The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1897-03-24
publicans will increase the Democrat.
ic vote but the Popultst vote.
Victory is near at hand.
FREE HOMESTEADS,

ALTON SLAUGHTERED.
Among the good bills which the
present Legislature has killed, was
one, offered by US, prOposing.san'
amendment to the constitution of
Minnesota, to relieve homesteads, to
the assessed valuation of $1,000, from
all taxation. If party had a home
stead worth MORE than $1,000 he
would pay taxes for the excess; but
all value below $1,000 would go free.
We argued that when a PRODUCER
whether farmer or mechanic or la
borer, spent his life producing those
things-food, raiment, Implements
fuel, etc, etc.,-which cons titute the
real wealth of the country, and upon
which the prosperity Of all the people
depends, he had done his share, and
the burdens Of government should
fall upon the non-producers, who live
on the workers. "A small increase in
the taxes paid by railroad. sleeping
car. telegraph, Insurance companies,
ETC.. would make up for any loss in
the revenue from the producing
classes.
For instance, THE foreign insurance
companies take out Of this state every
two years, seren millions of dollars more
than they pay for lossesv They have &C
cumulated billions of property, which
is gathered in the Eastern communi-
ties, and then returned to the people
of this state in the shape of mortgage
loans, at rates which would be con-
sidered damnable, if any attempt was
made to collect them, by the western
people, from the East. II this process
goes on many years longer it will, with
all the other robberies, reduce the
West to universal pauperism.
If we had our way we would release
the farmers and other producers Of
Minnesota from all taxation, and
double, treble. quadruple the taxes
paid by these robbers, who despoil US
and befoul us and denounce us.
We are fools-egregious, unlimited
fools,-if we stand this thing any
longer. 1t would breed a rebellion in
New England, in three months, if ap-
piled to those intelligent, plunderng
gentlemen. But out here we are as
dull as our fat soil. and as unintel-
lectual as our oxen.
We have Just received letter from
prominent lawyer from which we
make an extract. We have received
several similar communications:
Hon. Ignatius Donnelly:
l understand credit is due you for
introducing into the Minnesota Leg
islature bill exempting the "poor
mans homestead" from taxation.
This is certainly commendable in you,
and is in line with the views expressed
by Hon. r. G. Ingersoll, formerly OF
this place, but now Of New York City,
at the reunion Of his old regiment in
this county in August, 1895.
Believing that some measure of this
kind should be passed by our LegiSla-
turc, and with view to drafting such
a bill for one OF our representatives
here to be presented to our Legisla-
ture now in session. 1 would respect
fully ask that you send me a copy Of
your bill for myguidance in the draft
Ing Of one here, and the thanks Of
those benefited 10y such measure
when 1t becomes law, together with
my own personally at the present
time, will be- heartily extended to you
for your courtesy in the matter.
| have the honor to remain, your
Obedient servant
Geo. T. Gillian,
Peoria, Ill.
We ask our subscribers everywhere
to agitate this question, and put 1t into
their party platforms.
We must take care of ourselves. No
one else will.
1t was said of Gladstone, that he
found the burdens of taxation in Eng
land hanging to the animals legs and
tail and transferred them to its back.
Let US transfer them to some other
fellows back; and give the produ
a chance for their lives.