The Minneapolis journal., 1901-04-04

MCGOWAN (eXcused1, Stockwell-2.
StockweITs Request.
Later, Senator Stockwell appeared and
requested that the senate journal show
that he had made the statement that if
he had been present when the vote was
taken he would have voted in favor of
its passage. The request was granted, as
was a similar one from Senator Nc
Gowan. Senator Ryder then asked that
the record show that he would have voted
against the bill except that he desired to
have the vote reconsidered.
An Explanation by McGiII.
The bill was taken up early this fore
noon. On behalf Of the committee on taxes
and tax laws Senator McGill moved that
the bill be recommended to pass and he
moved a special order for Friday at 2:30
p. m. In support Of this report Senator
McGill explained his position with regard
to the measure. He said:
At the beginning of this session it seemed
to me, in view of the creation of a tax COM
mission, if one should be created, as rec
commended by the governor and auditor, that
it might be wise to refer the subject matter
Of this bill to that commission for it's opin-
ion on the rights and equities involved in it
and the power Of the legislature to deal with
them. That there are grave legal questions
involved it would be but shallow pretense to
deny. 1t is possible, even probable, that
some of the railroad corporations have rights
involved in this matter of taxes-or a fixed
percentage on gross earnings in lieu of taxes
superior 10 any law this or any legislature
can pass But it has seemed to me for a
long time that the burden Of taxation borne
by these corporations was not equal to that
borne by other forms of property and I
shall, therefore, support this bill, as l did
two years ago, as testimony to this con
viction
As regards the wisdom and expediency of
referring the subject to the tax commission
l have, reflection, concluded that moth
ing could be gained by such action. While
the legal findings Of the commission might
and undoubtedly would have value, they
would not DE decisive, and the subject would
still be before the legislature. On the mer-
its of the bill feel well convinced at this
time And since the legal rights of the varI-
Gus corporations affected Will never be known
until they have been adjudicated before and
determined by the courts, a reference to the
commission could serve no good or useful
purpose. Therefore, while l cheerfully con-
cede to others the right of judgment which
l claim myself I shall vote against the prop
osition to refer the subject at this time to
the tax commission. The subject of the bill
is one of vast Importance in that it goes to
the very life root Of the states right to ex-
st II the state is to live it must have
revenue, and under the constitution this
revenue must be raised on the basis OF an
equalization of values of all property in the
state. Those gentlemen Of the senate who
believe that the railroads are now paying an
equal share of this revenue. as compared
with other property. are justified in oppos-
ing this bill. Doubtless every senator viii
be guided by his sense OF duty. have a
number OF warm and valued friends who are
railroad men and much interested in this
legislation If voting the proposition by IA
vor, I would be very glad to vote to refer
the bill to the tax commission or even to
vote against its passage, as the principle of
friendship is strong with me. But, having
in mind my sense OF duty to the state and
to my own conscience, can only vote as nv
judgment dictates. 1t may be that the bill
/ will not pass this body, since a similar bill
failed here two years ago; but in that case
the issue will simply be deferred For. in
my Judgment. until this or a similar bill
does pass both houses of the legislature and
becomes a law, it will continue to be the
most vital question in the politics OF our