The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-03-14
LEGISLATURE ADJOURNED.

Inc SpeCldl scsSioA VI tho A0SiSio
ture came to an end yesterday when
both houses adjourned without day.
Called together fort he purpose of con-
sidering and enacting tax code, re-
ported by commission it created for
that purpose last winter, it failed to
do what was expected of it. Perhaps
it was too much to expect under the
circumstances, that our tax laws could
be revised and made to cover the ills
the state has suffered through their
Iaxity, at one step. 1t would doubtless
have been better had the course of
procedure been more slowly. But we
have to learn by experience. The in
rerests which would have been effected
had a fair, equitable and just tax code
been adopted. were too strong for the
friends of revision and by combining
defeated the whole matter. Perhaps
the proposition by some members, that
various features taken alone could be
handled much more easily and success
full is true. There will certainly be
chance for trial along this line in the
future.
Another feature which greatly inter
fered with the success of tax revision
was the fact that constitutional pro-
visions prevented reforms that it was
felt were needed, especially a system
that would cover personal property.
This led many to advocate that only
constitutional amendments should be
passed to submit to the people next
November, and the whole question OF
tax revision allowed to go over until
next winter. This element practically
won the day. Constitutional amend
ments which. considerably broaden the
scope for.tax legislation, were adopted
and will be voted upon by the people
next November. If those are adopted,
the way will be opened for the franz
ing and enacting OF tax law based
upon scientific methods. Doubtless
there will be efforts made to defeat
these amendments, but the people
should keep the matter in mind and
see to it that they are adopted.
In the way of tax legislation the
only measure adopted was what is
known..as the. Anderson bill enacting
the real estate, delinquent tax-collec-
tion proposed by the tax commission.
1t is generally admitted that this is a
decided step in advance in the matter
of tax reform. $50
There is one good feature, probably
the most valuable one that has grown
out of this tax agitation, and that is the
educational. 1t has aroused the people
to the need of something being done
in the way of tax revision. And be-
ing so aroused there will be constant
demand for reforms along this line un'
til that demand is satisfied.
Outside of tax matters, the legisla.
ture did considerable needed work.
It made. an appropriation.:which- will
allow the public. examiner to continue
the, work of..his- Office It.also. extend
ed his authority over the statements
Of railroads as to their earnings and
gives. him authority to. investigate.
: Il passed many..curative.acts to help
out some former legislation; appropri-
ated $50, 900 to represent the state al
the st. Louis exposition, and $50. DOC
to pay expenses in the merger suit.
Had if taken up and passed an act
creating permanent tax commission
and a county supervisor of assessments,
as. recommended by the tax commits,
sion, lit would have taken another
long. step in securing a more equal
adjustment OF. Taxation, ana would
have been more readily excused for its
other shortcomings.