New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-25
PROCEEDINGS IN BOTH HOUSES.
CONTROLLER MYERS on THE TAX LAws-BILLs
IN II

~ III
Albany. Feb. "a (Special.-Mr. Emerson introduced In
the Senate to-day a Freedom or Worship bill. 1t is to
present, IL possible. the diversion Of public money
to the support OF sectarian Institutions. This bill for
bids any officer OF the state paying TO or for any in
corpOrated Institution, society or association any
moneys OF the state whatever. unless the free exercise
and enjoyment OF religious profession and worship,
without discrimination or preference, is in good faith
allowed TO all inmates Of such Institution or benei-
carries" The bill further says that the Governor
and Controller may pr cribe rules to ascertain whether
the provisions Of this act are complied with in and
by the managers of such institutions 1t also says
that d" any taxpayer may apply to the Attorney-Gen-
eral to take measures to prevent the payment OF any
funds OF the state in violation Of the act" The act
applies to all appropriations made this year.
Mr.. vedder introduced into the Senate an %apportion-
ment amendment to the Constitution for an enumera-
ton in 1898, aud every ten years thereafter, and pro
vidlng for an additional senator for an increase OF
$50 1000 in population in a district, and an additional
Assemblyman for $4,000 additional population in a
county.
The reply Of Controller Myers to the senete's
resolution OF inquiry concerning changes In the tax
laws was received In the Senate to-day. The reply
suggests as a wise course at present. rather than hasty
legislation. that the Legislature appoint a commission
OF some Of the heads OF the city government, expo
rienced in the interests affected by taxation. TO report
their matured conclusions to the next Legislature. The
Controller says that the present tax laws are defective.
but that they cannot be corrected by patchwork
amendments, a method long pursued. and. Judging
from various bills, still the favorite method. Since
the present laws were enacted methods OF business
have materially changed. In New York many persons
would give up their city residences rather than submit
to the inquisitorial listing system, and it would drive
property ont OF the state. That system would be
morally injurious, and would fail to increase the rev
cnue.
The stream OF bills into the Assembly billbOx
continues. and to day there was another food OF them.
Assemblyman Gould, Of Lewis County, IS the author
Of one which Is Of considerable importance to insur
anee cOmpaniei, making 1t unlawful " for any com
pany Or corporation transacting business Of any kind
Of insurance in this state to form any pool. or enter
any compact, agreement or contract OF any kind or
nature with any other insurance company, the object
Of which shall be the fixing Of the rates for in
snrance or the creating " an insurance MONOPOLY
Any company or corporation violating the provisions
Of this section shall forfeit the right to do business in
this state.
Dommick Mnllancy. Of New.York. sent a message to
the clerk. making II easier for citizens Of New York to
proceed against the g~as-houses when the odor from
them becomes intolerable.
l. sam Johnson, Of wyoming County, presented a
proposed amendment TO the Constitution regarding the
settlement Of contested election cases by the courts,
rather than by the legislative body itself. The
amendment Is somewhat unlike the one Introduced In
the senate some time ago by senator SaXtOn. Here is
Mr.. JOhnsOn's amendment:
The election return and qualification Of any member OF
either house Of the Lerislature. when disputed or con-
tested. snal De determined by the courts, in such manner
as the Legislature shall prescribe and such det rmination,
when made. shall be conclusive upon the Legislature.
Either house Of the Legislature may expel any OF It's
members for misconduct; but every person who receives a
certificate Of election IA o member OF either house, accord.
ing 10 law shall be entitled 10 a seat therein unless eX.
peiled for misconduct or oustcd pursuant 70 a judgment OF
a court OF competent Jurisdiction.