actually
used for criminal purposes. After a conviction of one
of the defendants he, with his confederates, broke jail,
and have not been recaptured.
Fifth: Sec. 6017, R, G. S., should be so amended as
to cover prosecutions for any and all crimes, instead of
the specified and particular offenses therein designated.
If ft is well in some classes' of crime to say that a witness
cannot refuse to testify on the ground that his evidence
might incriminate him, and exempt him from prosecution
under the evidence given, then it is difficult to see why
the same rule should not apply in all cases. It so hap-
pened in my experience about a year ago that charge of
larceny had to be dismissed because a witness claimed

45

his exemption on the ground that his testimony might
incriminate him.
Sixtih: Sections 1778 and 2798 should be so amended
as to relieve the Circuit Judge from the duty to approve
the pay rolls of witnesses and jurors. It is totally ab-
surd to expect, and wholly impossible for the Circuit
Judge to keep up with, the attendance of jurors or wit-
nesses, and especially the witnesses before a Grand Jury;
and why should a Circuit Judge be required to certify
matters he knows nothing about except in the most gen-
eral way. Necessarily such matters have to be left to the
Clerk.
Seventh: Sec. 5061, General Statutes, which defines
"aggravated assault" should be changed. By eliminating
the words "not having a premeditated design to effect
the death of the person assaulted" and substitute -such
other suitable words as will enable a jury to distinguish
between what facts constitute aggravated assault and
what facts constitute an assault with intent to commit
some degree of homicide less than murder in the first
degree. The Supreme Court has labored to make this
distinction plain, but I confess I do not understand it
so that I can state it to a jury intelligently, and the re-
sult is that in prosecutions for assault with intent to
kill convictions of aggravated assault frequently occur
when the party should be convicted of assault with in-
tent to commit some degree or grade of unlawful homi-
cide lower than murder in the first degree.
Very respectfully submitted,
(Signed) O. K. REAVES.

Bradentown, Fla., March 19, 1921.

Hon. Rivers H. Buford,
Attorney Gleneral,
Tallahassee, Fla.

Dear Mr. Buford:

The strength or weakness of criminal statutes, like
other rules of conduct, are developed by cirmucstances.
I have just had a new experience in the trial of two de-
fendants jointly indicted for arson. They came into
court represented by three lawyers, two announcing that

46

they represented one defendant, the other announcing
that he represented the second defendant. After the close
of the State's case certain witnesses were put on the
stand on behalf of one defendant and questioned by his
lawyers, the lawyer for the. other defendant disclaiming
that they were his witnesses, but, notwithstanding, he
claimed the right to cross examine them so far as their
testimony related to his client; and then, of course, at
the conclusion of all the testimony the attorney for the
defendant in whose behalf no witnesses had been intro-
duced claimed the closing argument.
The defense relied upon by the two men was identical;
and, having been State Attorney for so many years, you
will quickly grasp the method by which the statute al-
lowing defendant's counsel the closing argument when he
introduces no witnesses except the defendant himself
was manipulated to defeat the purpose of the statute,
and to the manifest advantage of both defendants.
In view of these circumstances I write to suggest that
the Legislature should, by all means, amend Section
6081, R. G. S., I think, by adding to the Statute as it
now is a proviso substantially as follows would accom-
plish the purpose, viz: "Provided that where two or
more defendants are tried together, and any one of them
offers testimony in addition to his own, the State shall
have the closing argument unless, in the opinion of the
trial Court, the ground of defense as between the several
defendants shall be wholly separate and distinct."
I may say that I do not think the conduct of the attor-
neys was ethical if they, in fact, manipulated the case
so as to give them the stated advantage, but if it be true
that one defendant did employ one man and the other
defendant the other two men, and the arrangement was
not a lawyers manipulation, I see no ground upon which
the practice can be criticised; but whether the one or the
other the trial Court can not be expected to know, and
the Statute should make manipulation to the end indi-
cated- impossible.
Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) O. K. REAVES.

47

Bradentown, Fla., January 28, 1919.

Hon. Van C. Swearingen,
Attorney General,
Tallahassee,. Fla.

Dear Sir:

It is made the duty of the judges of the Circuit Court
by Sec. 13, Art. V, of the Constitution of Florida, to re-
port to the Attorney General at least thirty days before
each session of the Legislature "such defects in the laws
as may have been brought to their attention, and to sug-
gest such amendments or additional legislation as may
be deemed necessary." I therefore beg to report, and to
suggest, the following:
First: Section 3966 of the General Statutes relating
to embezzlement, after providing that a general allega-
tion of the embezzlement in the indictment shall be suf-
ficient, and that the particulars of such embezzlement
need not be stated, says: "On the trial, evidence may
be given of such embezzlement committed
within six months after the time stated in the indict-
ment."
I have seen two good state attorneys, one aided by pri-
vate counsel, who, in drawing indictments, charged the
offense as having been committed on the day the shortage
was discovered. Naturally this date was subsequent to
the last act of embezzlement.. At the trial (and in neither
case was the error discovered until the trial) the proof
being confined to within six months after the time stated
in the indictment, the defendants were necessarily ac-
quitted. It is natural that state attorneys drop into this
error, unless they have had experience with this partic-
ular statute because in other cases the proof may cover a
range of two years before the finding of the indictment. I
see no good reason for restricting the evidence in embez-
zlement cases within so narrow a limit; and it certainly
operates to turn loose many defendants upon "a techni-
cality." I therefore recommend thaf this statute be so
amended as to permit the proof of acts of embezzlement
'at any time within two years before the indictment is
found; thereby conforming to the Statute of Limitations
applying to other crimes.

48

Second: No witness should be excused for testifying
on the ground that his testimony would tend to incrimi-
nate him, but the statute should protect the witness
against the use of the testimony so given against him.
This has been done in certain cases of crime and should
be done in all.. One case came under my observation re-
cently where three parties went before a Grand Jury vol-
untarily and told the story of a theft in which others
were involved, but before the trial two of the three ran
away, and the other refused to testify against one of his
confederates then on trial because the testimony would
tend to incriminate'him (the witness). I submit the
statute should make it impossible to thus trifle with the
courts.
Third: I believe the effectiveness of the Criminal Laws
of Florida is greatly lessened by the power of the Board
of Pardons as now exercised. The chief benefit society
derives from the punishment of crimes is the deterring
influence punishment has upon others criminally inclined.
Therefore, to make the Criminal Laws effective, we should
strive for the highest degree of certainty of punishment.
Under Section 12. Article IV, of the Constitution, as
amended in 1897, the Board of Pardons "may upon such
conditions, and with such limitations and restrictions
as they may deem proper-grant pardons after convic-
tion"; subject only "to such regulations as may be pre-
scribed by law relative to the manner of applying for
pardons." I believe this section of the Constitution
should be so amended as to 'deny the Board of Pardons
power to grant a pardon until a proper proportion of the
term of sentence has been served, (say one-half of the
sentence, or in case of sentence for life a definite term of
perhaps ten years) except, of course, upon the ground
of newly discovered evidence. If this were done it would
immensely strengthen the belief in the public mind that
if men commit- crime they will be punished; and would
thereby deter crime. It would also save the Pardoning
Board constant and ever recurring appeals to their hu-
man sympathy to which they are now subjected, and
would at the same time protect the man who might be
erroneously convicted if subsequent disclosures should
show him innocent. Doubtless a well worded statute
would substantially accomplish the desired end. While
the statute might be unconstitutional it might also be

49

sustained as a valid regulation "relati:ve.to, the manner
of ,applying forpardons" but the Board would likely ob-
serve the statute rather than insist upon an adjudication
of the point suggested.
Fourth: The law relating to change of venue on the
ground of the supposed prejudice of the trial judge should
be so,amended as to require facts showing prejudice to be
alleged as a prerequisite to the granting of the motion.
The dissenting opinion of Judge Simmons concurred in
by Justice Whitfield in the recent case of Blackwell vs.
State, 79 So. 731, is complete and convincing on this
point. The present statute as construed by the majority
of the court is mischievous. It is ridiculous to allow a
defendant to claim a change of venue, thus delaying his
trial indefinitely, simply by swearing that "he fears he
will not receive a fair trial on account of the prej-
udice of the judge," when no facts are alleged to show
that the judge is prejudiced and in all human probability
he is not because he has no interest except to discharge
his duty that justice may be done.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) O. K. REAVES,
"Judge Sixth Circuit.

Arcadia, Florida, March 21, 1921.

Hon. Rivers H. Buford,
Attorney General,
Tallahassee, Fla.

Dear Sir:
Replying to your letter of recent date asking that I
advise you of any defects in the law that should be rem-
edied beg to submit the following:
The Criminal Statute of limitation should be changed
so that a prosecution for assault with intent to commit
murder in the first degree might be commenced at any
time, as is the case in capital cases. Also the law should
be amended so that an assault with intent to commit
rape should be punishable with death unless a majority
of the jury recommend mercy. Such a change would re-
move all alleged excuse for mob violence in the case of
negro assaults with intent to commit rape so that the
4-H. J.

50

courts could deal effectively with such cases. The per
diem of jurors should be raised from three to five dollars
per day.
A bill should be passed permitting and directing the
State Treasurer to advance to Sate Employes on their
plain note, and at the end of each month an amount equal
to the then earned part of their salary. So that instead
of having to wait three months for salary already earned
they might have their pay at the end of each month as
they ought to have. The Constitution provides for pay-
ment quarterly, but such a rule is manifestly unjust,
and it seems to me might be surrounded by allowing the
Treasurer to loan to employes without interest at the end
of each month the amount of their salary.
A bill should be passed permitting Circuit Judges to
prohibit for a certain length of time in the discretion of
the court, the remarriage of either or both of parties to
whom a divorce is granted. This seems to me a very nec-
essary law. In many instances I have found where such
a power could have been used, with great justice, espe-
cially where children were involved.
I do not have in mind just now any other changes
which I deem expedient.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) GEO. W. WHITEHURST.

SUGGESTED LEGISLATION

I would respectfully recommend the enactment of laws
upon the following subjects:

.APPEAL.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide
that in any criminal case, where the statute under which
the defendant is being prosecuted is held by the Trial
Court to be unconstitutional, the State shall have the
right to immediately appeal from such decision to the
Supreme Court of the State of Florida, for the purpose
of having the constitutionality of the statute adjudicated
by the Supreme Court, and that the cause shall stand in
status quo in Trial Court pending such decision by the
Supreme Court.

51

13ASTARDS.

I suggest that Section 3615, Revised General Statutes
of Florida, be amended so as to provide that where the
identity of the father of a bastard child is established
as provided by,law that such bastard child shall be en-
titled to take property by inheritance from the father
in share equal to that of a legitimate child; and to pro-
vide that such father cannot in any wise defeat such
right by will or the creation of a trust estate.
I further suggest that Section 3957, Revised General
Statutes of Florida, which is an Act of 1828, be amended
so as to simplify the proceedings and eliminate unneces-
sary technicalities in the manner of instituting bastardy
proceedings.
I also suggest that Section 3959, Revised General Stat-
utes of Florida, be amended so as to provide that the
judgment of the Court shall declare the defendant to be
the father of the child; and to provide for the judgment
to be for the payment of a sum to be fixed by the Court
upon a fair consideration of the defendant's ability to
pay, but not to exceed the sum of six hundred dollars
per year.
I also suggest that Section 3960, Revised General Stat-
utes of Florida, be amended so as to make the penalty
therein mentioned not to exceed five years in State
Prison.

BOND ISSUES.

I suggest the passage of an Act providing that when
a bond issue is authorized and the bonds are not executed
by the proper officials then holding office, that the bonds
may be executed by the lawful successors of such officials,
and that this Act validate all bond issues which have
heretofore been executed under such conditions.
I also suggest the passage of an Act validating all is-
sues and sales of bonds which have occurred in this State
under the action and proceedings of any County, City,
Town, Municipal Corporation, or Taxing District.

52

CONVICTIONS--RECORD OF.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will require the
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of each
County making a detailed report to the office of the At-
torney General at the end of each quarter, showing the
correct number of convictions had within the County
during the current quarter, and showing the disposition
of criminal cases that were handled in such County upon
final trial during such quarter. I deem this very neces-
sary because, it is not practical in any other way to pro-
vide for the compiling of the criminal statistics of the
State.
CONCEALED WEAPONS.

I suggest that the proviso which appears in Sections
5095 and 5100, Revised General Statutes of Florida, be
amended to read as follows:
"Provided that nothing in this Section shall be
considered as applying to Sheriffs, Deputy Sher-
iffs, City and Town Marshals, Policemen regu-
larly on duty, or Policemen actually employed
and paid for services by a Municipality, or Con-
stables, or United States Marshals, or their Dep-
uties."

CLOSING ARGUMENT IN CRIMINAL CASES.

I suggest that Section 6080, Revised General Statutes
of Florida, be amended so that where two defendants are
being tried jointly, one defendant will not be allowed to
claim the right to introduce testimony applying to both
'defendants and then the other defendant claim the right
of closing argument, thereby getting both the advantage
of all available testimony and also the advantage of the
closing argument.

CONFLICTS IN STATUTES.

I have had occasion to observe two subjects upon which
the Revised General Statutes presents conflicting pro-
visions. The first is:
Section 1007, Revised General Statutes of Florida, Vol-
ume One, provides in part as follows:

53

(c) "Name of the county in which he resides, and
a statement that he is over sixteen years of
age."

Section 1016, Revised General Statutes of Florida, Vol-
ume One, provides as follows:
"No person shall operate or drive a motor driven
vehicle who is under fourteen years of age, un-
less such person is accompanied by a duly li-
censed chauffeur, or by the owner of the motor
vehicle being driven."
Section 1024, Revised General Statutes of Florida, Vol-
ume One, provides in part as follows:
"Such application shall be verified and shall
state the age of the applicant, and no license
shall be issued to any person under the age of
eighteen years."
The other is in regard to license fees required of hotels
and boarding houses:
Section 842 of the Revised General Statutes of
Florida, provides for the payment of an occupa-
tion tax based upon the number of lodgers or
boarders, which may be cared for in the hotel.
Section 2127, Revised General Statutes of Flor-
ida, provides for the payment of a license tax to
be based upon the number of rooms contained in
the hotel or boarding house.
These provisions are in direct conflict with each other,
and such confliction should be eliminated.

CRIMINAL ASSOCIATION.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will prohibit
any person of more than twenty-one years of age lewdly
or lasciviously touching or handling the sexual organs
of any person under fourteen years of age; and also to
prohibit any person of more than twenty-one years of
age, lewdly or lasciviously allowing any person under
fourteen years of age to touch, or handle, the private
parts or sexual organ of such person so being over twen.
ty-one years of age.

54

DECLARATORY JUDGMENTS.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will authorize
the Circuit Courts and the Supreme Court of the State
of Florida to pronounce declaratory judgments in cases
of actual controversy within the scope of their respective
jurisdiction, thereby making, binding adjudications of
right, whether or not consequental relief at the time
could be claimed. Also providing that controversies in-
volving the interpretation of deeds, wills and other in-
struments of writing, statutes, municipal ordinances and
other governmental regulations may be so determined by
such Courts.

DECLARATIONS O' TRUST.

A great many people in Florida .are establishing busi-
ness organizations under DECLARATIONS OF TRUST,
which method of doing business presents many attractive
features, one of which is, that the promoters are not re-
quired to comply with any statutory provision and are
not required to procure any permit from any state author-
ities to do business and are not required to pay any char-
ter fees, all of which .things are required of persons or-
ganizing and conducting corporations.
I therefore, suggest the passage of an Act regulating
the creation and management of business associations
proposing to operate under DECLARATIONS OF
TRUST.
DIVORCE.

I wish to call your attention to the fact that the pro-
miscous procuring of divorces is becoming the greatest
menace to the moral standard of our country, and it is
my opinion that this tendency should be discouraged at
every possible turn.
In my, opinion divorces are entirely too easily procured
under the laws of the State of Florida; and under exist-
ing practice it i's quite easy for fraud and deception to
be practiced upon the Courts having, jurisdiction of these
cases.
I therefore, suggest the passage of an Act, which will
require that all testimony to be considered in divorce
suits in this State shall be taken before the Judge of the

55

Court having jurisdiction of the cause, and that the same
shall be taken down in shorthand by the Court Reporter,
or some competent stenographer to be named by the
Court, and that said testimony be transcribed and filed
asa part of the record of such proceedings.
I further suggest the passage of an Act which will pro-
vide that the Court may make an order in any suit pend-
ing for divorce before such Court, directing the State's
Attorney of the Circuit where the suit is pending to as-
certain all the facts pertinent to the issue and to submit
the same in writing to the Court, together with the names
of the material witnesses, and providing that for such
services, the State's Attorney shall receive a fee to be
fixed by the Court, and to be taxed and paid as a part of
the costs under direction of the Court. This statute
should be framed so that the provisions would only be
invoked by the Court in cases in which the Court deemed
such procedure necessary.
I further suggest that Section 3191, Revised General
Statutes of Florida, defining grounds for divorce be
amended so as to eliminate the grounds therein contained
numbered Four, Five and Six.

EVIDENCE.

"I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide that
in any criminal case where a continuance is applied for,
because of the non-appearance of a witness, the party
making such application shall be required to set up in
writing all the facts which in his opinion the said wit-
ness would swear to, and if the adverse party shall admit
before the jury, that the witness if present would swear
to such statement of facts, no continuance shall be
granted upon that ground. But by the adverse party
admitting that the witness would testify to such state-
ment of facts, he shall not be held to thereby admit that
such statement of facts is true, and shall have the privi-
lege of proving or attempting to prove such statement of
facts not true by competent testimony.
EXTRADITION.
The volume of requisitions for extradition warrants
for alleged criminals, who have taken refuge in Florida,
is growing rapidly and entails considerable expense upon
our State. I therefore, suggest the passage of an Act

which will provide that no warrant of extradition should
be issued until a fee of .$5.00 for the same shall have been
deposited with the Secretary of State of Florida, whlich
money when received by himi shall be transmitted to the
State Treasurer and deposited in the General Revenue
Fund of the State of Florida.

EMBEZZLEMENT.

I suggest the passage of an Act amending our law pro-
hibiting embezzlement.

FALSE SWEARING.
I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide that
any person, who, when sworn as a witness in any cause
in a Court of competent jurisdiction, swears to any
statement of facts, and thereafter in the same Court, or
in any other Court where the same cause is at issue or
being tried, shall be sworn as a witness and testifies to
a statement of facts materially different from .the testi-
mony given by such witness at a former hearing, shall
be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction, shall
be imprisoned in the State Prison not exceeding five
years, or fined not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars.

FRANCHISE TAX. -

I recommend a law which will provide for a franchise
tax,
JURORS. ,

I suggest that an Act be passed providing that in the
trial of criminal cases where two or more defendants
are being tried jointly, the State shall be entitled to a
number of lerempntoly challenges equal to the aggregate
numbiier of peremptory challenges which may be exer-
-ised by the several defendants.

LAND SWINDLERS.

I suggest the passage of an Act, which will prohibit
any person from knowingly or wilfully swindling, or de-
frauding, any otler person out of money, or of anything
of value, by the sale or transfer, or the pretended sale or

57

transfer of any lands in.the State of Florida, and pro-
viding that the prosecution for the violation of the Act
may be had in any County where any matter pertaining
to the transaction occurs.

LAND TITLES.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide for
the adoption of the Torrens' System of land titles, or
some other system closely akin to the Torrens' System.

LOAN SHARKS.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will effectually
prohibit extortion by loan sharks.

MAARRIAGE LICENSES.

I suggest that Chapter 7828, Acts of 1919, be amended
so as to eliminate the necessity of more than one parent
of each of the contracting parties consenting to the mar-
riage of the parties. As the statute stands, both parents,
if living, of both the contracting parties must give their
permission for the marriage, before a license can be issued
and this often causes great inconvenience, which is en-
tirely unnecessary.
I also suggest that this Chapter be further amended,
or that a new Act be passed providing that any one, who
shall knowingly in any way deceive, or attempt to de-
ceive, the County Judge as to the identity of any person
applying for a marriage license shall be deemed guilty
of a felony, and upon conviction be punished by impris-
onment in the State Prison not exceeding five years, or
fined not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars.

MINOR CHILDREN.

I suggest that Section 39641, Revised General Statutes
of Florid,, be amended so as to provide that in the event
the inothe of minor children survive the father of such
children, no appointment made under the provisions of
this Section shall be of any force or effect unless it has
the written., appov-al of the mother; which approval shall
be made and executed, if at all, after the denth of the
father and in tl-e presence of two disinterested persons.

58

OFFICIAL BONDS.

I suggest the passage of an Act that will require offi-
cial bonds, when executed by individuals designating the
amount for which each individual is bound, to be made
in an aggregate sum equal to double the amount other-
wise required.
POLL TAX.

I suggest that Section 7008, Revised General Statutes
of Florida, be amended by eliminating the word "male."
I suggest that Section 215, Revised General Statutes
of Florida, be amended so as to eliminate the word
"male."
I also suggest that division Sixth of Section 215, Re-
vised General Statutes of Florida, be amended so as to
provide that poll tax shall be paid on or before the 3rd.
Saturday next preceding the date of the election, and
also so as to provide that no person who became entitled
to qualify as a voter in the year 1920 shall be prevented
from voting because of not having paid a poll tax for
that year.
PROBATION OFFICER.

I suggest Section 2323, Revised General Statutes of
Florida, be amended so that the petition to be filed as
provided for in said Section may be filed by any Sheriff,
Deputy Sheriff, Constable, or Prosecuting Officer.

PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide for
compensation to be paid to County Prosecuting Officers,
who are not. paid entirely by salary for their services in
cases involving the enforcement of the prohibition stat-
ute and especially when required to prosecute actions
involving the confiscation of property.

RE-AroRTI ONMrENT.

In my opinion justice demands that legislative repre-
sentation in the State of Florida should be re-appor-
tioned, and by this Session of the Legislature. I there-
fore, call your attention to a basis of re-apportionment,
which I have suggested in a letter addressed to Senator

59

T. J. Campbell, on March 18th. The suggestion which I
offer for your consideration is, that the four Counties,
Duval, Hillsborough,, Dade and Escambia. each having
a population of more than forty thousand, be allowed
three members in the House of Representatives, each;
that the Counties of Alachua, DeSoto, Jackson, Marion,
Pinellas and Polk, each, having a population of more than
twenty-five thousand, be allowed two members in the
House of Representatives, each; and that the remaining
forty-four Counties, be allowed one member of the House
of Representatives, each.
I suggest that the State be apportioned into thirty-two
Senatorial Districts, as follows, to-wit:

Districts.'
No. 1.
No. 2.
No. 3.
No. 4.
No. 5.
No. 6.
No. 7.
No. 8.
No. 9.
No. 10.
No. 11..
No. 12.
No. 13.
No. 14.
No. 15.
No. 16..
No. 7.
No. 18.
No. 19.
No. 20.
No.,21.
No.:22..
No. 23.
No. 24.
No. 25.
No. 26.
No..27.
No. 28.

Counties Population.
Escambia ....................... 49,389
Santa Rosa and Okaloosa ....... .:.23,030
Walton and Holmes.............. 34,969
Washington, Bay and Calhoun....... 32,01'0
Jackson ...... ............. 31,224
Gadsden ... .................. 22,961
Liberty, Franklin and .Wakulla, ..... 15,453
Leon ........... .............. 18,059
Jefferson, and Taylor .... ...... 25,721
Madison................. ...... 16,516
Suwannee ....... .............. ... 19,789
Columbia and Hamilton .......... 24,163
Baker and Nassau ......., ,. ,.,... 16,962
Duval .... .. .... ...... ...... ... 113,540
Bradford and Clay ................ 18,124
Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler...... 30,100
Alachua ......................... 30,115
LaFayette, Levy and Citrus......... 21,383
Marion ..............,. .. ......... 28,611
Volusia .. ........ ........ ...... 23,225
Lake and Seminole .............. .23,737
Sumter, Hernando and Pasco....... 21,201
Orange and Osceola .....,...... ... 27,085
Polk ........... ..... ...... .. 38,661
Hillsborough .... .. a .. .... 87,901
Pinellas .............. ... ...... 28,265
Manatee ....... .. ,.. ..... 1 ,8,702
DeSoto ........................ 25,434

O60

Districts. Counties. Pop ulation.
No. 29. Brevard, Okeechobee and St. tLulei 18,523
No. 301 Palm Beach and Broward.. ........ 23,789
No. 31. Monroe and Lee ................... 29,380
No. 32. Dade .......... ................ 42,731

RECEIVERS.

I suggest the passage of an Act, which will prohibit any
person at interest in a suit where receivership is had,
being appointed receiver.

SPEED LIMIT.

I recommend the passage of an Act which will more
definitely fix speed limits, and also prohibit any motor
driven vehicle while being operated at a greater speed
than at the rate of twenty-five miles per hour passing
within a distance of three feet of any other vehicle.

STATE'S ATTORNEYS.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will give the
several State's Attorneys of the State of Florida, the
right to have witnesses subpoenaed to come before them
for examination as to the perpetration of any unlawful
act, either during the period of the Term of Court, or
during vacation; that such witnesses shall be subpoenaed
to appear before him in some place named in the County
where the offense is alleged to have been committed; that
he have authority to administer an oath to each witness,
whereby each witness shall be obligated to tell the truth
and the whole truth; that any witness swearing falsely
on such examination shall be deemed guilty of perjury;
and that the costs incident to such examination, includ-
ing transcript of the testimony taken wliere such tran-
script is deemed necessary by the State's Attorney, shall
be pafd by the County in which the offense is alleged to
have been committed.
I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide that
the State's Attorney, by and with the consent of the
Court, may correct any indictment by the correction of
a clerical error apparent upon the face of the indictment,

61

provided, the correction shall be made in open Court and
in the presence of the defendant; or his attorney.
I further suggest the passage of a joint resolution pro-
posing an amendment 'to the Constution,:which will au-
thorize the enactment of a law giving, State's Attorneys
authority to file information in the several Circuit Courts,
either in or out of Term time, in the Counties which have
no Criminal Court of Record, charging all felonies, ex-
cept in capital cases, and providing that prosecutions may
be had of offenders under such information.

TAXATION.

