The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-01-29


zens, and it is not jus; and equal. He
therefore hoped that the bill would pass.
Mr.. Tillinghasi, of Providence, said
he wished to call the attention Of the
House TO some points of view in which
the subject might be placed although
he had not given it so much attention
as its importance demanded. 1t was
important, very important, and he had
good and serious reasons To believe that
the present law was not enacted with
out one consideration, and without being
well understood.-The Committee who
revised the laws, in 1922, were men OF
understanding, capable Of knowing the
various bearings of the law, aud did not
propose its adoption, to the then General
Assembly, without proper understand
ing and consideration. He did no. be-
lieye such man as James BurrIl would
have passed any law without viewing its
bearngs.-IIe would not believe that it
was not by him understood.
Here Mr.. Hnrris explained that he
did not mean that the Committee did
not understand the law, but that the
members of the Assembly adopted it in
considerably.
Mr. TilIInghas continued, he had ren-
son TO know as was sometime observed,
for he himself must confess with morti-
ficalon that he had travelled over a
considerable time, and knew what were
the occurrences at that period. Tie
knew the act was well considered The
same law existed before 1922, as now
exists. These articles Of machinery
were then and always were personal es-
tate. The act then passed was merely q
declaratory law. |, was then passed d
to create a uniformity in taxation; and
correct the practice which had prevail
ed short time, in some towns, Of tax
ing the machinery with the real estate.
This was the express object of the
law as was stated at that time not TO
change the nature Of the property.
He said he was not now ready to
change this mode of taxaton-it il was a
new proposition and the Assembly have
had no time to consult upon the subject
to see how it would operate upon the
different towns. 1t would affect proper
ty in the State injuriously, which had
faith of our laws. 1t would Danish for
Elm capital, which our true policy should
encourage the Investing among us. 1t
would divert foreign capital from the
State. He was more fearful that we did
not understand the subject so we'll as
those, who reported the existing law.
The true principle of taxation was to
tax real estate where it lays, and per-
sonal with the person. The proposed
act makes it real estate only for the
particular purposes of taxation; and it
retains for every other purpose, its per-
sonal character. He did not like this
mixed character. Why not render it
subject to dover, as well as taxation
Why not subject it to attachment as real
Why not give it all as well as one of the
attributes of real estate!
The estimate of 1924, had been made
upon this system of taxation; and taxes
were now assessed upon shat valuation Of
property in Providence wits made upon
the principle Of estimating with the per-
son. Bot this bill takes il from Provi-
1ence, and taxes it in another town; and
vet the valuation Of each town is contin-
ned the same. This will involve the ne
,essity of taking new estimates; and
ne was not prepared at this moment to
DO so.
WHY not tax bank stock as well ns
nachin cry, where the bank is located 7
If YOU tax this us personal property,
t may be situated, you know nothing of
he debts its proprietor owes. A person
S taxed for personal property only for
ha, amount over and above his debts.
How will this be ascertained, in the
lifferent towns where situated, and in