Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-03-19

telegraph companies. ana all cOmpanle.
which represent capital II in his judgme nj
the bill could be made equitable he woult
favor it. But the matter had not come to hi.
attention until within few days, and it comes
before us for action in the last days Of the
session. 1t proposes radical change in the
law taxing railroads. With his present un-
derstanding Of the bill, not knowing how i,
would affect towns through which roads pass
he should vote in favor Of its reference to the
next Legislature.
Mr.. HAwEs said this matter had been be-
fore the Committee on Finance, and they
were unanimously of the opinion that legis-
lation is inexpedient. This particular bill
had not been considered by the committee
1t proposes to change the whole manner Of
taxation of railroads in the State, and comes
before us at the very close of the session,
and without time for hearing to the vast in
terests represented, or for proper considera-
tion. We give hearings to men where small
sums are involved; why not allow opportu-
nifty for the people of Portland and other
interested. to be heard? He
considered this unwise. Let a hearing, at
least. be had.
Mr.. HILL did not consider it right to press
the bin at this late day of the session.
Mr.. CooNBs believed that railroads should
be taxed, as other property, but he did not
understand the question sufficient to vote at
this late day. 1t seemed to him that on
measure of so much importance. hearing
should be had.
Mr.. PArrEN said he did not consider il nec-
essary to ask all the people of the State to
come up here and say whether they should be
taxed or not. The only question is whether
the tax is right and proper.
Mr.. HILL claimed that railroads are already
taxed as much as they can bear.
Mr.. PARcHER considered the question
was whether railroads shall pay o tax
on the same basis as other property in the
State. lie did not deem it necessary to noti-
fy parties to come here on the question as to
whether they shall be taxed. This matter
has long been discussed in every community,
and the only argument used against the bill
is that it comes here late in the session. The
question is not how much we can get out of
railroads, but whether they shall paw an
equitable tax.
Mr.. HAwEs said that in as much as the bill
the entire change ofthe basis Of
taxation Of railroads, placing the burden in a
different place, it seemed in fairness that the
parties interested should be heard. Portland
and other places are burdcned with railroad
debts, and some Of these railroads
do not pay expenses Before we heap new
burdens upon them they should be heard.
Mr.. LINN looked upon railroads as public
necessities, and blessings to the communities
through which they pass. The railroads of
Maine have added immensely to the value of
the property through which they pass. five
tax them too high We shall keep capital out
of the State, and this would be a very great
injury to business, We rely upon outside
capital to develop our resources, and we
should do nothing to discourage the incoming
Of capital.
Mr.. FLINT favored the bill. This is mat
ter that has been discussed more or less for
four years.
Mr.. BRADFORD asked to be excused from
voting-if not excused must vote against this
bill, as it came before US without committee
reference. but would vote that it be referred
to the next legislature. This act calls for a
new mode Of taxation that might be detri-
mental to the railroad interests and enter
prises in that direction, and especially bear
ing heavily upon some local roads now run
ming their cars at loss, continually hoping
for brighter prospects.
Mr.. DEARBORN said the assessment Of
taxes would be made by the Governor and
Council, and no injustice would be DONE
This is question Of justice and equity SIM
ply. 1t is not special legislation but to place
railroads for the purpose Of taxatieh on the
'ame basis of other property.
The yeas and nays were ordered on the
motion to refer to the next legislature and the
Senate refused to refer.
The bill was further discussed BY Messrs.
Dingley, Hawes, Ellis, Bradford, Flint and
Hill and was then passed to be engrossed.
Mr.. HILL moved to reconsider the vote
whereby the Senate adhered to its vote in
postponine the bill to incorporate
he Commercial Club Of Portland.
Mr.. ELLIS hoped the Senate would not re-
consider its vote. There were strong argu-
ments against it. They had all been gone over
md no new arguments could be adduced. He
lid not dispute the fact that those asking this
club are high minded. honorable gentlemen
but they can organize under the general law.
Mr.. HILL said they are among the first men
in the State. and he saw no reason why this
request should not be granted.
Mr.. CooxBs favored reconsideration.
Mr.. HARRIS favored reconsideration. These
men are some of the most respectable men in
the State. He understood that an amend
ment could be made to the bill, in conference,
which would make il satisfactory to all.
Mr.. Lamson thought the club could be Or
k~u1cu Ss'sSh ssaS SShscseA AVS aisu
was further discussed by Senators Parcher.
Harris, Dearborn, Wakefield, Hawes, Hill
and Bradford.
The Senate refused to reconsider its vote.
Bill an act to tax express companies or per-
sons carrying on the express business in this
State, came from the House amended.
Amendments adopted, and the bill passed
to be engrossed.
Bill an act to authorize . Temporary loan
Of 1907 900 came from the House amended.
Senator Hawes objected to the bill, while
Messrs. Bradford, Hill and Harris favored.
Mr.. HARRIS offered the following amend
ment: 'But no sale Of any bond or bonds
shall be made at less than the par value of
such bond or bonds. with the accrued interest
thereon
After remarks by Messrs. Dineley,
Hill, Hawes, Patten, and Dearborn. the
amendments we're adopted and the bill was
passed to be engrossed.
PAssED TO BE EyeROssRD.
An act relating to seizures on executions !;
to amend chap. 81 Of the revised statutes; an
act to amend chap. los Of the public laws Of
1879, relating to ways; IN act relating tn the
taxation of railroads; m act TO tax express
or persons carrying on the ex-
press business in this Stste; m act to author
ize temporary loan Of S307 900.
PASSED TO BE ExAcrED.
An act to amend IN amendment to chan.
c6 Of the public laws Of 1878, relating to the