I recommend the passage of an Act which will require
all Bond Trustees to deliver to the Tax Assessor the
names of all persons within each County, whom they
know to be owners of taxable bonds, together with the
amount of bonds owned by each person.
"I recommend the passage of an Act which will require
every property owner in the State of Florida to swear
to his tax return; that such oath be taken with his hand
resting upon the Holy Bible; and that the oath shall be
to the effect that all of the property of the affiant of
whatsoever nature or kind within the County where such
return is made, is included in the return, and that the
value fixed in the said return is fifty per cent of the ac-
tual cash value of the property described. Also that the
Act further provide that any person who shall knowingly
make a false return as to any matter contained therein
shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and upon conviction
be punished by imprisonment in the State Prison not ex-
ceeding five years, or by fine not exceeding Five Thou-
sand Dollars.
And that the Act further provide that the property of
any person, who shall not make return thereof as pro-
vided by the Act, shall be assessed by the Tax Assessor
at its full actual cash value; such value to be fixed by the
Tax Assessor; and that a willful failure to so assess such
property by the Tax Assessor shall be ground for removal
from office.
I also suggest that the passage of an Act which will
require every person over the age of twenty-one years,
both MALE AND FEMALE, owning any property in
this State, including bonds, notes, checks, money, jewelry,

62

furniture and wearing apparel to make true and correct
return thereof to the Tax Collector of the County where
such person resides; that the return shall truly show
fifty per cent of the actual cash value of the said property
and each item thereof; and that any person willfully
failing or refusing to make such return shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and making it especially the
duty of the Sheriff to institute prosecutions against all
persons violating the statute.

VARIANCES.

I suggest the passage of an Act which will provide that
variances between the allegations of an indictment and
information and the proof offered upon the trial, which in
the judgment of the trial court do not prejudice the de-
fendant in his defense, shall be deemed harmless error
and of no. effect upon the merits of the case, and the re-
sult thereof shall not be disturbed by reason of such va-
riance.
WIFE DESERTION OR NON-SUPPORT.

I recommend the passage of an Act which will pro-
hibit any Committing Magistrate from issuing a warrant
charging wife desertion or non-support, without the ap-
proval of issuance of such warrant by the Prosecuting
Attorney, whose duty it would become to prosecute such
charge upon trial. This recommendation is made be-
cause, I have learned from experience that a great many
women go before Committing Magistrates and swear out
warrants against their husbands upon these charges, and
when the husband has been arrested at considerable costs
-to the County, the wife fails to testify to such state of
facts as will warrant a conviction. In fact in many cases
she refuses to testify at all.

WITNESSES.

I suggest the passage of an Act providing for th1 pay-
ment of fees to witnesses who reside beyond the limits
of the State of Florida, when required to attend Courts
in behalf of the State in criminal prosecutions.
I also suggest the passage of an Act which will au-
thorize Committing Magistrates to require witnesses in

capital cases to enter into bond with two good and suf-
ficent sureties, conditioned upon their appearance at the
time required by the Court in all capital cases, and to
provide for the estreature and collection of the amount
of the bond.

Respectfully submitted,
RIVERS H. BUFORD,
Attorney-General.

Mr. Phillips (Columbia) moved that the above mes-
sages from the Attorney General be received and spread
upon the Journal.
Which was agreed to.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS.

By Mr. Taylor,. of Hillsborough.
House Resolution No. 4.
Resolved, That the Speaker of the House of Repre-
senatives be authorized to appoint an Assistant Sergeant-
at-Arms.
Which was read.
Mr. Taylor moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Newton, of Orange.
House Resolution No. 5.
Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives, That
upon his requisition, each member of the House be sup-
plied with a copy of the Revised General Statutes of 1920
and the Laws of Florida, 1919.

Be It Further Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms
be instructed to procure said General Statutes and
Laws and return the same to the Secretary of State upon
or before the final adjournment of this Legislature.
Which was read.

64

Mr. Griffin moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to..

By Mr. Keen, of Polk-
House Resolution No. 6:
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the
members of each County be allowed to furnish a list of
twenty names and their addresses to the Sergeant-at-
Arms, who shall mail one copy of the House Journal each
morning to the said address, at the expense of the State,
and a sufficient number be printed each day to supply
the demand.
Be it Further Resolved, That no Cdunty be allowed
more than twenty copies.
Which was read.
Mr. Keen moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Futch, of Lake-
House Resolution No. 7:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized to provide individual paper drinking cups for
use of the House.
Which was read.
Mr. Futch moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Futch, of Lake-
House Resolution No. 8:
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized to provide the necessary typewriters, tables
and other equipment necessary to the carrying on of the
work of the House.
Which was read.
Mr. Futch moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Newton, of Orange-
House Resolution No. 9:
Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives, That
the Sergeant-at-Arms be authorized to procure a mail
box, lock and small scales for the use of the Messenger.
Which was read.
Mr. Ne1vton moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Scales, of Taylor-
House Resoltuion No. 10:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives increase
its force of Pages to and not exceeding six, said addi-
tonal Pages be either elected by the members of the
House or by appointment from the chair.
Which was read.
Mr. Scales moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Mr. Stokes moved that the Resolution be laid on the
table.
Which was agreed to,

INTRODUCTION OF CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS.

By Mr. Miller, of Duval-
House Concurrent Resolution No. 1:
Whereas: The Legislature of 1919 made an appropria-
tion of an amount equal to 2 mills levied upon the real
and personal property of the State of Florida for the
purpose of meeting an appropriation from the Federal
Government to be used in the construction of a System
of Hard Surfaced Roads in the State of Florida; and
Whereas: This 2 mill fund together with the use of
approximately 600 convicts and all money collected from
the licenses of motor driven vehicles and such appropria-
tion as should be available from the Federal Government,
were by the laws of 1919 to be expended by and under the
direction of the State Road Department;
Therefore Be It Resolved, That a committee of three
members of the House of Representatives and two from
the Senate be appointed by the Speaker of the House bf
Representatives and by the President of the Seifate, re-
spectively, for the purpose of inquiring into the affairs
of the State Road Department, ascertaining the amount
5-H. J.

66

of money expended, the amount of Federal money re-
ceived and expended, the amount of work done and the
manner in .which it was done, the method of bookkeep-
ing and record filling used, and all other acts of the State
Road Departmentcovering the period from its creation
to date. And that such committee be directed to render
a comprehensive report to the fHouse of Representatives
and to the Senate at the earliest possible date consistent
with the time required for a thorough investigation of the
acts of the State Road Department.
Which was read.
Mr. Miller moved that the rules be waived and House
Concurrent Resolution No. 1 be read a second time.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 1 was read a second
time.
Mr. Miller moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Mr. Harris, of Pinellas, offered the following amend-
ment to House Concurrent Resolution No. 1:
In the -last paragraph of the Resolution after the word
"date,": insert the following: "and not later than April
20, 1921."
Mr. Harris, of Pinellas, moved the adoption of the
amendment. .
Which was agreed to.
The question then recurred on the adoption of the Reso-
lution, as amended.
Which was -agreed to:
The Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee
on Engrossed Bills.
Mr. Phillips, of Columbia, moved that the Sergeant-at-
Arms be instructed to have the names of the Speaker,
Speaker Pro Tenm, and the Chief Clerk printed on the
official stationery.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Phillips, of Columbia,' moved that fourteen hun-
dred copies of the Journals of the House be printed each
day. *
Which was agreed to.

67

Mr. Davis moved that the rlles be-waived and the in-
troduction of bills be dispensed with for today.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Sams moved that the House'adjourn until 11
o'clock A. M. tomorrow.
Which was agreed to.
And the House thereupon stood adjourned.

Thursday, April 7,' 1921

The House was called to order at 11 o'clock A. M.
The Speaker in the chair.
The roll being called, the following members answered
to their names:
Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bail (Columbia), Bailey
(Jefferson), Bishop, Blanto, Busto; Carmichael, Car-
roll, Cason, Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas, Edge, El-
lis, Ellsworth, Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster, Fowler,
Fuqua, Futch, Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Griffin, Gunn,
Hagan, Hale, Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Har-
vell, Hinson, Hunter, Jennings, Johns, Keen, Koonce,
Kyle, Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKenzie, McRae, Miller, Mob-
ley, Moore, Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phil-
lips (Columbia), Philips (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn,
Register, Richbourg, Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales,
Scharfschwerdt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee),, Stokes
Stuart (Hillsborough), Taylor (.Hillsborough), Taylor
(Madison), Tillman, Upchurch, :Wade, Willard, Wil-
liams (Jackson), Williams (Leon), Young.-77.
A quorum present.
Prayer by the Chaplain.
Mr. Harvell moved that the reading of the Journal be
dispensed with.
Which was agreed to.
Mr. Davis made the following request:
"It is the desire of the Florida American Legion to se-
cure the names of all members of the House of Represen-
tatives who are ex-service men of the army or navy. All
members of the House who are ex-soldiers or sailors are
requested to hand their names in to the Chief Clerk of the
House some time during the day."

4

68

The Speaker announced the appointment of Standing
Committees as follows:

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE.

John C. McRae, Chairman.
W. J. Ellsworth.
W. B. Bishop.
W. W. Phillips.
Frank M. Corbett.
S. S. Griffin.
H. G. Putnam.
J. F, Richbourg.
C. H. Register.

COMMIITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS.

F. 0. Miller, Chairman.
A. H. Williams.
Nathan Mayo.
J. J. Parrish.
Henry v. McKenzie.
F. H. Ellis.
F. H. Ladd.
F. D. Upcliurch.
J. H. Harvell.

COMuIMnTTEE ON BANKS AND LOANS.

J. H. Scales, Chairman.
M. C. Scofield.
W. C. Kyle.
F. P. Forster.
Hugh Hale.
W. E. Rowland.
J. J. Stewart.
Walter Williams.
E. B. Bailey.

t

69

COMMITTEE ON CANALS AND DRAINAGE.
W. C. Kyle, Chairman.
M. D. Carmichael.
Ed Scharfschwerdt.
S Ben C. Willard.
Francis W. Perry;
H. J. Peiper.
Roy Hinson.
L. E. Wade.
Murray Sams.

COMMITTEE ON CENSUS AND APPORTIONMENT.
S. D. Harris, Chairman.
A. W. Young.
L. D. Edge.
Francis W. Perry.
Ben C. Willard.
M. D. Carmichael.
Walter P. Jennings.
E. Harris.
A. T. Stewart.
COMMITTEE ON CITY AND TOWN ORGANIZATION.
Ben C. Willard, Chairman.
H. ;Gi. Putnam.
W. M. Cason.
Frank X. Carroll,
J. D. Raborn.
W. P. Fields.
W. R. Godwin.
S. J. Gunn.
Chas. P. Philips.
COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS.
J, Ed Stokes, Chairman.
E. J. Etheredge.
J. J. Stewart,
L. E. Wade.
J. A. Hagan.
R. L. Goodbred,
A. J. Morgan.
Chas. P. Philips.
Fred H. Davis.

70

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION.

Frank X. Carroll, Chairman.
J. H. Harvell
Walter P. Jennings.
Frank M. Corbett.
S. D. Harris.
W. H. Mobley.
J, Ed Stokes.
A. W. Young.
E. R. L. Moore. .
COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.

A. T. Stuart, Chairman.
E. P. Gregory. .
L. C. Crofton.
E. B. Riddles.
M. D. Carmichael.
A. B. Newton.,
E. M. Johis.
Nathan Mayo.
Fred H. Davis.
COMMITTEE ON CONVICTS.
J. P. Taylor, Chairman.
W. W. Phillips.
Walter Williams, -
L. E. Fenn. /
F. D. Upchurch.. ,
Walter P. Jennings.
W. P. Fields. .
C. H. Taylor. .
L. C. Croftop. '
COMMITTEE O, CORPORATIONS.
W. W. Phillips, Chairman.
W. C. Kyle. ,
M. C. Scofield,
F. H. Ladd.
W. M. Cason.
Murray Sams,
W. D. Mann..
S. S. Griffin,
C. C. Fuqua.

71

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICIALS.

C. H. Taylorp Chairman.
J. F. Busto.
F. 0. Miller,
W. R. Godwin.
V. E. Blanton.,
Ben C. Willard.
Henry S. McKenzie.
A. J. Morgan.
W. E. Rowland.

COMMITTEE ON COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.

E. J. Etheredge,' Chairman.
F. P. Forster.
A. T. Stuart.
F. D. Upchurch.
H. J. Peiper. ,-
S. S. Griffin. .
Murray Sams.
Francis W. Perry..
J. Ed Stokes.
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY ROADS AND BRIDGES.
O. M. Tillman, Chairman.
J. P. Tayfor. '
W. D. Mann.
W. H. Mobley.
W. B. Bishop.
W. A. Bailey.
J. D. Raborn.
W. J. Deas.
W. E. Rowland.
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
F. H. Ellis, Chairman.
Henry S. McKenzie.
T. G. Futch.
Roy Hinson.
L. E. Wade.
V. E. Blanton..
F. P. Forster.
L. C. Croftonb.
L. E. Fenn.

72

COMMITTEE ON ENGROSSED BILLS.
S. J. Gunn, Chairman.
E. M. Johns.
John C. McRae.
W. J. Deas.
C. W. Hunter.
A. H. Williams.
R. L. Goodbred.
J. F. Richbourg.
J. C. B. KQonce

COMMITTEE ON ENROLLED BILLS.
L. C. Crofton, Chairnan,
W. W. Phillips.
J. H. Scales.
J. H. Harvell.
C. H. Register.
J. A. Hagan.
E. B. Riddles.
J. M. Keen.
A. B. Newton.

COMMITTEE ON EXPENSES OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS.
A. W. Young, Chairman.
Henry S. McKenzie.
W. A. Bailey.
F. O0. Miller.
E. J. Etheredge.
E. Harris.
J. F. Busto.
J. H. Scales.
Hugh Hale.

COMMITTEE ON FINANCE ANDI TAXATION.
C. W. Hunter, Chairman.
L. D. Edge.
J. M. Keen.
A. W. Young.
E. P. Gregory.
John C. McRae.
0. M. Tillman.
E. J. Etheredge.
J. J. Parrish.

73

COM M ITTEE ON FISHERIES.
J. J. Parrish, Chairman..
E. R. L. Moore.
Ed Scharfschwerdt.
F. D. Upchurch.
F. H. Ladd.
Henry S. McKenzie.
Ben C. Willard.
A. W. Young.
S. S. Griffin.
COMMITTEE ON FORESTRY.
L. D. Edge, Chairman.
E. Harris.
O. M. Tillman.
A. J. Morgan.
S. J. Gunn.
E. B. Riddles.
Nathan Mayo.
J. Ed Stokes.
John C. McRae.
COMMITTEE ON GAME.
J. C. B. Koonce, Chairman.
H. G. Putnam.
S. S. Griffin.
Francis W. Perry.
S. J. Gunn.
J. H. Scales.
J. A. Hagan.
E. M. Johns.
S. D. Harris.
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE AND ADMINIS-
TRATIVE REPORTS.
E. P. Gregory, Chairman.
J. C. B. Koonce.
M. C. Scofield.
W. H. Mobley.
A. S. Fowler.
J. F. Richbourg.
W. D. Mann.
Frank X. Carroll.
W. R. Godwin.

74

COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS.

Francis W. Perry, Chairman.
W. P. Fields.
W. J. Deas.
E. P. Gregory, ,
C. C. Fuqua.
F. H. Ellis.
W. M. Cason,;
T. G. Futch.
Walter Williams.

COMMIT TTEE ON IM MIGRATION.

Chase. P. Philips, Chairman.
Roy Hinson.
C. W. Hunter., '
E. B. Bailey.
W. D. Mann.
A. H. Williams.-
R. L. Goodbred.
A. T. Stuart.
J. J. Parrish.,

COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE.

Walter P. Jenninigs, Chairman.
J. M. Keen. .
E. E. L. Moore.
S. D. Harris.
W. R. Godwin.
W. P. Fields.
E. B. Riddles.
C. H. Register.
J. J. Stewart.

75

COMMITTEE ON JOURNAL.
H. G. Putnam, Chairman.
Frank M. Corbett.,
W. J. Deas.
J. D. Raborn.
W. C. Kyle.
E. B. Bailey.
Roy Hinson.
E. M. Johns.
A. S. Fowler.

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY "A."
A. H. Williams, Chairman,
A. T. Stuart.
Hugh Hale.
L. E. Wade.
J. C. B. Koonce.
M. C. Scofield.
W. B. Bishop.
W. A. Bailey.
L. E. Fenn. ...
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY "B."
T. G. Futch, Chairman,
J. F. Busto.
J. Ed. Stokes.
E. P. Gregory.
Murray Sams.
E. M. Johns.
C. H. Taylor.
F. H. Ladd.
A. J. Morgan.
,COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY "C."
M. D. Carmichael, Chairman.
Fred H. Davis.
F. D. Upchurch.
Ben. C. Willard.
W. P. Fields..
Chas. P. Philips.
Walter Williams.
J. P. Taylor. ,
Ed. Scharfschwerdt.

76

"COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE EXPENSE.

A. B. Newton, Chairman.
W. W. Phillips.
C. W. Hunter.
W. D. Mann.
C. H. Register.
V. E. Blanton.
T. G. Futch.
J. F. Richbourg.
F. P. Forster,

COMMITTEE ON LIVE STOCK.
Walter Williams, Chairman.
J. M. Keen.
Hugh Hale.
A. W. Young.
Roy Hinson.
M. C. Scofield.
J. J. Parrish.
L. D. Edge.
E. J. Etheredge.
COMMITTEE ON LUMBER AND NAVAL STORES.
E. Harris, Chairman.
S. J. Gunn.
W. R. Godwin.
J. A. Hagan.
H. J. Peiper.
C. C. Fuqua.
R. L. Goodbred.
W. M. Cason.
A. S. Fowler,
COMMITTEE ON MILITIA AND STATE TROOPS.
Roy Hinson, Chairman.
L. E. Fenn.
V. E. Blanton.
H. J. Peiper.
C. W. Hunter.
Chas. P. Philips.
W. B. Bishop.
W. H. Mobley,
Frank X, Carroll.

