Nogales International

GOV. MOEUR MAKES OPENING SPEECH OF 1934 CAMPAIGN

(Special To The International)
PHOENIX, July 13—Scorning superstition, Gov. B. B. Moeur chose Friday the thirteenth as the day when he was to make his opening campaign address.

The governor's address scheduled for tonight was divided into three parts. He told of conditions in state government when he assumed office, what he did to cope with a situation unparalleled in the history of the state, and what he proposes to do if re-elected

An advance copy of his address sent Arizona papers, read in part, as follows:

"In the 1932 campaign I made certain definite promises, all of which have been fulfilled or are on the way to fulfillment. Arizona was sick.

"I do not wish to credit my administration with miraculous cures. There is no medicine which will act as a panacea for a patient so critically ill as was this patient in January 1933.

"When I announced my candidacy for the governorship in 1932, I placed before the electorate of this state the remedy which I proposed to apply. It was: Taxes can be, must be, and will be reduced'.

"I am glad to report that it has been possible to reduce the general property taxes for state purposes 27% in the first year of my administration. The taxes for state purposes on homes in Arizona have been reduced approximately 35%.

"I am not yet satisfied with the financial condition of the state. I feel that great progress has been made. If we can collect approximately fifty percent of the delinquent taxes now due the state, the warrants outstanding at the end of the fiscal year June 30, 1935, can be redeemed and we will have a cash surplus on hand.

"When I became governor I faced the following immediate tasks: to provide food, clothing and shelter for those in need; to lower the costs of government; to reduce and redistribute the tax burden; to maintain an adequate system of public education; to remove special privilege from the seats of power; to offer every assistance in the restoration of economic equilibrium; and to re-establish confidence in ourselves and in our institutions.

"We appealed to the authorities in Washington for assistance. And here let me say that Arizona is fortunate in having a sympathetic and understanding friend in President Roosevelt. He lent a sympathetic ear.

'I have no apologies to offer for the imposition of the sales tax, the luxury tax, or the income tax. Each was a necessary remedy to be applied for the serious condition of unemployment and financial insolvency which I found afflicting the state when I assumed the duties of the governorship. These remedies have proven effective, together with the further remedy of the tremendous saving achieved by the reduction of expenditures.

The unemployment situation was met, and is being relieved. Again I suggest that you compare your own 1933 tax bills for state purposes with those of 1932.

Banking Department
"In the campaign of 1932 I told the people of Arizona that banks

Turn to Page Five
Gov. Moeur
Continued from Page 1

should be so conducted that full protection be given the depositors' money at all times. Immediately on assuming office in January, 1933, the necessary steps were taken to restore efficiency and confidence in the state banking department.

Highways
"I made certain definite promises to the electorate of Arizona regarding highways. These promises have been, or are now being, fulfilled in their entirety.
"The budget submitted to the people by the Highway Commission in May of this year was a result of my efforts and my counsel, and I challenge any reasonable citizen of the state to question its fairness to each and every county in the state, and to each and every major highway route traversing the state.

Federal Expenditures
"In the herculean efforts of President Roosevelt to turn the tide of depression and meet the unemployment situation, Arizona has fared well. In addition to the $11,906,439.73 allotted to Arizona for unemployment relief and CWA projects, the Public Works Administration has lent a sympathetic ear to Arizona's requests. Through my personal contacts while in Washington, and with the able assistance of our representatives there, we have maintained the highest degree of harmony with the national administration.
"This has made it possible for us to secure allocations of approximately $40,000,000.00 from the Public Works Administration for Arizona projects.
"The people's regard for truth in governmental affairs has been an inspiration to me during my administration. This universal clamor for truth proves that the people have tasted the bitter disappointment which invariably follows belief in false promises and political pledges. You will be given Utopian promises by other candidates during this campaign. I have no fear that the voters of Arizona will be misled by soothsayers of old."