The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-20
BACKS UP VAN SAINT
Speaker Bowling Brines the Gov
ernor Cheering Message.
PLANS TO LIMIT LEGISLATION
Him-Laybourn Objects to
Vessel Tax.

NJ. j. Bowling of Renville, speaker Of
the Minnesota house, had an extended
talk with Governor Van SAINT Saturday.
Mr.. Bowling has been seriously III
with pneumonia, and is not in his usual
health yet. He had not been In the twin
cities for six weeks.
Mr.. Bowling talked freely with Jour-
nal man after leaving the governors Of
fee. He said:
called on the governor to pay him my re-
spects and to let him know that l shall do
all in my power to hold up his hands. He has
called this extra session for the purpose
OF passing the tax bill, and that is what we
propose to do.
I believe We can confine our work pretty
closely to the tax report, and without ap-
plying any gag rule either. suggested two
methods to the governor this morning, and
would be satisfied with either of them.
One is to pass resolution excluding FALL
but tax bills from consideration except IN
this: On roll call, each morning, let each
member as his name is called, If he SO de-
sires, introduce local bill. There are a
good many such that must be passed and
could go through under suspension OF the
rules. In one county a bridge appropria alton
is held up on account Of mistake in the
name of township. 1t will take curative
act of the legislature to straighten it out.
There are many such cases, but would limit
the work to strictly local bills, that would
consume very little Of the time of the house.
The outher plan is to pass resolution pre-
venting the introduction Of any bills, except
as requested by the governor. He could
pass on all these local measures, and exclude
all others. His position is we'll known He
has called the session to pass on the tax re-
port, and not for general legislation
Favors a Caucus Tuesday.
am not inclined to favor a caucus before
Tuesday night. We could hardly act intel
ligently until we receive the governors mes
ton would be all we could accomplish the
first day. That night we could caucus
Yes, think that to be on the safe side we
should organize over again.
How do I like the tax report? Well, I am
reading it with great interest, and | consider
it very able document. It appears to me,
as far as I have gone, an admirable system.
My only objection is to the $25 exemption. 1t
should be left at 500. To prevent dividing
up the property we could provide by law
for only one exemption in each family. Poor
people pay taxes enough now.
Laybourn Out for Senator.
George r. Laybourn of Duluth, lead
ing member Of the house, appeared at the
office of the secretary of state this morn
ing and filed his affidavit as candidate
for the republican nomination for sen
ator in the f1fty-hrst district. 1t is now
represented by Senator G. o. Baldwin. a.
democrat.
Mr.. Laybourn is author of the bill
providing for the tax commission He
strongly indorses the bill they propose.
with one exception, the change in vessel
taxation. He said to-day:
Wants Tonnage Tax Retained.
The commission has changed our present
law taxing vessels registered in Minnesota
cents a ton, and places them on an ad
valorem basis. That would be all right if the
vessels had to register in Minnesota. but
they have the choice of any port on the great
lakes. There are 2Ss vessels now registered
at Duluth. They have a tonnage of 800, 0OO
tons and pay $4,000 In taxes, half of which
goes to the state. If they are taxed as
other property they will register hereafter at
West Superior, Marquette or points on the
other lakes That would be a great blow
to Duluth. Not only do these vessels ad-
vertise Duluth but they usually winter wher-
they register, and they spend great deal of
money with us. The state will gain nothing
by this change, and do not believe it will
be made.
The provision for taxation of the mines is
all right. The best sentiment of St Iouis
county is in favor of the bill as submitted
1t does not favor tonnage tax, which the
commission advocate in their report The
bill is a great Improvement on existing laws.
With the exception of vessel taxation, I am
very we'll satisfied. 1t has been objected
to for various reasons. The practice of send
ing out printed lists of assessments is OH
Eoxious to many, but believe it is all right.
Mr.. Laybourn favors a caucus, but
agrees with the speaker in wanting it de-
ferred to Tuesday night, or even Wednes-
day. He thinks there can be NO object in
holding caucus Monday night, before the
governors message is received
Commission Will Stay By.
1t is understood that members of the
tax commission expect to remain about
the capitol during the extra session, to
be within easy reach of the Legislature
for consultation whenever desired. AS
their work is really completed now, the
legislature will probably appropriate
money to pay for their attendance.