77

COMMIrTTE ON PHOSPHATE AND MINERALS.
Nathan Mayo, Chairman.
C. H. Taylor.
A. J. Morgan.
O. M. Tillman.
W. J. Ellsworth.
M. C. Scofield.
F. H. Ellis.
E. R. L. Moore.
W. A. Bailey.

COMMITTEE ON MISCELLANEOUS LEGISLATION.
Murray Sams, Chairman.
L. E. Fenn.
W. E. Rowland.
S. D. Harris.
J. C. B. Koonce.
J. P. Taylor.
E. B. Riddles.
Frank M. Corbett.
L. C. Crofton.
COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZED LABOR.
A. S. Fowler, Chairman.
W. E. Rowland.
L. E. Wade.
S. S. Griffin.
H. J. Peiper.
John C. McRae.
T. G. Futch,
Nathan Mayo.
E. Harris.
COMMITTEE ON NURSERIES AND PLANT HUSBANDRY.
W. J. Ellsworth, Chairman.
A. B. Newton.
A. J. Morgan.
J. J. Stewart.
W. D. Mann.
Ed Scharfschwerdt.
Walter Williams.
J. D. Raborn.
C. H. Taylor.

78

COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONS.

J. H. I arvell, Chairman.
J. F. Busto.
A. B. Newton.
H. G. Putnam.
Francis W. Perry.
T. G. Futch.
E. B. Bailey.
W. A. Bailey.
Frank X. Carroll.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
J. M. Keen, Chairman.
A. H. Williams.
L. C. Crofton.
R. L. Goodbred.
W. R. Godwinii
W. J. Ellsworth.
F. 0. Miller. :
W. H. Mobley.
J. F. Richbourg.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH.
C. C. Fuqua, Chairman.
J. A. Hagan.
R. L. Goodbred.
J. D. Raborn.
E. Harris.
F. P. Forster.
A. S. Fowler.
J. H. Scales.
W. C. Kyle.
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS.
H. J. Peiper, Chairman.
A. S. Fowler.
C. C. Fuqua.
L. D. Edge.
M. D. Carmichael.
W. M. Cason.
E. R. L. Moore.
Walter P. Jennings.
Ed. Scharfschwerdt.

79

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PRINTING.

F. H. Ladd, Chairman.
C. H. Register.
W. J. Ellsworth. .
W. B. Bishop.t
Frank M. Corbett,.
W. J. Deas.
E. P. Gregory.,
S. J. Gunn.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ROADS AND HIGHWAYS.
Hugh Hale, Chairmian.
F. 0. Miller.
J. J. Parrish.
J. H. Harvell.
Chas. P. Philips.
W. E. Rowland.
J. Ed. Stokes.
0. M. Tillman.
C. H. Taylor:

COMMITTEE ON RAILROADS AND TELEGRAPH.
Henry S. McKenzie, Chairman.
W. C. Kyle.
J. F. Busto.
E. M. Johns.
E. J. Etheredge.
W. P. Fields.
J. C. B. Koonce.
J. P. Taylor.
W. H. Mobley.

COMMITTEE ON RULES.
L. E. Wade, Chairman.,
C. W. Hunter.
M. D. Carmichael.
John C. McRae.
Fred H. Davis.
A. B. Newton.
F. H. Ellis.
J. H. Harvell.
J. A. Hagan.

80

COMMITTEE ON STATE INSTITUTIONS.

V. E. Blanton, Chairman.
F. HI. Ladd.
Nathan Mayo.
W. W. Phillips.
Fred H. Davis.
S. D. Harris.
J. J. Stewart.
E. B. Riddles.
W. B. Bishop.
COMMITTEE ON STATE PENSIONS.
J. D. Raborn, Chairman.
C. H. Register.
H. G. Putnam.
E. B. Bailey.
J. P. Taylor.
W. A. Bailey.
W. J. Deas.
W. D. Mann.
Fred H. Davis.
COMMITTEE ON TEMPERANCE.
E. R. L. Moore, Chairman.
C. H. Taylor.
L. E. Fenn.
Frank M. Crobett.
F. O. Miller.
V..E. Blanton.
A. H. Williams.
A. J. Morgan.
C. C. Fuqua.
COMMITTEE ON UNIFORM LAWS.
J. F. Busto, Chairman.
E. B. Bailey.
J. H. Scales.
Ed. Scharfschwerdt.
J. M. Keene.
Walter P. Jennings.
Hugh Hale.
A. T. Stuart.
L. D. Edge.

81

COMMITTEE ON UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

F. D. Upchurch, Chairman.
0. M. Tillman.
Walter Williams.
J. F. Richbourg.
F. P. Forster.
W. J. Ellsworth.
Frank X. Carroll. '
Murray Sams.

The following communication from the State Auditor
was received.
State of Florida,
Auditing Department,
Tallahassee, Fla., April 6, 1921.

Hon. Frank E. Jennings,
Speaker of the House,
The Capitol.

Dear Sir:

I have the honor, pursuant to law, to report to the Leg-
islature of 1921 my examination of Cabinet and State
offices for the two-year period ending December 31, 1920.
I hand you herewith with sufficient numbers of printed
copies of my report for distribution among the individual
members of the House.
Even though the work placed on this office at each Bi-
ennial period is greatly increased, I do not ask for any
increase of force to meet the increased work.
I am pleased to report that we are now getting around
to all State and county offices for examinations once a
year. When I became State Auditor in August, 1917, I
found many counties that had not been audited by this
office in three years. By special effort with some addi-
tional force, we have caught up with all this back work,
and are now reaching every county once a year, and
sometimes oftener. And we expect to keep right up with
this program in the future.
It is very pleasing to recognize an improved and ad-
vanced condition in the conduct of county offices as a
whole. Last year, for the first time in the history ofthe
State, so far as I know, all Tax Collectors of the State
R6- J,

82

closed out and made final settlements with State and
counties on their old tax rolls, before time to open the
new roll in November. Many Tax Collectors had always
been doing this, but there had been several that had got-
ten into the habit of letting one or more rolls drag along
and lap over into later rolls. I found two Tax Collectors
collecting on as many as six rolls at the same time.
It was easy to come to an early conclusion that this
was indeed a bad practice for both the Tax Collector
and State and county. Bad for the Tax Collector because
it made it harder for him to keep his accounts' straight;
and bad for the State and county, because thousands of
dollars of taxes on personal property was lost by letting
its collection drag along, for three to six years; by that
time the property had moved away, while if the Tax Col-
Slector had gone after this tax when it was due, and closed
up his roll according to law, the property in many cases
could have been found, and the tax saved. While all col-
lectors last year made final settlement before opening the
new tax roll, still there were several that failed to make.
final settlement by the date required by law to be made,
first Monday in July. It is gratifying to note the im-
provement of last year-still I believe that the law can,
and ought to be, complied with-that is, the tax books
closed first Monday in April, and final settlement made
with the State, and county not later than the first Monday
in July. If the law had been followed by all collectors.
in years gone by, I believe, we would have found none
of the large shortages in Tax Collectors' accounts, with
which the State is very familiar.
Whether or not we are able to force compliance with the
letter of the law, still we expect to do-everything in our
power to keep up the precedent set last year, for at least
closing up the old roll before time to open the new;
and in the carrying out of this aim, we have the expressed
co-operation of the Governor.
With the carrying out of this aim, and a continued
close check of all counties once a year, or oftener, I feel
sure that the matter of large shortages in accounts of
county officials is a thing of the past. Two years ago
I reported to you that 'we had found for that two-year
period approximately one-quarter million dollar short-
ages,
For this two-year period I do not believe the aggre-
gate shortages will exceed $50,000.00. And for the next

83

two-year period I believe shortages found will be even
less than this. It has been our aim to eliminate possi-
bilities for shortage, and the co-operation that is now
being given us by all officials' generally, to this end in
view, is very gratifying.
It is with regret'that I have to note severance of con-
nections by Hon. Marvin C. McIntosh with this office, who
will take up his duties as Assistant Attorney General.
Mr. McIntosh has done most efficient service for the State
as Assistant State Auditor..
Respectfully submitted,
J. WILL YON,
State Auditor.
Mr. Newton moved that the communication be spread
on the Journal without reading.
Which was agreed to.
Upon request, Mr. Hunter was excused from attend-
ance on the House until Monday afternoon next.
Upon request, Mr. Jennings was excused from further
attendance on the House until Tuesday morning next.
Mr. Gregory moved that the vote by which House Reso-
lution No. 6 was adopted on yesterday be reconsidered.
Upon request, Mr. Bailey (Columbia), was excused
from further attendance upon the House until Monday
afternoon next.
Mr. Gregory moved that the rules be waived and that
the motion to reconsider House Resolution No. 6 be taken
up.
Which was not agreed to.
Consideration of the motion to reconsider went over
under the rules until tomorrow.

