Omaha daily bee., 1903-01-30

claimed Mr.. Mcintosh. 1T costs more to
support the city Of Omaha than e takes
90 meet the demands Of tho entire state Of
Nebraska. Our city taxes are three times
what our state or county taxes arc. Why
not compel the railroads TO do their duty
and contribute their share toward bearing
this burden? Why should the richest end
strongest property owners in the city of
Omaha be allowed to shirk this obfga-
tlon7"
value of Omaha Terminals.
Mr.. Mcintosh read the statement OF
Chief Engineer B1gue Of the Union IA.
cihc in the maximum rate case, where Re
said the Union Pacific terminals in Omaha
were worth not less than $40. 900. 900. On
200 blocks in Omaha last year he showed
that the Union Pacific paid the munihoeut
sum Of $15,5S6 for all taxes.
After having at FIRST refused TO hear
Mr.. Mcintosh and then limiting him to
twenty minutes. the committee then lis
tened to a talk from Ben White. attor-
pey OF the Elkhbrn. Mr.. White argued
that passing the pending bill would create
an equality I'm Omaha and inequalities in
other parts Of the state.
After being nailed to their chairs tor
four hours. one Of the committeeman, Dr.
Wilson OF Pawnee, woke up and Indignantly
proclaimed: "Mr. Chairman, we are being
buncoed here. We have fooled away four
or five days listening to arguments on a
matter that comes before the legislature
and not this committee"
Everybody seemed to agree With the
doctor and wondered why he qnd mis- col
leagues had not discovered this sooner.
The Joint senate and house committee
nnnaNnNaI NAAa- -. I-.4g-a q.
adjournment over next week to allow the
revenue committee time to complete it's
work. The matter will be settled tomor-
row.
Baldwin Brought In.
John N. Baldwin was smoked out by the
Omaha Real Estate exchange committee
this afternoon and forced to appear before
The joint committee. A t first he fatty re-
fused to appear today, despite of his recent
open letter to Chairman Wead Of the tax
committee. This position was rather a
surprise as ne had professed TO be ex-
tremely anxious to debate the matter be-
fore the joint revenue committee, and this
challenge was sent to Mr.. Baldwin ht the
Lindell hotel by the real estate men from
Omaha:
LINCOLN, NebS Jan. 29.-Hon. John N.
Baldwin, Llndell Hotel, Lincoln, Neb.
Dear Sir-Agreeable to your letter of the
9th inst, we beg to advise you that we
are, here with our representative prepared
= sustain before the revenue committee of
the house, having under consideration
II: Y; III, the following propositions:
l. That railroads do not pay their. fair
share OF municipal taxes.
q II they did It would In no way affect
the taxes they should pay in the several
counties OF the state.
3. The foregoing being true, the clause in
city charters discriminating In favor of
railroads In the matter of municipal taxa
dion should be repealed.
Immediately on receipt of this, be kind
enough TO advise us If you will meet ouI
representative at 1880 this p. m, which is
time said committee meets. Your respect
fully
Tax Committee of the Omaha Real Estate
Exchange.
By f. d. wEAD. Chairman.
Here is Mr.. Baldwin's answer:
LINCOLN, Jan. 29.-Mr. f. d. wead
Chairman Omaha Real Estate Exchange
IAncoln: Sir-I have your communication
Gated Lincoln, January 20. which was re-
ceived by messenger at 1890 p. m. today
You ask me to meet your representative a
$50, this date. in. Joint discussion before
the house revenue committee. This is th'
first Information coming to me that l wal
expected to discuss this question with yoi
before the house committee at the houl
mentioned. l have never received an IN
Vitation of any kind or character from the
house revenue committee to be there a
this time or any other time.
We hope to appear before the senate
committee or revenue, the house committeC
on revenue, and the special committee or
revenue tomorrow evening to present oul
Your@of 1oourss, can be present with YOU
Ie~pfeedhtatkaGt IL you desire or II the
comngittet so requests. Yours respectfully
JOHN HSBALDWIN.
BE9akbt Him to Time.
somethinF@hrbuaht Abauf a change IL