The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-03-13


senta!ives was concerned, that might
have been the case, but the Senate
went to work and chawed up all the
important bills this week, among
which was the general Appropriation
Bill, and after fighting the first sec
ton for three hours to-day, they left
it in such a muiilated condition that
its friends in the House will not be
able to recognize 1t as their offspring.
and the consequence will be that Gov.
Williams will have TO issue a procla-
nation granting more time. The
House had disposed OF all the most
important bills in time to receive the
necessary action of the Senate in or
der TO terminate the session at the
proper time. That dignified body
did not take up the Appropriation
Bill till Saturday, morning, and then
considered it in the midst of so much
excitement that. although it had
passed through the hands OF Senate
committee, who had carefully con-
sidered and approved every line be-
fore reporting it for final action, the
Senate spent half day on the first
article and then struck out all but the
enaciing clause.
The redistricting Of the State for
Congressional purposes was satisfac-
torily arranged by the House, on IA
plan that, so far as population and
contiguity OF territory was concerned.
could not be improved on very much.
OF couse 1T was denounced by the
Republican side OF the House, be-
cause 1t gave the Democrats the ma
jority in Congressional representa-
ton. but the latter could not give
that advantage away when it was in
their power to get 1t and keep IL.
When this bill came before the Sem
ate, it did not suit that body, so they
amended it and hung fire or q final
vote till finally they got up new
map, which did not suit them much
better than the first. Senator Davis,
tho National, would not vote for IL
unless made to suit him, and without
his vote the Democrats could not
oorrx- apv v,aooura MOI. co,rlI Tho Ra
publicans do any better with il; 80
the. National Senator holds the bal
ance of power, and unless he gives
way there will be no redistric ting
done at this session.
The Fee and Salary Bill passed the
House last Saturday, but will not be-
come q law until the Senate concurs.
and AS they are not likely TO concur
in anything, that bill may be defeated.
The School Superintendent will not
be disturbed in his Office or IN his
salary. Last week this Office was
about TO be abolished, but now il will
remain as Ii is. 1t is surprising to
observe the active hostility that pre-
walls against that officer, because he
draws four dollars day for visiting
schools, while the best teachers do
not get but half that amount.
The Senate il now. by their own ac-
lion, made responsible for our extra
session, and the House washes its
hands OF the disgrace attached to
that act.
Reappraisement OF real estate in
1879 caused very animated discus
sion in the House, as 1880 is the time
for the appraisement TO take place.
in accordance with the present law.
The measure was introduced by Mr..
English. OF neTion and Shelby. 1t is
conceded that real estate is appraised
too high. Present values demand
that 1t should be reappraised, as a
matter OF relief TO farmers who are
greatly oppressed by heavy taxes. 1t
is found, however, that Marion coun-
ty complains Of this more than any
other county In the State. They pay
one-eighth OF all real estate tax levied
ia tho State, and the reason it bears
so heavily on them is that they, Il few
years ago, run up the price Of their
real estate 10 fabulous figures. in or
der 10 skin buyers, which they sue
ceeded in doing; now. property has
decreased in value, and they feel it..
IL the appraisement should take place
in 1879. it would cost more to do 1t.
and whatever tax would be taken off
OF Marion county would be placed on
all the other counties. so that Marion
county would be the only gamer by
an immediate appraisement, and
sympathy does not run high enough
In this Legislature to. relieve her.
Another reason against an appraise-
ment in 1879, is that all the appropri-
atoms for the next two years have
been made on the present appraiso-
ment OF real estate, and cannot be al
tered now The Senate increases the
tax levy of two cents on the 500 dol
lar valuation OF property to three
cents, for the purpose Of realizing a
fund to build the new State House.
The House will not agree to this.
When the bill was before the House
making the appropriation for build
ing the State House, the levy OF three
cents on every 500 valuation met
with very little favor from any one,
a - -