New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-17
PROBLEMS OF TAXATION.
QUESTIONS INVOLVED IN INCREASING
STATES REVENUE.
SENATOR RAINEs DISCUSSES LIQUOR LAW
FAVORS STATE CONTROL OF POLICE.

IBY TELEGRAPH TRIBt NEI
Albany Nov. 16-While there is some discussion
among the Republican members of the Legislature
elect and among Republican officials the
proposition to Increase the taxes imposed by the
Liquor Tax law of taking up once more the
stranahan Mortgage Tax law, thus far there is
strong support Of either of these propositions,
or. indeed any support whatever of them
1t is admitted that the taxation laws need amend
ment, but Senator Stranahan said earlier in
the week. it is clear from the experience OF the
Mortgage Tax Committee that measure
which is presumed have organization support
may. under pressure from powerful interests affect
ed by such bill, quickly defeat. and all the
labor OF those who prepared IL thus come TO naught.
Senator stranahan therefore frankly said that no
had idea at the present time of reintroducing
his Mortgage Tax bill.
In regard to the Liquor Tax law Senator Ralnes.
who here to-day, stated that he had drawn
up any bill increasing the of the liquor deal
ers. nor did he up TO the present moment have
any design to do
Il have always thought" he continued that
the rural liquor dealer ought to pay liquor tax OF
500 instead Of 500, but 1 overruied on that
point. think also that the liquor dealers in the
cities would not greatly resent increase In the
amount of they have pay; indeed. think
many of them would look upon such increase
with favor. since 1t would decrease the amount Of
their competition by lessening the number of liquor
MASSACHUSETTS, LAW
In Massachusetts the liquor dealers in
places pay sOO0."
Yes answered Senator Raines, but Massa-
Chusetts limits the number of licenses in each
place. and thus creates a practical monopoly and
gives opportunity make Determinations. which
may lead political favoritism. The great merit
of the Liquor Tax law of this State IN my opinion
is that II has taken liquor saloons in cities
Of politics and mainly out of Democratic poll
tics. Only negatively has the Liquor Tax law thus
been Of benefit the Republican party. 1t has de-
cd fhp o ne q Is
the liquor dealers influence. think that influence
power of the police. and that is of the chief
why / think We ought to have State
police Such police department. If rightfully
aged would be a political 1t would not
give the Republican party any advantage but IL
would deprive the Democratic party of a great
power to influence votes. 1t is mistake think
upon voters on Election Day As a matter of fact
the police power Is eNerted the year round upon
1T is said in opposition to the State Police bill
to a large increase in the cost ot maintenance OF
the city Police Department; that, for instance each
city the right 10 employ more policemen than
II now employs and that, the State authorities
not having to pay the bill the policemen would be
increased number. and thus the expenses of
the cities would he increased
cost of maintaining the city police departments
answered Senator Ranes. but on the contrary.
that the cost would be diminished
Henry II. Ly man. the State Excise commissioner,
that the of the liquor dealers should be in
creased. replied 4 have considered the sub
iect very carefully, but II now seems 10 me that
any increase Of the liquor would lead to at
tempts to ryade IT, and thus to litigation and in
the end the State might not get as much from the
liquor under present conditions