The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-04-26

rants audited under acts of August 1876
and April, 1879 and outstanding under
act of April, 1888.
By Mr.. Matejowski- Restoring certain
moneys held in the counties and 'redistri-
buting the same,
By Mr.. E!lison-Authorizing the state
TO assume contro. of the Confederate home
at Austin.
By Mr.. McGaughey-Resolu ion relative
to postponing amendment to school law
this session. Referred.
House bill No. l, to reduce taxation for
general revenue purposes, was considered
as the pending business.
Ga motion TO adopt committee report,
Mr.. Page offered an amendment provid-
ing for an ad valorem tax of 10 cents for
1888, and annually thereafter of IS cents
on the 800 valuation of real property
and on all movable property owned in
the state January l of each year. and on
ali property sent cut of the state for the
purpose of avoiding the payment of taxes
thereon, except so much thereof as may
be exempted by the constitution and laws
of this STAT.
Mr.. Page spoke at length in favor of
his proposition, taking the position that
we cannot only reduce the rate to ten
cents, but dispense with l. entirely for
this year, and still have enough to run the
expenses of the government.
Mr.. Strong commended that while we have
so much money in the state treasury, and
may have on August 81, as some argued,
there will be certain necessary demands
upon that treasury, which, before We can
dispose of the present surplus intelli-
gently, we must consider what is proper to
be doue to provide against possible de-
ficiency in the future.
Mr.. Strong said he believed we could
reduce the rate to 10 cents on the 800
and have enough hereafter without rails
ing the rate in the future. Below that
there may be deficiency that will cause
reaction. Abiding incidentally to the
question of appropriations, he said he
favored paying the debt to the University.
Mr.. johnson said he had considered
all the estimates presented, on the
several bases of 10, 10, 1215 and
20 cents, and after masing all
calculations he was confident that even
a reduction to 10 cents would be safe.
Even allowing the most liberal appropra-
tons that we're reasonably demanded,
there would still be left an ample surplus
for all the expenses of governments. He
proposed to set apart 100000 for any
deficiency that might occur. He had
figured the matter carefully and
could not see how the state
1917 cents, which he would favor. This
would allow 100000 from which to make
appropriations for, the capitol, asylums,
etc, and pay the University debt.
Mr.. Camp spoke in favor of reducing
the rate TO 10 cents.
Mr.. Mills thought the house was not
prepared to vote properly on the question,
and moved postponement till Monday.
Hon. j. W. Booth, newly elected mem
Der from Wise county to fill vacancy, was
qualified and took his seat.
The motion caused considerable dis
custom as to the merits of the bill, by
Messrs. Mills, Bell, Payne, Page, Steele,
Alexander, Garwood, and, last and not
least, by Mr.. Davis, of Falls.
The motion to postpone was lost.
Mr.. McGaughey spoke warmly in favor
of reduction. He was opposed to re-
ducing so low as ten cents, but now he
believed we could do it and run the gov
eminent and have a surplus left, and
should do it in the interest of the people.
That was what we were here for.
Mr.. Gresham said he was in favor
of reduction, and would go as far
as the circumstances justified, without
reference to any question of max
ing any political capital. If we can
reduce taxation, let us do it, and if We
can't, let us tell the people SO frankly.
He critically reviewed the estimate of the
com ptroler as to resources and expenses,
and the estimates made by members on
the several proposed rates of reduction.
He was not prepared to say how far
we should go, but he was pre-
pred to say that he did not
think we could go to 10 ceuts
He didn't want any such legislation as
would reduce taxation to tickle the fancy
of our constituents for the present, only
to receive their condemnation for having
TO raise it in the future. We might be
able to reduce the rate. for the present
year to 10 or II cents, b t he douoted If
we could go below 20 cents for the future.
In answer to inquiry, he said he favored
making necessary leasonablp appropria-
tions, and as liberal reduction of taxes
the surplus will low. The speaker made
a fine impression by his arguments and
ready address in answer to numerous
questions propounded by Mr.. Bell and
others.
The bill vas finally postponed, and
made special order for 10 O'Clock Wedaes-
day.
House bill No. 31-Amending the tax
law as to the assessments of properly
assigned for debt was referred.
House bill No. 36-Rspealing the act
allowing non-residents to pay taxes direct
to the comptroller, was engrossed.
House bill No. 37-Amendiug the assess
ment law by adding article 4674a, m Aking
it the duty of assessors 10 list in property
that may come into the state after the
first day of January, was considered, and
after some discussion by Messrs. Kerlicks
and others, and pending consideration of
an amendment offered by Mr.. Fuller, the
house adjourned TIL 10 O'Clock Wedn Is
day.
Legislative n otes.
Senator Gregg's bill introduced yesterday
morning, provides that the first appoint
ment made under it shall not take into
consideration the interest on land notes
maturing on August l after the making
of such appropriation, and that said in