Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1902-10-29
CROWD
-.-------.---,--r.-.-'- So .. -.'---.- 49, e. -
Was Judge Of the
Debate.
Johnson and Hopkins
Came Together.
Both Fired Questions Like Gatlins
Guns.

Cleveland, o., Oct. 29.-Probably the
most notable, and certainly the most
unique feature of the present politi-
cal campaign in Cuyahoga county, was
the consummation, last night, Of the
widely discussed debate between May
or Johnson and w. X. Hopkins. The
Grays' armory, scene Of many warm
political gathering, was packed to its
utmost capacity, and seldom has the
great auditorium rupg with more vo-
ciferous applause At the outset both
of the contestants were heartily
cheered, the Mayor having just a
shade the best of the vocal apprecia.
tion. Before the end of the meeting,
however, the applause for Hopkins
had diminished almost to the vanish.
ing point, while Mr.. johnson was so
Justify cheered that he frequently was
forced to plead for silence in order
that he might be heard.
The discussion was debate only
by courtesy. 1t was merely series
Of questions and answers, and each
contestant seemed desirous of putting
the larger number of interrogations.
There were no judges, and the debate
was not formally decided to either of
the speakers. The. result was there
fore, in measure, unsatisfac actory, al.
though certain developments of inter-
est to the crowd frequently enlivened
the proceedings. Mr.. Hopkins, in re-
ply TO pointed questions from the May
or, took positive stand in favor Of
the so-called curative act" or Gin
cinnati steal. He also declared that
he believed that the steam railroads,
street railroads, and other public ser
vice corporations are at present be-
ing taxed upon just basis, and that
an increase In their taxes would work
an injustice to these corporations. He
also said that the Mayors scheme to
regulate and equalize taxation was
bad.
The debate was opened by Mr.. Hop.
kins, no being introduced by Judge
II. j. Blanden, chairman.
II understand" said he, "that you
define just taxation as equal and uni
form taxation, Mr.. Mayor. This
presupposes that all property should
be listed at the same percentage OF
valuation. All property lower thar
the average should be raised, and ali
property higher should be lowered. /.
that correct?" =,
Substantially correct" replied Mr.
Johnson.
DO you know that there is provis
ion under the State laws for this tax
revision every ten years?"
Johnson: mo. l know that there
is chance given every ten years fol
men Of large property to see that they
are on the duplicate unduly low, while
the small property holder. with little
at stake, cannot afford to go to the
same expense"
Hopkins: This is regulated by
law, and the laws on our statute books
are the policy of the State. are they
not?"
Johnson: mo, not necessarily
There are things which sneak in which
are not the policy of the State, but the
policy of the paid lobbyists who Sc
cure the passage OF iniquitous laws
for the benefit Of cllques and classes.
Hopkins: You deny, then, that the
policy of the state is defined by its
lawsf"
Johnson: "In some instances, yes.
Hopkins: How would you deter
mine the policy Of the State?"
Johnson: The best way to find tn
policy Of the State Is to take the opin
ion Of the people on the subjects o
Importance to the people It is th,
unwritten law Of public opinion whlcl
will rid the statute books Of bad laws
and place good laws in their places,
Hopkins: You deny that when tn,
representatives OF the people max,
laws they are the policy Of the State? 2
Johnson: II viii give you a simple
example, the code bill. Long con
tinued groans and howls). This wa
passed In session OF Legislature
which had been elected by the peopl
when 1t was not dreamed that sucl
a bill would he necessary. The bill
passed by these Legislators was in n
way representative of the wishes o
the people, 1t was forced through b.
tn influence Of party leaders, In direc
opposition to the wishes of the pee
Pile OF both parties. Instead Of bein
the policy Of the people Of the Stat
It represented the policy of Boss Co,
and Senator Hanna, one of whom ha,
It passed TO perpetuate his politlcs
machine, and the other primarily I
help along bis street, railroad" qou
applause). u
There was considerable additiona
discussion along tliis line before NJ,
Hopkins was allowed to revert to tn
tax question, which had brought
about. n
Hopkins: "Thoagh you deny ths
the laws are the policy Of the Stat
you VIII at least admit that propert
Is valued every tensyesrsf" -
Johnson: Yes"
Hopkins: 'Then It ought to be a
valued at the average valuation?'
Jahuvno. asIt 10 unfai,. 20 tax -,