The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1883-02-08

the county equalizers, and why should
not TINS class OF property have the
same watch care thrown over ity
oesldes, sir, / believe IL will be en-
tlreiy far aud ought TO be satisfactory
20 the railroads that they are placed
upon an equality one with gnother by
IN IN! inl1gelllgent board. /, sir. am in fa-
soI vi rallroads, and wO.dd disdain 10
v ,,',',,i3 Silter1aln any opposition that
Houlu tehd To uniusdy Cypress them.
!, ar am great friend OF railroads.
'r1 1 Nant their property fostered
anu V1Ied Tor in legislation
> Justly Us any other property or
great interest In the state INT n tbe
same time feel that their pronerfy
ls property. ought nc least 10 be mn,
der as good and just supervision as
the other interests Of this state and
sir, / fully and conscienciouly believe
that this Till is not in conflict with
any provisions of the constitution.
and that 1t tends as much 10 the rail
road interest Of the state. in fairly adj
listing and equalizing taxation on
them. / most heartily favor this bill.
and hope il will pass.
Mr.. Acker said he was absent when
the I'LL was discussed and passed 10
engroSsment. and desired 10 state
briefly some OF the reasons why he
could not support the bill. lie had
heard much on the question of the
constitutionality of the bin. and pre-
sumed that the majority Of the mem
beers desired the accomplishment of
the same end, the solution of this
question 10 the end that railroads like
individuals may be properly taxed.
Inc provisions of the constitution
ana laws, he argued, offered ample
opportunity for bringing all property
IA tne range OF taxation. The defects
OF the law might he met by amend
nents. The constitution provides for
che rendition and assessment of the
rolling stock of railroad companies in
tie county where the chief Office OF
| the company Is situated. Section Is,
| article IL OF the constitution makes
the commissioners courts boards of
equalization. The act Of 1879 directs
how these boards shall perform their
| duties, and empowers them TO send
ior. persons and papers. administer
oaths, etc, TO arrive a. correct value
OF property. Article 1887, revised
statutes, requires railroad companies
To make their renditions in duplicate
70 the assessor of the county where
their chief Office is. one of these
rcndltiOns, under oath. TO he for
Wardod TO the comptroller at once.
These constitutional provisions re-
quiIe no legislation TO give them
elect and put them into operation.
When the comptroller receives the
valuation OF the property he has the
| right, and il might be made his duty
| lby 2 mandatory provision, 10 present
his objections 10 the board and have
| the valuation changed.
He read the law that the rolling
stock may be assessed in the county
where the principal Office is. Under
the act Of 1919 The legislature provided
| that each county shall cause the asses
scr 10 bring all assessments 20 show
that each party has rendered
his property fairly according
20 law. Under these constitu-
tiDnal provisions and the act
OF 1873, and article 1857 Of the revised
| statues, he thought the existing laws
| affords more satisfactory means Of at
tanning the objects Of the bill than the
bill itself. The present lazy did not
invite. Litigation to delay the pas nent
Of taxes. as there is no que ION of
constitutionality involved IN tlirn.
blr. Frymier asked to call up ,ouse
bill l57. to withdraw the school lands
from sale, being substitute f.. sem
ate bill No. 9, with senate amend
ment. After some discussion the SEN
| ate amendments were cOncurred in.
Mr.. Upton, by lea c, introduced u
general appropriation bill for { sup
port of the government from March
1, 1888. to February %, 1885.
Mr.. Fisher reported the bill 10 re-
pair the governors mansion enrolled.
House adjourned.