New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-20
BROADER IN IT'S SCOPE.

NUMEROUS CORPORATIONS AFFECTED BY PRO-
POSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FORD BILL
INCREASED DUTIES OF TAX COMMISSION.
Albany. May 10 (speciaD.--When Governor Roose-
Welt left here this morning for New-fork' ne had
with him the draft OF another bill amending the
Ford Franchise Tax act.
Tho Ford Franchise Tax act. as already stated,
has hean made the first section OF the bill and then
additions have been made to Il 10 carry out Gov
ernor Roosevelt's design of having a state Board
assess the value OF franchise; and secondly, an
amendment has been made 10 recognize any pay
ments which may have been made for francnise
by certain corporations
The new act is said be broader In its terms
than the Ford Franchise Tax act. and therefore
will bring within the scope OF the law iaTse
number OF corporations ferry companies among
the number. In general, 1t may he stated that
the act APPLIES to telegraph. telephone gas and
electric light companies, and elevated surface ana
underground railways in cities and TO steam rail-
roads where rails are laid upon, over or under
public streets In cities. In New-York, for instance
II will affect all the corporations Of the kind men-
toned.
Many State officials believe that II the Ford Fran
chse Tax act becomes law with the suggested
amendments II will become necessary to enlarge
the office and increase the number OF employees
OF the State Board OF Tax Commissioners. There
are three OF these officials. Martin Heermance or
Poughkeepsie; ]. Edgar Leaycraft. OF New-forS'
and George f. Priest. OF Ithaca They receive
g. 800 a wear Under the new law. In the opinion
az one of the State employees who is thorougniy
familiar with taxation matters, they VIII nay "
give M all their time to the work. IN MS opInolt
the salary should be increased 10 s5,V1 An &c
clerical force should also he provided 10 "o '"'
work effcientf ,.,- .. ~ ,,,dars,ood
when II is stated that In this State there are hns
tv-one telegraph and telephone companes. e,.o
value of whose franchises would nave 70 oe ~e., as
sessed hasty glance through the State on
,roIer,s report for this year indicates Sky -ons
strse, railways which would come unuer tnc
onera ton of the act II may be mentioned tna, viz
ernenses OF the State Board OF Tax CommssionsIs
in isas was oniy Sls153 IS. Of which N.& was i9r
,h ~ .r,es of the Commissioners. Sill Is Tor tnelr
iegaI expenses and 81, 234 80 for the expenses OF
,heir secretary and his travelling expenses 4.
Governor Roosevelt appointed j. Edgar Leaysrait
and George r. Priest cs members OF the s'a,e
Iaoard OF Tax Commissioners. and apparently pc
i,eves that with Mr.. Heermance wnom ne also
anpoi,ted they would creditabiy perform the WORK
~ valuing the franchises OF the corporations.
The bill which will be submitted TO the Legs
Iature On franchise taxation will be COMMITTEES
measure The name Of any individual Senator or
Assemblyman will not be attached 10 H. and the
Governor will reserve the right 20 veto H. after
all n does not please him The Governor has been
assisted in drawing up the last draft OF the pi oy
Controller Morgan, Judge Wilmot f. smith. OK
Suffolk County; Judge Lincoln, his law adviser ant
John ]. Merrill. the expert on corporation law, or
Controller Morgans office.
.