Mr. Perry moved that the House dispense with Rule
No. 40.
Mr. Williams (Leon) moved that the motion be laid on
the table.
Which was not agreed to.
The question then recurred upon the motion of Mr.
Perry.
A roll call being ordered, the vote was:
Yeas-Messrs. Blanton, Busto, Carmichael, Carroll,
Cason, Corbett, Crofton, Edge, Ellis, Etheredge, Forster,
Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, Godwin, Gregory, Gunn, Hagan,
Harris (Jackson), Hunter, Jennings, Kyle, Ladd, Mann,
Mayo, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phillips (Columbia), Phil-

81

ips (Putnam), Register, Sams, Scales, Scharfschwerdt,
Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart (Hillsbor-
ough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madison), Till-
man, UpPhurch, Wil lard, Young-44.
Nayg-Bailey (Jefferson), Bishop, D'avis, Deas, Els-
worth, Fenn, Fields, Goodbred, Griffin, Hale, Harris (Pi-
nelits)., HaVvell, Hinson, Keen, Koorice, McKenzie, Mc-
Rsae, Miller, Mobley, 1Soore, Morgan, Newton, Putnam,
Iichbo.urg, icidles,Ro B lad, Wade, Williams (Leon)
So the motion was not agreed t^ by a two-i4irs yote.

The following communication from the Secretary of
State was received and read:

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Tlolahassee, Fla., April 7, 1921.

Hog,. Frank E. Je inga,
SpecakerJ House of Represlen tatiues.

In conformity with the requirement of the Constitu-
tion of the State of Florida, I herewith transmit to you
for the consideration of the House of Representatives the
follo1wilg vetoed Acts, with the Governor's objections at-
tached thereto, viz.:
"An Act providing a method of obtaining final dis-
charge and settlement by executors and administrators
and for the giving of notice thereof."
"An Act to provide water supplies for the cities and
towns of South East and South West Florida."
"An Act relating to dogs, and the protection of live
stock and poultry from damage by dogs; providing for
the licensing of dogs; regulating the keeping of dogs,
and authorizing their destruction in certain cases; pro-
viding for the protection of licensed dogs,and for dogs
temporarily imported for trial, show, and breeding pur-
poses; prescribing certain privileges for hunting dbgs,
and dogs owned and used by the State and several coun-
ties and municipalities of the State in the apprehension
of criminals; providing for the assessment of damages
done by dogs, and payment thereof by the proper county

85

to the owners of live stock and poultry, and of damages
to licensed dogs; imposing powers and duties on certain
State, County, City and Town officers and employees."
"An Act to authorize and direct the Board of Com-
missioners of State Institutions to sell the power-boat
'Sea-Foam !' "
"An Act relating to assessment and collection of rev-
enue."
Yours very truly,
H. CLAY CRAWFORD,
Secretary of State.

Mr. Davis moved that all the bills referred to in the
above communication, together with the veto messages, be
referred to the appropriate committee.
Which was agreed to.
The Speaker thereupon referred the said bills and
messages to the Committee on Judiciary "B."
Mr. Davis moved that the rules be waived and that the
House now take up the consideration of Senate messages.
Which was agreed to.

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE.

The following message from the Senate was read:

Senate Chamber.
Tallahassee, Fla., April 6, 1921.
Hon. Frank E. Jenniigs,
SpeakerC House of Recpresentaficcs.
Sir:
I ani directed by th Senati to inform the House of
Rel:presentatives that the Senate has passed-
Senate Bill No. 7:
A Bill to be entitled An Act regulating the payment of
the per diem arid mileage and expenses of members of the
LegiSlature and the per diem of employes of the Legisla-
ttre.
And respectfully requests the concurrence of the House
of Representatives thereto.
Very respeitfilly,
C. A. FINLEY,
Secretary of the Senate.

86

And Senate Bill No. 7, contained in the above message,
was read the first time by its title.
Mr. Davis moved that the rules be waived and Senate
Bill No. 7 be read a second time by its title only.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
And Senate Bill No. 7 was read a second time by its
title only.
Mr. Davis moved that the rules be further waived and
that Senate Bill No. 7 be read a third time in full and
put upon its passage.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
And Senate Bill No. 7 was read a third time in full.
Upon call of the roll on the passage of the bill the vote
was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bailey (Jefferson), Bishop,
Blanton, Carmichael, Carroll, Corbett, Crofton, Davis,
Deas, Ellis, Ellsworth, Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster,
Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Grif-
fin, Gunn, Hagan, Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas),
Harvell, Hinson, Jennings, Johns, Keen, Koonce, Kyle,
Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKenzie, Miller, Mobley, Moore, Mor-
gan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper, Perry, Phillips (Columbia),
Philips (Putnam), Putnam, Raborn, Register, Richbourg,
Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales, Scharfschwerdt, Scofield,
Stokes, Stuart (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madison), Till-
man, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams (Jackson),
Williams (Leon), Young.-67.
Nays-Messrs. Hale, Stewart (Manatee), Taylor
(H6illsborough) .-3.
So the bill passed, title as stated.
And the same was ordered to be certified to the Senate.

INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS.

By Mr. Etheredge, of DeSoto-
House Resolution No. 11:
Resolved, That whereas it is impossible, owing to the
arrangement of the seats of the members of the House,
for each member to be heard by the Speaker'and other
members, that any and all members of the House be al-
lowed to address the Speaker from any section of the
floor of the House.
Which was read.
Mr. Etheredge moved the adoption of the Resolution.

87

Mr. Phillips (Columbia) moved that the Resolution
be laid on the table.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Ellis, of Alachua'-
House Resolution No. 12:
Whereas, it has been the custom in past sessions to
have detailed for assistance in the work directly con-
nected with that of the Chief Clerk of the House, in the
matter of correcting the journals for filing as the official
record of the House, and other detail work connected
with the Chief Clerk's Department, and that such work
was performed by a Committee Clerk in the past; and
Whereas, Inasmuch as the House has gone -on record
as deeming Committee Clerks not to be necessary to the
carrying on of the work of legislation in this body; and
Whereas, the work of the Chief Clerk is so great and
pressing at certain hours as to make an extra assistant
be deemed necessary, and in the interest of the efficiency
and economy, this assistant be provided by this House;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the House, that the Speaker be author-
ied to appoint an assistant who shall be known as the
Journal Clerk, to do the work outlined in the preamble
to this Resolution, and also to assist in indexing the
journals, and that he shall receive the same remuneration
as other clerks.
Which was read.
Mr. Ellis moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.

By Mr. Stuart, of Hillsborough-
House Concurrent Resolution No. 2:
Whereas, the creation in the past of a multiplicity
of offices and positions has resulted in a duplication of
work and in lessened efficiency; and
Whereas, Various departments of the State have more
traveling inspectors than consistent with economy; and
Whereas. in the interests of an economical administra-
tion of affairs of the State, it is desirable that useless of-
fices and positions be abolished and certain others be
combined with other departments; therefore, be it
Resolved, That a committee of three members of the
House of Representatives and two from the Senate be
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representa-

88

tives and the President of the Senate, respectively, for
the purpose of inquiring into the affairs of the various
departments of the State, ascertaining those offices and
positions which may with propriety, and in the inter-
ests of efficient, economical administration, be abolished,
combined, or consolidated. And that such committee be
directed to render a' comprehensive report to the House of
Representatives and to the Senate at the earliest possible
tim consistent with an exhaustive and thorough investi-
gation.
Which was read.
Mr. Stuart, of Hillsborough, moved that the rules be
waived and House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 be read
a second time.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 was read a second
time.
Mr. Stuart, of Hillsborough, moved the adoption of
the Resolution.
Which was agreed to.
And the same was ordered to be certified to the Sen-
ate.

By Mr. Gunn, of Levy-v
House Concurrent Resolution No. 3:
Be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, the
Senate concurring, That a committee of five, consisting
of three from the House and two from the Senate, to
be appointed by the President of the Senate and Speaker
of the House, respectively, be and the same are herein
and hereby appointed to inquire into, examine and investi-
gate the conduct, receipts, expenditures and complete
transactions of the Shell Fish Department from the
time of its creation in 1913 to and inclusive of the pres-
ent date, and that said committee is herein aind hereby
directed to obtain and report to the Senate and the House
of Representatives the following information, to-wit:
An itemized statement of all property purchased by
the Shell Fish Commissioner or the Shell Fish Depart-
ment, together with the cost of each item.
An itemized list of all property owned by the Shell
Fish Department at the present time, together with the
value thereof.
An itemized list of all property sold by the Shell Fish
Department and the amount received therefore.

89.

