The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1903-01-15


,e--5 .. TIT - ..le-s VS. I-7er so --11-
eral or generous as today. Mining is one
Of the great industries of the state and is
constantly growing. The working condi-
tons have been greatly improved and |
commend the work of the labor commission
and the mine inspector and his deputies In
their efforts to assist in the Improvement
Of working conditions and the material
prosperity of this great body Of workmen
in our state.
FORESTRY.
The subject of forestry is now engaging
the earnest attention and consideration of
practical men, rs il is realized that unless
immediate and active steps are taken to
preserve the timber now growing and to
provide for future needs by forest propaga-
ton, Ii is but matter of few years
until the timber supply Of the state will
be entirely exhausted.
The attention of the members of this
general assembly Is directed TO this impor-
tant matter. and 1t is recommended that
forestry be given careful thought and de-
liberation to the end that ample means
commission to. intelligently prosecute prac-
teal forestry work as intended by the law
creating the department.
BOARD OF STATE CHARITIES.
The work of the Board of State Charities
is OF inestimable value. Its supervision
over the benevolent, charitable and cOrrec-
tional institutions Is of special value and
adds materially to the efficient, humane
and economical management of these insti-
tutiOns- l especially commend the services
Of Mr.. Amos w. Butler, secretary of the
Board of State Charities, who In a signal
manner. has been faithful to the respon-
sible duties of his position.
BOARD OF TAN COMMISSIONERS.
Experience has demonstrated that the
amendments TO the tax law made by the
legislature OF 1901. in that the assessment
Of street and electric railroads. inter-coun-
~ gas and pipe lines, ETC., Is now delegated
TO the State Board Of Tax Commissioners
have given more uniformity to values, be-
cause Of the merging of this class of prop
erty within the province of a single taxing
authority. 1t has been the aim of the state
board of tax commissioners to equalize the
value of corporate property in conformity
with the revenue law of the state so that
the physical elements of the property and
earning capacity. demonstrated by re-
ceipts and operating expenses, would pie e
each corporation upon such basis that il
would pay to the state in proportion to its
real value. The assessment and equaliza-
ton of nearly s200.000.O00 of values Is one
Of the greatest responsibilities devolying
upon the public duty of any OF Tx. bureaus
Of this commonwealth. and it requires q
fidelity and Judgment that. from the differ
ent standpoints of basis. can deduce an as
ssssmers that will be alike fair and equi-
table both Is the parties in interest as in
vsstors and the state from whom the par
eat franchise was obtained.
The statute OF 1901 specifically taxing
transportation companies should be so
amended that 1t would be treated as an ex-
else tax or license payable directly to the
treasurer Of state. These companies do not
traverse. generally. the different counties of
Indiana. but operate from east to west on
trunk lines. so that the values are tiistrib-
uted upon the records of quite number of
counties. but IN such minor amounts as TO
render the revenue to any one county in
significant.
The time II county boards of review
ought TO be extended that where tsisi-
ness requires they may remain In session
| forty five days instead of the present limit.
| There are a number of counties in Indiana
where the interests are so large that JUS
| tice cannot be done either the state, In
| dividual or corporation within the present
prescribed term The larger counties
should have lire time than the statute
now prescribes, and l would suggest that
| option of the different boards of review
based on the amount of business to be
| transacted.
CREATION OF BUREAUS.
| / consider it is timely to direct attention
( to the fact that in Indiana we have beer
| creating bureaus at a prodgious rate; some
| desirable others Of small practical conse
quence. and still others that are next Il
| needless. The result of this tendency Il
a bureaucracy is especially pernicious II
! that the creation of new department
marks only the beginning of demands OF
| the treasury for more Additional depn
ties, additional excuses for spending mon
ey In order to provide preferred persons
with employment, are matters with which
each succeeding legislature Is called upoI
to consider IN connection with general ant
specific appropriations. While we shouls
endeavor to lend encouragement to ever,
movement honestly designed to be helpful
to public interests, we cannot af1ord so D.
uninindful of the rights of citizens who ar
taxed for the support of such department.
or bureaus, especially In cases where tn
preponderance Of evidence indicates tina
private gain is the motive rather thai
righteous regard for the public veal
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE.
The work of the legislative committee
while being new departure, is one Of tn
most valuable reforms authorized by stat
ute. It's labors are very arduous and com
prehend In scope every feature OF fnstitu
tional necessity and management The pei
sonal inspection of buildings and grounds
examination of books and needs, is embed
led In recommendations to the general as
sembIy. In accordance with the statute
appointed as the committee to make a r.
port to the Legislature, Senator Fremop
Goodwine, Representatives Henry w. MAJ
shall and Joseph NJ. Crayens. and con
mend their work ard conclusions
NON-PARTIsAN BOARDS.
Under the law all Of the boards Of th
penal, correctional and benevolent institt
lions are non-parfisan, excepting that 2
4 Ing 4 vacancy on this board, created By rel
lgnation, made this board also non-pa'
THE STATES INSTITUTIONS
The public institutions Of Indiana, "a
liberal provision, are to be commended "a
their conditions Of eenefal excellence III
eject tie admifable prtSielon6 q L.
xesFssY t.s nss'< 49, ss >ss 9 ss3