The true northerner., 1901-01-04

/ chairman OF the Democratic state cen.
tral committee and Michigan member
| of the Democratic national committee.
The speakershlp contest, If such II
can be called because of its one-sided-
ness, will end In the election of John
j. Carton of Genesee. who tied Speak
er Adams on the first ballot In the Re-
publican caucus two years ago. and
who has demonstrated that he pos
sesses in a marked degree the qualifi-
cations OF 4 successful presiding ofii-
Ger.
Better Results Anticipated.
There are indications that the re.
lations between the two houses OF
the present legislature will be much
more harmonious than those existing
between those of It's predecessors, and
for this reason much better results
are anticipated. During the regular
and five special sessions of the legisla.
ture which has just expired by limita-
tion Of its terms, il was war between
the majority of the two houses from
start 10 finish, horns being permanent
ly locked on the most important mat
tiers Of legislation. Not the least cause
Of this was proneness on the part OF
some of the prominent members or
tue lONtI uouSt anu OlllSlS W NIbl sc
dishonesty to those who did not hap
pen to agree with them. With a start
of this kind, it will be readily seen
that ii was not long before the two
houses were hopelessly at war. This
time it is understood that the leaders
in the two houses, as well as in the
party, have made an altogether diff
ferent arrangement-One that has
more Of toleration and respect for the
sincerity Of one another's motives in
it. 1t is believed that this w II result
in the enactment of all sO-called party
measures concerning which there has
been SO much agitation during the past
few years, and possibly a shorter seS-
sion than has been the rule of late
years.
Tax Law to suit People.
No one seems to doubt that the pres
ent legislature will enact an equal tax
law that will meet the demands Of the
people, Notwithstanding the failure Of
the last legislature in spite of its nu-
merous sessions. to meet the eXpecta-
tions Of the people of the state in this
regard. The bill will be much like that
which was several times passed by
the last house, embodying the princi-
piles of the Atkinson law, although
some changes in administrative feat
ures are likely TO be made. 1t is pos
sible that express companies may not
be included in the new law, and their
omission would seem TO be good busi-
ness policy, ii being conceded by every
one and susceptible Of ready proof,
that the revenue of the state from
these companies would be much less
if they were to pay an ad valorem
tax than it is under the present spe-
cific tax law. The reason for this les
in the fact that express companies
have practically no tangible property
in the state.
In this connection II Is interesting
to note that in his annual report just
submitted to the governor. Railroad
Commissioner Osborn declares his he
lief that the specific tax system for
railroads is altogether the best from
whatsoever standpoint II is considered,
calling attention 10 The fact that what
ever revenue ii is desired to have the
railroads pay the state. whether it lie
small or great. can he definitely OBJ
tanned by the legislature ny simply
changing the rate Of taxation whereas
great uncertainty will result from a
change to the al valorem system.
Views of the Attorney General.
Attorney General Oren has some
very pronounced views on TIE subject
/ Of taxation. although n has no idea
that they ever Will be adopted 10y the
state and has no doubt that the pres
ent leo stature will give the Peep
what they want in the shape of an
equal tax law. SO-callCd. He believes
that for taxation purposes tn state
and counties should be divorce d; that
j the state should raise all revenue for
state purposes from specific taxes,
/ leaving the counties TO ra So l,DdS for
all their necessities by direct taxation
He would amend the consti uti so as
to do away will the primary school
interest fund, believing ii to lie folly
for the state TO collect money TO be
paid over to the counties. and he cour-
ties in turn, to collect money to lie
turned over to the state. This plan
would do away with the grca' expense
of adjusting tax matters between the
state and counties through the audi
tor generals office. 1t would seem
as if there were I'm this suggestion of
the attorney general something sub
stantial for the people of the state to
carefully consider.
subject of Forestry
Among the important measures to
be considered by the present legisla-
ture. not the least interesting to the
people Of the state at large is hat OF
forestry. The state fOl est commits.
sion created by the last legislature
has done much work in the line of ed
ucation during the past eighteen
months. and a lively interest in tn s
important subject has been awakened.
Just what shape the legislation will
take is problematical. but the gentle
men who are in charge OF the matter
have given the subject careful thought
and study with a view TO the adoption
Of some practical method that will in
sure good results. In recent dis
cussion Of this question President
Synder Of the agricultural college said
THE forestry problem is one of vast
Importance. not only because of the
commercial value of the timber itself.
but also because OF the inference OF
standing timber upon temperature and
rainfall. In our own state the increas.
ing length and severity OF summer
drought has more than anything else.
ca1 ,0.Io 20, p.aI. -.