The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-03-26
IN FAVOR OF LISTING.
4 Delegation of file Taxpayers AssOcin.
tiOn Advocates the Hayes Biii.


4 ANNAPOLIS, Mp, March PA committee
I of the Taxpayers Association of Baltimore
/ was in Annapolis today TO favor the passage
/ Of the Hayes assessment bill. 1t consisted Of
! Messrs. John S. Hopkins, president Of the
/ association; James S. Forbes, H. l.. Brack
/ George p. Renuer, J. Frank Wilhelm, B. f.
/ Walker, ST., and Dr. NJ. Hammond. they
/ had an interview with members Of the finance
/ committe. at which Mr. Hopkins explained
( tia; the holdings of members Of his associa-
ton are mainly in realty, and that they are
: heartily in favor Of the Hayes bill
/ Mr. Hayes-Do you think the value Of the
/ bill would be impaired by an omission OF the
/ listing feature?
Mr.. Hopkins am decidedly Of that opin
ion, and | regard the criminal or penal iea-
ture as specially important. If a mere fine IS
imposed men will submit to the fine wherever
the taxes they would eyade would amount to
more than the fine. But they will pay rather
shan 20 to jail.
Mr.. Toadvin.-There seems to be a public
prejudice against sending men to lail as
penalty under this bill. believe 1t is IN.
founded, but II exists Could not the same
end be accomplished, as was done under the
income tax law during the war, by doubling
the amount Of tax attempted to be lodged or
egaded?
they not to go to Jail?
Mr. Hayes then asken Mr. Hopkins wheth
or the bill could he enforced as suggested by
Mr.. Toadyiu, to which Mr.. Hopkins assented,
and Mr.. HAYES declared that he would offer
an amendment TO that effect
IN the Senate subsequently MIR. Hayes Of
tsred printed memorial from the Taxpayers
Association in favor of the bill, remarklng
that the committee had come down to use all
legitimate means 10 pass the bill in opposition
to the improper means now being used to COM
pass its defeat.
THE MEMORIAL.
The memorial sets forth as follows:
Two years ago Ex-Governor jackson re-
fused TO sign an assessment bill passed by
the Legislature, being influenced at the Car
rolitou Hotel by q committee of sixteen of
Baltimore most wealthy citizens, their wealth
being of an invisible character. which would
have been placed upon a reasonable basis OF
taxation. That element is still with us; they
walk, drive and enjoy wcil-paTed and lighted
highways, public schools. police protection
and all the immunities Of a wel-regulated
city, free 10 them at the expense Of the vIsi-
bic property holder in the city and State.
What was the result Of such influence? The
oath of last August the United States census
report proclaims Maryland has refrigerated
$4,000, OOO, thereby increasing the city and
States floating aud bonded Indebtedness, pre-
venting capital and manufacturing industries
from coming to Il TetrOgresSive rather than
progressive State. Had that bill been put in
force today Marylard, instead of receiving
such crushing blow. would have proudly
proclaimed with her lorty.one sister States
her progressive position. The millions Of
hidden wealth not only escaped, but the re-
adjustment Of values on real estate was pre-
vented. Give US that At least which will add
millions Of real estate to the assessabie list,
for since the last general assessment, sixteen
years ago, we have had chaos Of confusion.