The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1890-04-04
Adjournment Of the Legislature.

Both Houses of the Legislature, having
completed their session of ninety days, ad-
journed on Monday, at midnight. Resolu-
tions commendatory of Speaker Hubner were
adopted in the House and there was much
speech-making complimentary to him, in
which Republicans as well as Democrats
Joined. Mr.. Keedy, Republican, on behalf of
the House, presented to Mr.. Hubner hand
some gold watch. and Mr.. Kilgour presented
to him gold chain, as a token of esteem
from the employees.
In the Senate, Mr.. Randall, Republican,
complimented President Brattan in high
terms for his impartial rulings and just de-
cisions and followed up his speech with re-
solution to the same effect. 1t was adopted.
In addition, Mr.. Stake, Republican, on behalf
ofh's fellow-members, presented to Mr.. Brat
tan silver tea-set, while the employees of the
Senate, through Mr.. Urner, Republican, pre-
sented to the President silver punch bowl.
At the same time Mr.. Writ, on the part of
the Senate, presented to Reading Clerk Cal
ther handsome silver piece. Suitable re-
sponses were made.
1t is customary, at the close of every ses-
sion of the Legislature, for certain newspa-
pers to utter disparaging remarks concerning
the body, whether true or not.
This General Assembly, when its record
shall have been completely made up, we VEN
ture to say will be found sreer from blame
than many of its predecessors. The promises
made to the people in the Democratic plat
form have been carried out in letter and in
spirit by the Democratic majority in the LIE
gislature. Some bills, of course, may have
been passed which had better been defeated,
Notwithstanding the vigilance Of the peo-
pies representatives, but taking it all in all
the Legislature has done very well. Besides
the salutary laws it has passed the Legisla-
ture deserves credit for setting its foot upon
some greedy schemes, particularly the gas
bill.
Among the really valuable legislation Sc
cured is the following:
Five acts submitting proposed amendments
to the State constitution to the people, viz:
Authorizing the Governor to veto items in ap-
preparation bills; authorizing the board of
public works to sell State securities; author
izing the imposition of uniform taxes on
property of the same general character, and
giving the General Assembly the power TO
levy an income tax authorizing the election
of county commissioners for periods of differ
emit length, so that an experienced member
will always be In each board prohibitory le-
gislation in favor of any corporation holding
exemption from taxation until the said cor
poration surrenders all such exemptions.
Several important measures providing for
increased taxation on all corporations, espe-
cially unexempted railroad, telephone, tee
graph, title insurance, life and fire insurance,
trust and guarantee companies, etc.
A law requiring the prompt payment of
taxes by all corporations.
A law providing for the return of taxable
property by all corporations, and of property
held in trust by trust companies, in order
that it may be assessed and taxed.
A law imposing bonus tax upon all cor
porations hereafter Incorporated
The ballot reform bill, which is limited to
Baltimore city and sixteen counties, Hartford
being exempted from its provisions.
A new registration law and primary
election law for Baltimore city.
A law prohibiting pool-selling in Baltimore
city.
A general oyster law, with culling and
other protective features.
A tobacco inspection bill, by which the five
tobacco warehouses are reduced to three the
number of inspectors from five to three, and
expenses correspondingly reduced.
The high license bill for Baltimore city
one of the important measures of the session.
Laws charging the Jurisdiction of justices
of the peace in order to reduce costs. BATH
more city and county, Washington, Mont
gomery and other counties are included.
A general road law for Baltimore county
and reducing treasurer's fees in sales for tax
es in that county.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal legislation has
had large share of attention.
The redistricting of the congressional dis
tricts was one of the leading party measures.
One of the most important bills passed was
that for the reassessment of property. Gov.
Jackson, it seems, has not decided whether
he will sign this bill or not.
In his opinion the law of 1878, if enforced,
gives the Appeal Tax Court in Baltimoreand
the county commissioners power to reassess
A new law might add something to the per-
sonal list, but it would not stay there long.
Many letters are reaching him from persons
who think reassessment at this time is not
advisable. He says the Legislature has done
well in passing bills for constitutional amend
ments and general acts providing for uniform
taxation. He expects more from this legis-
lation in the shape ofincreased revenues than
q reassessment law would bring.