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

| Bulls lOT NY OpiAlOuS upon THIS measure,
shall net subject myself to any charge OF i'm
modesty or presumption; especially so 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 diffidence
would otherwise forbid | then declare nv
self III favor OF the resolution as it stands for
the reason that it fixes the maximum limit o.
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
1t shall be deemed wise, OR from refusing to
make any appropriation whatever. My first
objection to an appropriation larger than that
proposed 10y the resolution is directed ags inst
the principle If taxing the property of indlvid-
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 alMge 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 limited appropriation for
measure of this kind and yet not be open to the
charge OF inconsistency; but leave this point
TOR the present, and proceed to show that tie
| principle involved in all appropriations of the
| nature contemplated by this resolution, is CD
posed to every rational idea OF just and ben
eicent government. For what, | would ask
Senators, are tree governments instituted
among men! Are their powers in all respects
| and to all extents responsible and dictatorial?
II there 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 a limit imposed
upon the power of taxation by the government.
But what and where is this limitation? 1t will
be conceded by all that certain expenditures
ana disbursements ale as necessary to the very
existence OF government are water and air
and light ana the elements of the soil to the lif.
OF plants. The administration OF government
IN It's different departments Legislative, judicial
ana executive, Is as constantly attended by
ana productive of expense as the revolution OF
the shaft is attended by and productiveo of fric-
ton. To defray such expenditure the govern
heht 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 pubic Improvements eminently proper
and right, and to high d. gree essential, in or
der 10 the successful and prosperous develope-
lnent of the State aud tn. advancement of Its
highest Interests; such as th. erection and
malntalnance OF such institutions as asylums
Tor the various unfortunates Of the Stat: the
establishment and sup port of a system of ed
ucaton Tor all classes of the population: the con-
struction of highways: tie cl,-lr ing of ohstruc
ions to navigation and the building q canals
to facilitate trade; thes~, and many others that
might be here enumerated, clearly pertain to a
vigorous lie and growth Of the State: and so
long as the expenditures connected herewith
DO not greatly exceed the limits OF necessity
and economy, there is not aud never will be
any question as to he justice and propriety OF
appropriations from the various funds to ~
cure these ends; and no opposit on t. the lew
OF the neediul measure OF taxes to replenish
these funds. But when we go outside OF these
necessary AND co.'s -quently legitimate expen-
d.tlfes OF government, We pass into the do
main OF the speculative, and a. a III tier Of
principle maintain that the State has through
IT'S legislation, no right TO p.roprlate the pub
nc money Tor speculation. 1t may, however.
be aimed that the appropriation referred 10
ana contemplated ty the resolution is not oil
thls last named class that since the end pro-
posed ny the advocates Of the M ASSURE. !. 10
direct the noT OF the stream Of eastern and tor
eign emigration 10 the STATE, and thereby Sc
cure The consequent Increase of population and
wealth that would result and :lirouyn the.p
means deve!ope to greater degree its dormant
resources, convert Its bundles and vet unoe-
eupi.d prairle> aud make th. wilderness OF it.
vast forests TO blossom the ros4, that il h.
co!ii.s OF The cias, OF the sstry subjects q.
F, lt1 isiatIon. Such conclusion from such pre
liiis.s would sanction and i-galiz- any measure
that mig ht t- proposed provided its movers
could cam Tor II. Jstcnsibe PURPOSES tn. de-
velcpin@nt and advancement Of til. interests III
me STATE 10 my mind there is a clear and
VIDE distinction between those ni>asurss land
81 such Is THIS which can only show a pr,la
billy OF resulting adyantag-ously to the STAT.
and those which clearly APPEAR as absolutely
NJ ces>ary 10 lis existence and ,yefllair,g and
Tor All such doubtful purposes deny our right
10 MAKE appropriations except upon the ex-
lrsSss. or anticipated and presumed consent OF
The people; AMI those exercising 20 dnnit(ui
hut 10 say dangerous preroe atIve where their
acloh II based upon presumed consent
should Use their power with extrern. care: and
this presumption should have az basis On
which to rest, some token as Of word or act of
me it-opi-, to take pace Of what under other
circumstances they would express in a NOR.
formal hammer
re a. legislature dspart from what |
have here Claimed and believe. to b. the only
true limit 10 and obl-ct Of i..islatiy. auyrnrri
atoms, here, would ask, are We TO stop,
What IS to b. tie Ultima Thule beyond
which We cannot passs
There would be no limit whatever in such
case to the exercise Of our power or the r,owsr
Of subsequent legislatures TO appropriate indi-
vidual property for what might h. conceived
In h. fsYf ysr,I.I .xsa @r-a