The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-01-27

| SOILS 1OI my opinions upon THIS measure,
shall not subject myself to any charge Of i'm
modesty or presumption; especially 20 when
can, with SO much truth, aver that it is only
my sense Of duty to myself and constituents
that leads me to attempt, IN the presence of SO
many more learned and experienced in legisla-
tive matters than myself. what my difidence
would otherwise forbitd. then declare my
| self In favor OF the resolution as it stands for
the reason that it fixes the maximum limit Of
an appropriation by the State for the purpose
named therein, and for the reason that it does
not preclude us from reducing this limit to a
yet smaller sum, If, upon further consideration
it shall be deemed wise, or from refusing to
make any appropriation whatever. Ny first
objection to an appropriation larger than that
proposed ly the resolution is directed agsi inst
the principle If taxing the property of individ-
uas to enable the State to embark in enterpris-
es of speculative nature. lam aware that this
objection applies with equal force to taxation
for the smallest as to alTge sum, since it is not
the degree, but the principle, Of taxation which
| is here in question:; but can see that there can
possibly be considerations sufficiently weighty
to induce one entertaining the objection here
urged to vote for a limited appropriation for 4
measure OF this kind and yet not be open to the
| charge of inconsistency; but leave this point
| for the present, and proceed to show that tile
principle involved in all appropriations OF the
| nature contemplated by this resolution, is Op
posed to every rational idea OF a just and BEN
| ehcent government. For what, [ would ask
Senators, are free governments instituted
among men! Are their powers in all respects
and to all extents esponsibie and dictatorial?
Hthere is any meaning in the declaration of
our nations independence and the organic acts
OF the Federal government, and OF our own and
| other States. then must conclude otherwise.
| assume then that government is prescribed
| and confined both as to the numbers and ex-
| tent OF the powers granted to it or reserved by
| 1t. as either expression may best suit; and es-
pecially do hold that there is limit imposed
upon the power Of taxation by the government.
But what and where is this limitation? Il will
be conceded by all that certain expenditures
| and disbursements ale as necessary to the very
existence OF government rs are water and air
ana light AMI the elements of the soil to the lif.
OF plants. The administration of government
In It's different departments legislative, judicial
and executive, is as constantly attended by
and productive of expense as the revolution of
the shaft is attended BY and productive of fric-
hon 10 defray such expenditure the govern.
ment Is limited in its right to levy upon the
property OF the subject only by the measure Of
economy. But in addition to this there is a
class OF public improvements eminenty proper
and right. and to high degree essential, in or
der to the succassInlsahd prosperous develope-
lnent of the State aud th. advancement of its
highest interests; such as the erection and
malntainance OF such institutions as asylums
for the various unfotunates Of the Stat.; the
establishment and sup port Of system of ed
ucatlon for all classes Of the populations the con-
struction of highways; the clearing Of obstruc-
tons to navigation and the building of canals
to facilitate trade; tlies-, and many others that
might be here enumerated, clearly pertain to
vigorous life and growth of the State: and 50
long as the expenditures connected herewith
do not greatly exceed the limits Of necessity
ana economy, there is not and never will I've
any question as to The justice and propriety OF
| appropriations from the various funds to se.
cure these ends; and no opposition 70 tile levy
oi the needful measure OF taxes to repienish
these funds. But when we go outside Of these
| necessary anc consequently legitimate expeI,-
d'tures OF government, we pass into the do
| main Of the speculative, and as a IN .tt.r of
Prlncipie maintain that the State has, through
!s legislation, no right to ap; ;ropriate the pub
| iic money for speculation. II may, however
be e aimed that the appropriation referred TO
ana contemplated ty the resolution is not OF
| this last named class; that since the end pro-
posed by the advocates OF tn. m, asur. Is 10
direct the flow Of the stream Of eastern and for
| elgn emigration to the State, and thereby Sc
1 cure The consequent increase Of population and
wealth that would result and through these
| means develope to greater degree its dormant
resources, convert its boundless and vet unoc-
| cupIed prairles aud make the wilderness OF its
vast forests to blossom AS the rose, that It b. :
comes OF The class OF the necs'ssary subjects of
leys station. Such q conclusion from such pre-
misses would sanction and l-galz. any measnr.
that might Ae proposed, provided its movers
could claim for its ostensible pprpo-es the de-
veiopnent and advancement uf tf,- interest, of
the State. To my mind there is clear and
| vide distinction between those u,~asur.s fand
OF such Is ti'is,) which can only show prota-
biliiy OF resulting advaDtsg-ously to the Stat..
and those which clearly APPEAR as absolutely
| necessary to its existence and welIl@ipy. and
Tor all such doubtful purposes deny our right
70 make appropriations except upon thu ex-
press, or anticipated and presumed consent OF
The people; and Those exercising 20 doubtful.
| MOI 70 say dangerous preroeative, where their
| acton l. tased upon q presumed consent
should use their power with extrem. care: and
| this presumption fhould have as a basis on
which to rest, some token as OF word or act 81
| the p1opie, to take place Of what under other
circumstances they would express in more
formal manner.
we as legislature dspart from what I
| have here claimed and believe to be the opIy
true limit 70 and object Of legislative apprnufi
| atoms, where, would ask. are We to stop,
What u ~ be the Ultima Thule E.youd
| which We cannot pas1s
There would be no limit whatever in such
case 70 the exercise Of our power or the povar
| Of subsequent legislatures to appropriate indi
vidual property for what might BE- conceived
To b. ffR the Ulylic iutoxo.|.