Evening journal., 1893-01-03

eiiectual mode of securing them. Under
these circumstances the success OF any
constitutional amendment by the iegis-
lative mode, in behalf Of such a change,
does not appear to be encouraging;
on the other hand the prompt
enactment of the proposed retire
ment salary provision will afford both
sure and an immediate remedy. II will
also render needless any resort to tenn
porary expedients in the line of hastily
devised constitutional amendments, and
wisely leave advantageous alterations of
our judiciary system, together with the
general subject Of constitutional re-
forms, to the more thorough. compre-
hensive and deliberate consideration of
the convention hereafter to be called for
the purpose.
Taxation.
That much interest has been taken by
the citizens of this state in the subject
is evidenced by the fact that they had
bill prepared and introduced in the House
of Representatives during the last ses-
sion of the General Assembly, which
provided for a change of the general
basis of taxation in the several counties
of the state by including therein all pro-
ductive investments. In view Of the i'm
portance of such a measure and the di-
versity of opinion as to its advisability
it was deemed best to appoint commits
sion. with authority to investigate and
consider the entire subject, and report TO
the next General Assembly. Accordingly
commission was formed, whose report
will be submitted TO your honorable
bodies. No doubt It will be thorough
and exhaustive, as the members are men
of undoubted ability and large expert
ence, representing all interests involved,
and both of the principal political parties
of the state.
It will be your duty 20 deal with this
report and the subject generally in
calm, deliberate and rational manner.
As equality is one of the fundamental
principles of taxation, it seems unfair
and inequitable that any class or species
of property should be entirely exempt
from the tax burden. All should con-
tribute to the support of government in
proportion to their capacity or respect
i've ability
In making revision Of the tax laws,
however, so as to subject investments to
their operation. you should consider well
whether it would be expedient to make
them a part of the common basis of tax
alton. You should ever keep in mind
that capital is very shy and will
always seek those conditions which
are favorable to the production
of the largest profits without dimu-
milton on account of expense or taxes. A
learned economist has said "Do not tax
anything that would be of value to us,
that can go away and be independent Of
us. but will come here and stay with us
and be a benefit" II therefore, you
should pass law imposing tax upon
Il II 1. ! ~
deemed excessive it might result in driv-
ing considerable money out of the state,
and preventing foreign capital from
seeking investment in the state. If this
were to be the effect Of such an enact
ment, available capital for purposes of
investment in the state would gradually
be diminished, and a scarcity .of money
in the hands of the people would be the
result Such a condition the most
ardent advocates of the taxing of invest
ments would greatly dcplore, because a
scarcity of money always produces cheap
lands. lower wages and higher rates of
interest. No one can deny the justice of
the demand for the relief of real estate
and the farmers stock from a portion of
the tax burden, but it is for you to de-
eide how this shall be done. The tax
commissioners Of those states which
have made investment a part Of the
basis of taxation, almost without an ex-
ception, pronounce the operation of their
new tax laws great disappointment.
They say the comparative ease with
which personal property can be placed be.
yond the reach of the tax gatherer has
rendered the laws practically Intellectual,
even in such great states as New York
and Ohio. and has had q demOralizing
effect upon the public conscience. The
reports Of some states show that the
totals Of assessments are decreasing in
stead Of increasing Notwithstanding the
rapid growth of wealth, owing to the
disregard for the oath required to b'
taken, and the increased facilities con
verting personal property into thos'
forms not subject to taxation,
present these facts for your informa
tion and consideration in treating thi
question, but, awaiting the report of tn
commissioners, / forbear making an,
suggestion as to the course TO be pur
sued.
Interstate Extradition.
In this state on March g. 1885
an act in relation to acquisitions for fug
tives from justice was passed by th
General Assembly Section / of said &C
requires that evidence additional to tha
prescribed by the act of Congress mus
accompany the requisition from anothe
state before the same shall be compile
with in this state Again, section {
said act assumes to divest the govenC
Of his former exclusive executive discr
tion under said act of Congress in respe'
to the legal sufficiency of the requisitio
from the demanding state. and direct
him to refer every such case to Il
chief Justice or one of the associa
Judges of the state for his judicial exam
nation, hearing and determination, befo
the requisition can be complied with.
During my term of Office these legisl
tive provisions have not only led to mnt
needless Inconvenience and delay, b
also to earnest objections and reno
strances from the executives Of 9th
states, which have been very EN- moarras
ing and at times have threatened to d
turb the interstate comfy heretofore e
isting, and to interpose serious obstacl
10 that prompt and cordial rendition
our own fugitive criminals which is