Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-01-15
GOV. .PINGREE'SREFORMS
A REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR WHO PREACH
ES AND PRACTICES POPULISM.
DenOunces Lobbyists "Wh0 Wine, Caj0le
and Flatter.''
NO.. s..

anu Fldttel.
LANSING, MICH, Jan. 1.-The two houses
of the Legislature convened in joint session
this afternoon and listened to the addresses of
the retiring and incoming governors Gov.
Pingree's address at the outset recommended
the abolishment of party conventions, which,
heasserted, have become the medium of trickery,
bribery and fraud. He advocated instead the
direct vote and the Australian ballot system in
nominating candidates.
The governor urged that the property of cor
porations be taxed in the same manner as other
property.
Present fares in Michigan lowing to certain
features of charters of certain roads) were ar.
gued to be proper subject for legislative ac-
ton.
Gov. Pngree deplored the fact that while,
for instance, the Chicago and Grand Trunk road
is confined to local passenger charge Of
cents mile, the Michigan Central and Lake
Shore are permitted to charge local fare of 2
cents, and he adds
''It is also commonly known that passengers
travelling between Michigan stations are charg-
through the state from outside points,
The legislature was recommended to consider
the question of uniform 2-cent fares.
The governor urged that the referendum
practice of referring legislative acts to the peo-
pie be required in the granting of quasi public
franchises.
After denouncing trusts and combinations of
the present day, the governor warned the leg
islators against permitting Michigan to become
the field for operations through which great
corporations might acquire possession of the
states mineral resources and in connection
Herewith control the lake shipping interests.
He advised consideration of the new super.
vision of corporations bya corporation commits
sioner who should ascertain the exact available
assets of every corporation before permitting it
to enjoy corporate privileges.
On the subject of railway taxation Gov.
Pingree, while not advising dispensing with
the present system of such corporations, urged
some steps towards adding to that system. He
advised the creation of state board which
should determine the value of all corporate
property not now taxed, locally, and which
should levy taxes thereon in the same proper
ton that private property is taxed.
The present taxation of mortgages he as.
serted, is double taxation against the borrower.
The governor came out strongly against the
paid lobbyists who infest our halls, and added
eff the Legislators are not intelligent enough
to give intelligent thought and action to public
measures without the aid of those who wine
and dine, cajole and fatter and bribe, at least
steps should be taken to modify the nuisance.
There should be some method of enrolment
and fee demanded as condition precedent to
the right to practice before the peoples legis-
lative jury"
In regulating the granting of public fran
chises, the governor advised as follows: Re-
serve the right to fix rates of charges; let the
construction of plants be under supervision of
the municipality.
Provide that no mortgage shall be executed
or bonds issued to greater amount than one
half the cost of the plant.
Require the corporation to file sworn state
lments of its receipts and expenditures, certified
by public accountant.
Provide against consolidation of companies.
Provide that no franchise be extended during
the life of the original grant
Provide that no franchise be granted without
being submitted to vote of the people.
Gov. Pngree favors the establishment of
state board of arbitration and declared for an
inheritance tax and an income tax
In conclusion he recommended annual ses-
sons of the Legislature not exceeding 60 days