Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-31
TIE SCHOOL TAX BILL.
A Lively Time Considering the Measure
in the House-POstpOned.

in the House-Postponed'
Special 7elsOrOm 90 tie Rs0lst.r.
CHARLESTON, w. VA, January 3d.
The tax bill fixing the school levy at 10
cents and the levy for general State
purposes at 20 cents came up on its sec
opd reading in the House to-day, and,
as predicted in the REGISTER, the most
animated discussion OF the present SEES
sion followed The friends Of the bill
scored the first victory, but the vote
upon the motion to postpone consider
alton can hardly be regarded as test OF
strength. As rule, the delegates rep
resenting populous and wealthy coun-
ties are opposed 10 the measure, while
representatives OF the counties TO be
benefited most by the proposed increase
In the school tax are outspoken in favor
OF the passage of the bill.
The discussion was brought on after
the reading Of the bill at the morning
session by Mr.. Dandridge'S motion to
recommit, and it occupied the remain
der of the day. MIR. cambridge In
speaking upon his motion, stated that
the Governors message recommended
decrease in taxation, which the measure
does not propose. The action OF the
committee was hasty and taken without
proper consideration. The estimate OF
appropriations has not yet been made,
and il was Unwise to attempt to estao-
lish a tax rate when the result might
show a deficit in the State treasury at
the close of the year.
Mr.. Clark, Of Greenbrier, thought
the Committee had given ample conSld-
Grafton TO the matter, and the members
were all well qualified to-day to vote
intelhgently, as they will be two weeks
hence. He was in favor OF reducing
the taxes.
Mr.. Thomas, Of Putnam, also made
an extended speech in favor OF the bill,
and against the motion TO recommit.
He wanted the school tax increased, in
order to secure better schools and
longer terms, In the poorer counties.
Mr. cambridge, replying to both gen
tlemen, referred to the fact that two
county courts have cut down the ap-
praised value OF real estate, as fixed for
State taxation purposes. 1t was unjust
and unfair TO allow the counties TO
take such action, and the Committee
should be allowed to straighten out
that matter, and also ascertain the ag-
gregate valuation Of taxable property,
before establishing the tax rate.
Mr.. Brockunier, Of Ohio, stated that
the gentlemen who favored the bill,
took advantage in committee OF the alb
sence of certain members TO pass mo-
ton 10 recommend 1t to the house. 1t
was a measure of vital interest, and
every member should have an opportu-
nifty 10 speak upon it, 1t was hastily
discussed. He did not ask for a recon-
initial Tor the purpose Of delay, but
merely to have the subject honestly and
intelligently considered.
Mr.. Thomas moved as substitute for
Mr.. Dandridge's motion, that 1t be
made the special order OF business for
IL o'clock on Wednesday OF next week.
Mr.. FLOYD thought the members in
favor of the bill would lose nothing by
a recommittal.
Mr.. McCallister thought the sole OBJ
iect OF the motion was 70 retard the
progress OF the bill.
Mr.. cambridge was opposed to the in
crease in the school tax, but that did
not effect him one iOt9 in his position
upon Mr.. Thomas motion. The school
and general tax rate will necessarily be
part OF the appropriation bill which
must pass the House. lie thought the
bill should be recommitted because it is
q violation of the constitution which
expressly states that no bill shall have
more than one purpose. This bill had
two separate and distinct objects.
MIR. McCalliSter was not alarmed
about the constitution. He was willing
to take chances and "leave the bill go
down under the John Hancock" Of the
Governor. He stated that IS per cent
OF the irreducible school fund came
from the southeastern part Of the State
by reason OF waste and uEappropriated
land, and the people In that section
were entitled to something under the
school law.
At this point there was lively cross
Ere between Mr.. Thomas aud Mr..
Brockunier. The former charged the
latter with being opposed to free
schools, an accusation which Mr..
Brockunier resented with some spirit,
Mr.. Mckinney made al effective
speech in favor OF recomDital. He
held that it is not right to fix a tax rate
in advance OF the facts bearing upon