The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-02-05
ANNAPOLIS CORRESPONDENCE.
ANNAPoLIs, February 2nd, 1876

ANNAPOLIS, February 2nd, 1876.
In the Senate, on Thursday last, was
considered the bill providing for the assess
ment of property heretofore or hereafter
omitted, and for the collection of taxes
thereon. Mr. Dennis moved to strike out
the first section, as he regarded it most
unjust and oppressive to 90 backaine years
and assess property which by some means
had been omitted, as it would prove in
some cases ruinous-that where the pro
Perty omitted had changed owners, and
the purchaser was not aware of the omiS-
sion, nor of the lien for taxes due thereon
He argued against the general policy of
the bill, as by the Comptroller'S report the
Treasury was never in a better condition,
and there was no reason why such meas
IRE should be introduced Mr.. German
favored the bill, and expressed surprise at
the views expressed by Mr.. Dennis. Mr..
Stevens concurred i'll the views expressed
by Mr. Dennis. Mr.. Freeman said the bill
goes too far back. He was in favor of the
measure introduced by Mr.. Phelps, for
taxing all property, bat this bill was ruin
GUS i'll retroacting for period of nine
years. Many small land owners might be
ruined by its operation. \ motion to re-
commit was lost. and the Senate adjourned
without coming to any vote.
Mr.. Walsh presented memorial of citi-
zens of Hartford county, for the repeal or
amendment Of chapter 439, of 1874, relat-
ing to licenses, and in the House, Mr.
Ward presented similar petition from
Cecil county. This acS sought to be re.
pealed, gives to the Grand Jures the sub
,lect of licenses for the sale of spirituous
liquors.
memorial of the State Grange, for the
suppression of cramps" was referred to
the Judiciary Committee, and Mr.. Steiner
obtained leave to report a bill for their
suppression.
On motion of Mr.. Rooms, in the House.
an order was adopted. that the Secretary
OF the Senate report whether ne has per-
formed the duties prescribed by chapter
100 of $50, in regard to the registration
OF births, deaths and marriages, and what
amount he has received under said act as
compensation. 1t is well-kuuwn fact
that the act has not been complied with,
and it is right the people should know how
much money the Secretary has drawn from
the Treasury under il: and Mr.. Bird oh
tanned leave to report Il bill to amend the
law relative to registration of births,
deaths and marriages.
Mr.. Donaldson obtained leave to i.;Iu-
duce bill to amend section ii of article 3,
of the Constitution, by adding, Ard no
property of any description in the State
shall be exempted from taxation by any
law or ordinance, or by anything therein
contained, for State county or municipal
purposes. This is the right move in the
right direction. Let there be constitu-
tional prohibition against the exemption OF
any property from taxation, and then by
the same provisions, protect the school
funds from sectarian encroachment.
An effort will be made to reduce the
commissions of "Free" Raisin. Clerk OF
the Court of Common Pleas, from two &c
one per cent He formerly received one
per cent, but the last Legislature increased
it to two, and for last year his commissions
alone at two per cent, amounted &c
S5,29l.20
Mr.. Nails resolution for report of the
| number of employees at the last session,
their duties, compensation and date OF
appointment, was adopted by vote of Sc
to G. The nays being Messrs. Ma:tingly
Rnllman, Snowden, Cockey, Neal and
| BeIkheimer.
That some important changes are abso
lutely necessary in the matter of tobacco
inspections is conceded by all parties inter.
| eSted in the tobacco trade, except the
Inspectors, who receive large salaries, and
! the political DULLES, who hold the Subordi-
nate positions, and hold themselves in
readiness to polute the ballot box at the
mandate of their employers. The follow
| irg statement of the excess of the dis
bursements over the receipts Of the Ware
houses, calls loudly for some thorough
| remedy of eXiStiUr abuses.