The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1899-04-13
Reform Victory.


letter from II. L. Palmer, President of
the Northwestern Mutual Life Insur-
ance Co., presenting the position taken
by that great corporation on the ques-
ton of taxation reform. Mr.. Palmer
says: The position of representatives
Ot the company, in the discussion of
tie question before the legislative COM
enittees, has been that extreme meas
ares should be avoided, in order that
mo injustice be done, and that, in deal
ing with the subject of increase of
taxes, reasonable, just and proper linn
it's be observed" He denies the i'm
putation that the company had taken
am attitude antagonistic to fair and
impartial discussion of the question of
taxation, or such an increase in taxes
as would commend itself to all just and
fair minded men, and states, to the
contrary, that all the officers of the
company fully recognize and appreciate
the general sentiment for increased
taxation.
Relative to the charge that the tax
commission had been refused informa-
tion necessary to proper adjustment
of the case, Mr.. Palmer makes the fol-
lowing statement: If the tax COM
mission shall be continued, as it is
understood Gov. ScOfeld desires, and
the Journal wisely advises, it will be
the pleasure of every officer of the
Northwestern to furnish any informa-
ton and to render any aid at his COM
maud to enable the commission to
reach satisfactory conclusion. This
company believes in thorough tax re-
vision, and looks with favor upon every
endeavOr to effect tax reform and upon
the efforts of the executive in that
direction"
Following this Mr.. Palmer states his
objections to the Orton bill, which has
already passed the Assembly and is
now pending in the Senate. These
objections consist chiefly of the enor-
nifty of the tax, as it taxes the gross
income from all sources with but two
exceptions, th6 tact that it taxes for
the benefit of Wisconsin what is taxed
i'm all other states, thus making a
double taxation, and finally that 1t
takes no account of the fact that large
parts of this income are constantly be-
ing paid to policy holders. In cOnclu-
sion Mr.. Palmer says: I" If gross in
come, derived from all states, is to be
made the basis of taxation in this state,
the Justice of which we deny, certainly
proper deductions should be made OF
the portions of that income which are
annually paid to policy holders"
The Journal seems to regard the at
titude assumed by the Northwestern as
the triumphy of tax reform. But
wherein has the reform been accom-
plished? AS far as can be learned the
Northwestern occupies the same posi-
zion today that it did when the Orion
bill was first drawn up, and that bill
remains where it was. The company
declares that it is and always has been
ready to give any information that
could be of use in a just adjustment of
taxes, but maintains it's opposition to
the Orion bill undated. We regard
the position taken by the Northwest
ern, as expressed in Mr.. Palmer's let
ter, as fair and open. It shows a dis
position to meet justice half way and to
oppose Injustice, tooth and nail, but in
what sense it can be regarded as
practical victory" for reform some
what puzzles US. If taxation reform
implied the surrender of those taxed
into the hands of the state, to be dealt
with at it's pleasure, there might be
reason to regard the avowal of Mr..
P0lmer as victory for tax reform.
But such is not The nature of tax re-
form. In this case tax reform consists
OF the awakening OF the State Legisla-
ture to the true needs of the common
wealth IN that direction and tho cour-
age to enact just legislation to that
effect. Neither the aye nor the nay OF
the institution taxed be it the North
western or any other corporation,
should be of any import. Mr.. Palmer
makes straightforward business
proposition and strong protest against
the only product of the tax reform
movement at present before the Legis-
lature. But that is all. We fail to soc
where it signifies a reform victory
When law, taxing insurance compan-
les, which is just to them and just to
the state, has been enacted and en-