The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1894-01-05

do pidCVlcaole, ONCE III nNe years, so |
as to obviate the necessity of another
new general assessment of property,
until there are such material and gen
eral changes i'll values us will require
the expense attending general reva-
luation and assessment
In framing this measure due re-
gard should be given to the condition
of the business interests, agricultural
and commercial, of the State at large
including the metropolis of the State,
(the city of Baltimore,) from which
the State is deriving about two-thirds
of all the revenues received into it's
treasury"
The Governor does not underrate
the necessity for new assessment,
and refers to the probable tendency
on the part of assessors to depreciate
the value of farming lands. This
tendency, he says, would be produc-
tive of evil.
Owing to the fact of the large NOR gage in
Indebtedness on lands in the counties, low
valuations would probably result in many
foreclosures. And if therei is depressed basis
of assessment in the rural districts, an increase
must necessarily follow in the levy. Such in
crease in the levy would probably make bor-
rowing in those sections on the security of
real estate very doubtful.
Referring to the large increase of
corporations, the individual interests
in which are represented by stocks
and bonds, easily convertible into
cash or upon which loans can be Oh
tanned, he thinks by "any oppressive
system of taxation, such stocks and
bonds would, in time, disappear
from the State or be placed hey ond
the reach of its taxing power. An
extremely inquisitorial tax meas
ure may possibly have the effect of
contracting the money capital of the
State, and thereby checking its deve-
| lopment.
Governor Brown expresses his deep
anxiety for the prompt passage of an
| assessment law, and recommends
that the Legislature separate there
from the question of local assessments
for local purposes, embodying the lat
ter in distinct bill.
Referring to the shrinkage in the
oyster fund, from which the oyster
navy has been supported, he prom
Uses a special message on the subject.
| The Governor calls the attention Of
the Legislature to the subject of
road laws and says, in effect, that a
large proportion Of the road funds are
wasted for want of scientific know
ledge in the construction of roads,
He mentions some of the suggestions
made by farmers organizations and
others looking to a plan of general
road improvement, but without COM
uniting himself TO the recommends
ton of any particular method calls
the especial attention of the Legisla-
ture to the subject
He does recommend, however, a
law by which convicted tramps and
Migrants may be sentenced by courts
or justices of the peace to work upon
county or village roads, under the
direction of the county commission
ers and in custody of the sheriff.
The condition and usefulness of
every interest and institution of the
State is commented upon by the Gov
ernor, whose message is eminently
sound, sensible and practical.
Governor Brown gave an elegant
dinner, at Rennert's Hotel, Baltimore,
Monday night, to the members of the
Legislature. About 1875 persons sat
down to the viands The menu was
typical Maryland one, including
oysters, terrapin and ducks. Besides
members of the Legislature Attorney
General Poe, State Treasurer Jones,
Comptroller Smith, Secretary of State
Brantly and the Governors Private
Secretary, Mr.. J. c. Bowerman, were
present. 1t was understood that no
speeches would be expected or per-
mitted, the Governors object being
merely to become acquainted with
GilO iIcIHOcIS vi GilS Legislature anu
give them an opportunity of knowing
each other.
We congratulate our brother edi-
tor, Mr.. William s. McCombs, of the
Haore de Grace Republican, upon his
election as Mayor of that ancient and
honorable city. We have 10 doubt
he will fill the position with ability
and credit, and we have also no
doubt that the salary and perquisites
of the office are very small and the
labor considerable. This is the kind
of office which usually falls to an edi-
tor. 1t is a feather in his cap, at
least, that he has beaten one of the
best and most popular citizens OF
Havre de Grace.
The Bessemer and rail-mill de-