Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1894-1895, 1895-01-18

widely discussed by the people OF the entire
country. National and State road congresses are
being held. the discussions taking a wide range.
Many of the remedies proposed would doubtless
accomplish the result. / fear in too many of the
propositions that in the desire to secure i'm
proved roads, due consideration may not he
Given to the cost to that class of our citizens
the farmers-urOn whom will necessarily fall
the heavier burden in the expense of cOnStruc-
ton.
DO not underestimate the value of "A system
of good roads to the public and believe there il
great need for such Improvement. but in the
framing of laws 10 this end. the interests and de-
sires of those who will ut least have the cost 10
bear. should be chiefly considered. especially at
a time when the profits from farming are not SO
large as they should he.
In this day of electricity we may reasonably
expect in the near future. electric lines to branch
out through the country. A law should be en-
acted restricting County Commissioners in their
right to grant rights-of-way along our public
thOrOughfareS to their injury and ruin. for the
travel of those compelled to use them and who
have born the cost of their construction.
The Tax Law.
Time and experience have approved the wis.,
dom of the tax law OF 1891. Ii met with an active
opposition from large an influential class of our
citizens and taxpayers. and caused expensive
litigation to the State But in all the courts its
validity has been sustained from the lower courts
to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The application of this tax law was the means
OF adding considerably and justly TO the taXables
of the state. Property not heretofore properly
assessed. or not assessed at all. was placed upon
the tax duplicates. adding millions in value to
assist in bearing the burden of tax. and relieving
the taxpayer who had been more fully assessed
upon his property.
BY means of this law. annual deficits in the
State Treasury have ceased. the State debt is
being extinguiShed and lower levy for State
purposes Is made possible. Indeed there is reason
to believe that reduction in the levy could be
made in all the counties. unless for the most eN
traOrdinary local necessities.
While the law has been sustained by the courts
and indOrsed by the people. yet there are a few
points wherein il could be strengthened, or at
least lis provisions more clearly defined.
Fees and Salaries.
In response to needed and demanded reform
the General Assembly OF 1891 enacteda law regl-
lating tie fees and salaries of state and county
officers. Through a clerical blunder. whether
Intentional or otherwise. the purpose of this
law are liable to be defeated. The recent
decision of the Supreme Court of the State
relative TO this law places it in the condi-
ton which calls for your earnest consideration.
That the public demand this law to be perfected
so that il may stand the test of the courts. there
Can be no doubt Ii therefore becomes your
this law ar the earliest moment
While ii Is right and proper that no greater
amount should be taken from the people in the
way of fees and salaries than is necessary. yet
the public will be found TO be just and willing TO
allow compensation. but no more. which will
give efficient and reliable service. This law
should lie Just To both the official and the public
and should not be delayed in the time Of il
taking effect.
Relative to ship canals the message recon-
mend> that Indiana representatives in Congress
be urged 10 secure from the general government
Il survey for a ship canal connecting Lake Mchi-
gan with the Ohio River.
The Legislature is asked to pass resolution
calling upon Indiana United States Senators to
combine TO advocate the election of United
states Senators by direct vote of the people.