The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-29
Chairman of the Committee, was ad- dressing the Convention when IF o'clock, the hour for recess arrived.
Afternoon Session.

 One hundred and nineteen members were present when the Convention re- assembled at 3 o'clock. Mir Browne of Talladega, resumed his | argument in support of Section 4 of | the Article on Taxation reducing the limit of taxation to 65 cents. He pre- scented figures to prove that the tax valuation of Alabama was increasing yearly and spoke of the numerous cot l ton mills being built in the State.
 Judge Howze of Jefferson, offered an amendment to the Section providing for | a rate of 75 cents for two years after | the adoption of the Constitution, after which time no greater rate shall be l levied than 65 cents. Judge Howze, in arguing in favor of his ame1dment said he favored the reduction but he thought it would require at least two years for the State to prepare itself | for the reduction. Mir Graham of Talladega, offered an amendment to the HowZe amendment which provides for leaving the tax rate at 75 cents. He addressed the Conven- ton. MT. Graham said no member of the Convention appreciated more than he did the desirability of reducing taxes. He thought. however. that eau tious financiering demanded that the tax limit should be left as it is. He quoted the assessed values In Alabama for ten years and appealed to the dele gates not to change the rate. He em- phasized the point that he was making the argument out of the abundance of caution. He declared that Alabama has now the most drastic revenue law ever framed in this State. MT. Gra- ham paid his respects to the last legis- lature for making so many large ap- .a, ksz.,e z.f IAwr were defeated because it was known that the tax rate would not stand 1t.
 Asked by General Harrison of Lee, if he did not believe that 65 cents was enough taxes for the people of Ala bama to pay, Mr. Graham said he thought 1t was enough for the people to pay if they did not care to pay one mill for the soldiers and one mill for the public schools.
 Dr. Cunningham of Jefferson, spoke against the amendments and in favor of the Section reported by the ComrRit- tee. He said the statement of the Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Browne) had convinced him that the reduction could be made with safety. Dr. Cunningham declared that he was in favor of local taxation for schools and an equal division between the whites and blacks.
 MT. Ashcraft Of Lauderdale argued In favor of the Graha mamendment. He said he had made inquiries of the Auditors office and had been informed that the conclusions of the Taxation Committee were the conclusions of the committee and not of experienced men in the Auditing Department.
 There as some discussion as to the correctness of the figures furnished by the Auditors office.
 Continuing his remarks MT. Ashcratt urged the Convention not to throw ob- stacles in the way of progress. If the present standard of security of Alaba- ma credit was to be maintained the limit of the tax rate should nor be re- duced.
 MT. Lowe of Jefferson opposed the proposition to reduce the limit of the tax rate. He said 1t was unfair to place the gentlemen who were opposed to reducing the limit in the attitude of being opposed to redUAing taxes. He was not in favor of reducing the limit because he thought it was a matter with which the General Assembly could deal. He did not believe the people desired this limitation upon the Gem eraI Assembly. He asked if Alabama could not trust the Legislature, why should Auabama trust the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
 In the course of his remarks Mir. Lowe declared that the Convention would do it's worklWell and receive the plaudits of the people if it would frame a euf- frage clause and adjourn. The senti-, ment was applauded by the gallery crowd.
 MT. Reese of Dallas moved to table the amendment of MT. Graham, fixing the tax limit the same as in the pres ent Constitution.
 MT. Rogers of Sumter demanded the ayes and nays which was sustained. The vote was 89 ayes and 49 noes, and the Convention tabled the Graham amendment.
 Mir. deGraffenreid of Hale moved to table the Howze amendment, which provides for the limitation of 75 cents for two years succeeding the adoption of the Constitution after which the limit shall be 65 cents. A demand for the ayes and nays was sustained and by vote of 94 to 33 the Convention ta bled the Howze amendment.
 The Convention then proceeded to the consideration of Section 4 as reported by the Committee on Taxation, but at 6 o'clock adjourned until 10 o'clock this morning.