An itemized statement showing the entire receipts from
the time of the creation of. the Shell Fish Department
of the State of Florida up -to the present time and from
what source received, and the amount of net revenue paid
into the Treasury of the State of Florida over and above
the expenses of said Dpartment.
An itemized statement showing the location and ap-
proximate acreage in oyster beds surveyed and leased by
said Department.
An itemized statement showing the number of leases
forfeited for 'any cause and the cause of such forfeiture,
and also the acreage and location of all leases forfeited.
An itemized statement showing the number of leases
existing at the present time, the location and approxi-
mate acreage for each lease and the net revenue received
from each lease.
That the members of said committee, consisting of two
from the Senate and three from the House of Repre-
sentatives, shall be appointed from among the members
representing those counties where the fishing industry is.
of considerable commercial magnitude and importance.
The entire disbursements and expenditures of the Shell
Fish Department from the time of its creation until the
present time, showing specifically what each item was
expended for.
An itemized statement in detail, showing steps taken
or prosecutions made in securing the enforcement of the
laws pertaining to the Shell Fish Department and the
expenses in detail of such law enforcement or prosecu-
tions.
That the said committee above referred to shall have
the power and authority to call upon the Secretary of
Agriculture of the State of Florida and the Shell Fish
Commissioner for any and all such report or reports as the
said committee may deem necessary.
That the said committee herein and hereby appointed
shall have the right and power to summon witnesses to
appear before said committee and to compel the attend-
ance of all witnesses subpoenaed, and to compel them to
answer any and, all questions, under oath, pertaining to
the Shell Fish Department of the State of Florida.
Said committee is herein and hereby authorized and em-
powered to require the production before said commit-
tee of all books, records, vouchers, receipts belonging
to the Shell Fish Department of the State of Florida.

90

Said committee is herein and hereby authorized to hold
executive or open sessions', as it may deem necessary,
and to employ a' stenographer, the expenses of such to be
paid by the State of Florida.
Any member of said committee is hereby authorized
to administer the oath to any witness appearing and
testifying before said committee.
The said committee herein and hereby provided for is
authorized to employ at the expense of the State of Flor-
ida, an expert accountant for the purpose of auditing
and examining the books of the said department.
Which was read and went over under the rules.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.
The Speaker Pro Tem in the chair.
By Mr. Ellis of Alachua-
House Bill No. 1:
A bill to be entitled An Act to apportion the represen-
tation of the State of Florida in the Senate of the State
of Florida and to apportion the representation of the
State of Florida in the House of Representatives of the
State of Florida.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Re-apportionment.
By Mr. Stokes of Bay-
House Bill No. 2:
A bill to be entitled An Act for the relief of John S.
Beard.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Claims.
By Mr. Johns of Bradford.
House Bill No. 3:
A bill to be entitled An Act to abolish the office of
Naval Stores Inspector and the Inspection of Naval
Stores and to Repeal Sections 4943, 4944, 4945, 4946, 4947,
4948, 4950, 4951, 4952, 4953, 4954, 4955, 4956, 5854, 5855,
5856, 5857, 5858, 5859, 5860, 5861, 5862, 5863 and 5864 of
the Revised General Statutes of Florida, and to provide
for the disposition of all property, books aud records of
said inspectors, and all property, books and records used
in connection with said inspection and to repeal all laws
and parts of laws in conflict with this Act.
Which was read the first time by 'its title and referred
to the Committee on Lumber and Naval Stores.

91

By Mr. Parrish of Brevard-
House Bill No. 4:
A bill to be entitled An Act to legalize, ratify,
confirm and validate the acts, proceedings and agree-
ments of the Board of County Commissioners of
Brevard County, Florida, in connection with the
issuance of Three Hundred ThousandD Dollars ($300,-
000) bonds of said County for the purpose of construct-
ing highways and bridges therein, and the election held
in said County on January 6, 1920, upon the question
of the issuance of said bonds, also legalizing, ratifying,
confirming and validating said Three Hundred Thous-
and ($300,000) Dollars bonds authorized to be issued.
Which was read the first time by its title.
Mr. Parrish moved that the rules be waived and House
Bill No. 4 be read a second time by its title only.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
And House Bill No. 4 was read a second time by its
title only.
Mr. Parrish moved that the rules be further waived and
that House Bill No. 4 be read a third time in full and put
upon its passage.
Which was agreed to by a two-thirds vote.
And House Bill No; 4 was read a third time in full.
Upon call of the roll on the passage of the bill the vote
was:
Yeas-Mr. Speaker, Messrs. Bailey (Columbia), Bai-
ley (Jefferson), Bishop, Blanton, Carmichael, Carroll,
Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas, Ellis, FenI, Fields, For-
ster, Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory,
Hagan, Hale, Harris (Jackson), Harris (Pinellas), Har-
vell, Hinson, Keen, Koonce, Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKen-
zie, Miller, Mobley, Moore, Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Pei-
per, Phillips (Columbia), Philips (Putnam), Putnam,
Raborn, Richbourg, Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales,
Scharfschwerdt, Scofield, Stokes,, Stewart (Manatee),
Stuart (Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Tillman,
Upchurch, Wade, Willard,. Williams (Jackson), Williams
(Leon), Young.-62.
Nays-None.
So the bill passed, title as stated.
And the same was ordered to be immediately certified
to the Senate.

92

Mr. Keen moved that the House take,a recess until
three o'clock P. M.
Which was agreed to.
Whereupon the House recessed until 3-o'clock P. M.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

3 O'CLOCK.

The House was called to order at 3 o'clock.
The Speaker Pro Ter in the chair.
The roll being called, the following members answered
to their names:
Messrs. Bailey (Jefferson), Bishop, Blanton, Busto,
Carmichael, Carroll, Cason, Corbett, Crofton, Davis, Deas,
Edge, Ellis, Ellsworth, Etheredge, Fenn, Fields, Forster,
Fowler, Fuqua, Futch, Goodbred, Godwin, Gregory, Grif-
fin, Gunn, Hagan, Hale, Harris (Pinellas), Harvell, Hin-
son, Johns, Keen, Koonce, Ladd, Mann, Mayo, McKenzie,
McRae, Mobley, Moore, Morgan, Newton, Parrish, Peiper,
Perry, Phillips (Columbia), Philips (Putnam), Raborn,
Register, Riddles, Rowland, Sams, Scales, Scharfsch-
werdt, Scofield, Stewart (Manatee), Stokes, Stuart
(Hillsborough), Taylor (Hillsborough), Taylor (Madi-
son), Tillman, Upchurch, Wade, Willard, Williams
(Jackson), Williams (Leon), Young.-68.
A quorum present.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.

By Mr. Parrish of Brevard-
House Bill No. 5:
A bill to be entitled An Act defining what are improved
highways in the County of Brevard, in the State of Flor,
ida; making regulations for the protection of said high-
ways; prescribing the weight of vehicles that may be
used and the speed at which they may be operated ova.
said highways and fixing a penalty for the violation of
this Act.
Which was read the first time by its title and placed
on Calendar of Local Bills.

93

By Mr. Fields of Calhoun-
House Bill No. 6:
A bill to be entitled An Act to, repeal Chapter 7837,
Laws of Florida, Acts of 1919, entitled "An Act author-
izing the Justices of the Supreme Court to call to their
assistance one or more Circuit Judges to aid in the prep-
aration of opinions and the disposition of causes in the
Supreme Court.'
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Judiciary "B."

By Mr. Wade of Clay-
House Joint Resolution No. 7:
A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Sec-
tion 8 of Article XII of the Constitution of the State of
Florida, Relating to Education.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

By Mr. Wade of Clay-
House Joint Resolution No. 8:
A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to Sec-
tion 4 of Article III of the Constitution of the State of
Florida, Relating to the Legislative Department.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

By Mr. Wade, of Clay-
House Bill No. 9:
A bill to be entitled An Act to repeal Sections 2101, 2102,
2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112,
2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2119, being Chapter 11,
Division 1, Title 11 of Revised General Statutes of Flor-
ida, relating to State Livestock Sanitary Board.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred
to the Committee on Judiciary "A."

By Mr. Wade, of Clay-
House Bill No. 10:
A bill to be entitled An Act to amend Section 2364,
Revised General Statutes of Florida, relating to fences.
Which was read the first time by its title and referred to
the Committee on Judiciary "A."

	Title Page
	Members of the House of Representatives,...
	Officers and Attaches of the House...
	Errata
	April 1921
	May 1921
	June 1921
	Summary Pay Rolls of Legislature,...
	Index

MILLISECOND	CLASS.METHOD	MESSAGE
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Application State validated or built
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor	Navigation Object created from URI query string
0	sobekcm_database.verify_item_lookup_object
0	sobekcm_page_globals.display_item	Retrieving item or group information
0	sobekcm_page_globals.get_entire_collection_hierarchy	Retrieving hierarchy information
0	sobekcm_assistant.get_entire_collection_hierarchy
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation
0	cached_data_manager.retrieve_item_aggregation	Found item aggregation on local cache
0	item_aggregation_builder.get_item_aggregation	Found 'all' item aggregation in cache
0	system.web.ui.page.page_load (ufdc.page_load)
0	sobekcm_page_globals.constructor.on_page_load
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_style_references	Adding style references to HTML
0	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Reading the text from the file and echoing back to the output stream
69	html_echo_mainwriter.add_text_to_page	Finished reading and writing the file