The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-09
A Supremacy Important Amendment

adopt constitutional amendments. This
slowness arises largely from ignorance,
proceeding from that great bane of demo-
cratic institutions-the Discrimination Of
the people to inform themselves concern
ing public affairs. A very large part of
the qualified electors turns out and votes
for candidates for office. The latter force
themselves upon the attention of the vot-
ers. Party organizations are always in
tensely interested in electing candidates,
but rarely concern themselves over the
adoption of amendments to the constitu
ton. The voter hears dozens of speeches
and reads tones of stuff about candidates
and the executive or legislative policies
they. are supposed to represent, but very
little does he hear about constitutional
amendments. which are often of greater
Importance than men and party policies
When the people amend the constitution,
instead Of delegating the task to legisla-
tors they are making law-fundamental
law-themselves. They are giving orders
to executives and legislatures: =
AS long as it is merely some abstract
detail Of government that is affected by q
proposed change of the constitution, it IS
understandable why voters do not evince
right.
But when the amendment means good
hard money in or out Of their pockets,
they ought to be as keen to vote on 1t as
for governor or president. 80,
Such an amendment-or law that is tan
tamount to an amendments to be sub
mitted to the people, of Minnesota this
fall. In briefest FORM, it involves the
question whether the railway corporations
or the people Of this state shall pay $780,
900 of taxes.
That is what the proposal, to increase
the rate of taxation 81 the gross incomes
of railways from 8 to 4 petsGents means-
At present the roads pay about $1,000, 900
on 8 per cent rate. Raise it to per
cent and their contribution to the reve-
nues of the state will be increased $500,
900. . e" p. = 4
That means that the, contributions of
other taxpayers will be decreased $780,
900.
1t means, too, that soon the railways of
Minnesota, together with revenues from
other sources than taxation, will provide
the funds for meeting all state expenses.
1t means that the state tax levy will
disappear from the figures Of boards OF
tax levy. ,sqzs3ss:ssSSsss ssas.
1t is most unfortunate that the amended
constitution Of the: state how requires that
constitutional amendment, to be adopt
ed. must have majority OF all votes cast
instead of majority of all votes on the
amendment This amendment counts
against a proposed amendment all voters
who have not enough interest to vote or
it. 1t puts a premium on depreciation OF
the electoral franchise. 1t is just as alb
surd as if a successful candidate for gov
ernor were required to have a majority Of
| all votes cast for presidential candidates
| Still it is there, and must be put up with
until it can be got rid of. =,
| But it becomes especially important
| that every citizen who is interested ii
| reduced taxation and DESTROYS of making
| the railways bear fair share Of taxa.
tion shall vote on this amendment and SEE
that his neighbors do. This year the pro
posed amendments will be placed at the
head instead Of the foot Of the ballot.
All Of the proposed amendments deserve
an affirmative vote. but the most immedi
ate good results will follow the adoption
of the railway gross income taxation
amendment. "
The amendment represents justice ant
less burdensome taxes for you. You can
afford to vote for men and overlook {
chance to make,a law that equalizes tax
alton and means money In your pocket.