The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-10-24
MIR. TooLE IN THE ROLE OF PoLITI-
CAL ECONOMIST.

Mr.. Toole In his canvass 30 far ~ we can
learn has come out strong on but one propo-
sition--in favor of the ratification Of the
Constitution. Having established his repu-
tation as an inspired political economist
with those opposed to the section relating TO
the taxation Of mines by opposing 1t, he now
appeals TO those In favor Of the section and OF
the Constitution As an entirety by adyoca.
ting its adoption. His friends also claim for
him that his opposition to the section was
based on Its being essentially Legislation
and not fundamental principle Of organic
law 10 be incorporated in q Constitution.
IL this Is so, those electors championed by
the Hubsdndmdn who oppose the section on
the grounds that 1t Is wrong In principle are
not In sympathy with Mr.. Toole and owe
him no votes for mere technical bubble
that what they assert Is wrong should
60 In as a section of legislative law instead of
q section Of organic law. IL 1t is wrong one
place II is wrong the other. On the other
hand, those who favor the section because IL
is right, is established as correct by the prece-
dent Of all other gold aud silver mining
States, and who hold that those investing
millions In developing the mineral veins of
Montana should be assured Of stability and
protection In their operations against sud
den and trausitory legislative caprice, cat
not trust the judgment or official influence Of
one who Is on record by voice and vote as
championlng the plan of subjecting mining
interests 10 the mutations of legislative &C.
ton. There is nothing in Mr.. Toole's record
on this matter, that we can see, commencing
him TO either the advocates or opponents of
the mining section.
There is another matter connected with
the history Of the Constitution which shows
conclusively Mr.. Toole's lack of quali6ca-
ton for 30 responsible a public position as
Delegate. The Convention which adopted
!. appointed committee to prepare an Ad-
dress TO the electors Of Montana TO be pre-.
sented with the Constitution, and Hon. 10.
seph X. Toole was the chairman of that COM
mittee. The Address, after some months
time was prepared and accompanies the
printed edition of 10000 copies of the Con-
stitution, which have been distributed and
are therefore available to our readers. On
page seven of the Address occurs the follow.
ing;
The increase of costs In maintaining a
State government, over and above the Terri
torial system, will not for years exceed the
sum OF forty thousand dollars. The North
ern Pacific Railroad Company receives the
protection Of the laws, and equitably and
fairly should bear Its just and equal burden
OF taxation with the tax payers Of Montana.
IL Is the opinion Of some Of the ablest law
yers of this Territory, that, when Montana
becomes o State, the property of the North
ern Pacific Railroad Company can and will
be taxed as the property Of an individual.
II rated At five thousand dollars per mile, a
moderate value for taxation, and taxed at
the rate OF one mill on the dollar for State
purposes, the increase of revenue from that
source alone will pay into our treasury suf-
ficient sum to pay the difference between
State and Territorial governments.
If any person is disposed to vote for the
Constitution on the strength Of this presen-
tation Of the case, we beg them to re-cast the
above calculation. It Is estimated that the
excess In cost Of Statehood over q Territorial
government would be $4,000. The s22
miles of Northern Pacific road at 5000 per
mile will amount to 81, 10000. Mr.. Toole
subscribes his name TO q statement substan-
TALLY that levy of one mill OH the dollar
on this amount ,oiH yield forty thousand dol
lars. The fact is, u you'd yield only four
one hundred and ten dollars
Now, If In devising ways and means to sup
port a State government, aud after some
months elaboration, Mr.. Toole presents as
bis solution q scheme TO tax the Northern |
Pacific road, which is doubtful one, for an |
amount sufficient to pay the additional sum |
required, his own basis, correctly computed,
how that IL aoiH only furnish one tenth |
instead Of the ,1hole amount he computes, It |
s evident that his practical knowledge Of |
igures, Of the expenses of government, of
political economies and Of public affairs |
Is uncertain and deficient. If the |
friends Of State government should allow
'uch statement as this committee has pre-
'ented to 60 uncontradicted, they would be
,ulpable, and hence we present the fact that
what Mr.. Toolss committee has offered as .
means Of supporting the government would
n fact, on their own figures, only provide
,De.tenth of the sum they estimate.
We do not have any idea the statement
vas made with intent TO deceive. II Is
imply an erroneous computation, but 1t is
nevertheless grave mistake that would not
ave been made by person Of experience
nd care, who understood the practical value
4 figures and governmental matters; and
his we offer as principal reason why man
4 mature years and experience In public
fairs, like Judge Knowles, Is q better rep
sentative for Montana than Mr.. Toole.
lie single instance cited above is only IN
index TO the volume Of reasons why Judge
movies is the better man to represent
fontana. No skilled revenue officer would
ave committed the error Mr.. Toole has,
imply through his lack of experience in
lch computations and when IL comes to
rafting legislation for Montana in Congress. 4
10 learning, ability and long continued
,sponsible position Of Judge Knowles on
he bench will relatively give him the same
dvantages over Mr.. Tools that the revenue
ficer would have In computing revenues.
Let the electors of Montana look to II that
icy put . careful, experienced man as their
preventative in Congress to draft their
gislation, lest through errors similar la
Ature to that cited, important acts fall short
their purpose and their deficiencies be
severed when 1t Is too late to amend
lem.
Vote for Hiram Knowles, the capable, ex-
careful jurist, In whose represen- Q
ton there will be no lsose and uncertain !
gislstion.
PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS.