The Saint Paul globe., 1902-02-01

MR.. DUNN's VIEWS OF THE Law
Thinks Bill Doomed to Defeat I'm
less Sentiment In It's Favor
LIS Very Soon Mani
tested.

Representative W. w. Rich and w. w.
Dunn, of ST. Paul, have returned from
trip to Duluth, where they went to meet
the Duluth members of the legislature
to talk over the proposed tax legislation
and to ascertain the sentiment of the
northern part of the state toward the
bill. A conference was held in Repre-
sentative Iaybournes office and the sit
uation thoroughly discussed. Speaking
of the coming session and the tax law,
Representative Rich said:
I'VE went up to Duluth to talk over
the matters of proposed tax legislation
with the members from there. The peo-
pie of Minnesota are taking a tremen-
douS interest in the new tax legislation.
They little dreamed of what it meant -
disturb and change the whole tax sys-
tenn, Now that we are about to have
the proposition before US for action, it
is Well to learn all we can about it, and
get all the Suggestions possible.
Il learn that Duluth has several pro-
tests to make against provisions in the
tax report. I have no doubt that some
of them, and maybe all of them, are
sound, and should receive the action
demanded. [ do not believe, for one
thing, that the legislature will pass the
tax law in such shape as will drive the
registered tonnage away from Duluth.
l nave inquired into this matter and
find that the state will lose something
and get nothing in return. 1t is not the
policy OF the legislature to pass laws
that will hurt the state as a whole, or
IL.
II don't believe the legislature will
take UP any legislation outside of the
tax bin. If we let in other matters Of
proposed legislation it viii be liable TO
all kinds of bills and amendments
rushed in, and the session may be con-
tinued much longer than it ought.
The farmers are beginning to realize
Jhaf their interests are injuriousiY
affected by the proposed tax law. It is
proposed to assess their property April
I, instead of May 1, and this would make
It necessary for the assessor to tax the
farmer seed wheat. as it is not planted
at that time. Then the assessing of al,
property at its full value will affect the
farmers, as rule, more than the owners
or city property: Farm lands. as rule,
nave been taxed at about % per cent of
their value While city property has been
assessed at 40 or 80 per cent of its
II don't believe il is wisdom fer Dir
luth to urge that the report of the tax
commission is all directed against the
nortnefn part of the state. AS matter
OF TACT, there is as much opposition from
the southern part of the state as there is
in the north, though the opposition is not
based on one or two provisions in the
measure. l have talked with many iegis-
latorS from all over the state in regard
to tax legislation. Through my service on
the state board of equalization I gained
quite an acquaintance with county audi
tors and local officials whose duties are
these sources ] have learned that people
who are interested in such matters realize
that this ,precipitate overhauling of a
series of laws that have been built UP
through the needs Of experience Is a
much more serious matter than any of
us had thought last winter
County Auditors Oppose.
County auditors all over the state OPP
pose the proposed code. because it makes
sweeping charges in the administration
of tax collections. which they claim win
make great additional expense without
bringing the COMPENSATORY benefits that
that commission has hoped for. / don't
want to say anything against the COM
mission. 1t is composed of bright, able
men, and they have probably done their
work as well as any shch body Of men
could. But it must be remembered that
the present tax laws are the work Of
many minds, trained in actual experience
in taxation, and represent the interests of
the whole state There cannot be abso-
lutely inEarialble equality with so many
diverse interests to regard. and no doubt
the commission has endeavored to rn-