The only point upon which the administration was at all subject to unfavorable criticism was the high rate of taxation to which the people were subjected for the support of the State Government; but the reader will see that this could hardly have been avoided at that particular time.

In his message to the Legislature in January, 1910, Governor E.F.Noel accurately stated the principle by which an administration is necessarily governed in raising revenue to carry on the government.

This is the same principle that governed the Alcorn administration when it took charge of the State Government in 1870.

In that message Governor Noel said: "The amount of assessment determines the tax burden of each individual, corporation, town, and county.

The Legislature or local authorities settle the amount necessary to be provided for their respective treasuries.