Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1903-03-05
SECTION 50 STANDS.
-HENDERSON'S AMENDMENT
VOTED DOWN.
Wizards Wise Words-He Says
the Opposition Shows That
It Should Stand.
Raleigh News-O Observer, Feb. q.

flee to complete the work on the ma
chinery act.
The most important matter for con-
sideration was the fate of section so,
the section prescribing the methods
which the Corporation Commission
shall employ in assessing railroad
property for taxation. There was
quite a debate about the matter. !
Senator Henderson, of Rowan, Of
fered an amendment to subsection b.,
of section 80. |
Judge Graham moved as a substi-
tute for MI. Henderson's amendment
hat section so remain, be adopted
without a change.
There were some questions and
answers between Mr.. Cyrus B. Wat
son, representing the Norfolk and
Western Railroad, and Judge Ora
ham.
Mr.. Watson: "Why did the Leg
islature of 1901 change the method of
assessing railroads for taxation?'
Mr.. Graham: "To get a sure plan
of assessing the railroads at their true
value and in consequence of an al
legged agreement the case of the rail-
roads against the Railroad Commits
sion, which was compromised"
Mr.. Watson: "Where did they get
this section?"
Mr.. Graham: "I do not know. I
think it was taken from the acts of
several northern States"
Mr.. Watson: els there any real
objection why the Corporation Com
mission should not be allowed to use
their discretion?"
At this juncture Chairman London
noticing Mr.. Willard, Of New
Hanover, who, as a member Of the
Finance Committee Of 1901, had had
much to do with framing the revenue
and machinery act, stated that he
was sure the committee would be
glad to hear Mr.. Willard, and Judge
Graham requested that as he was
more familiar with the act than he
was, to answer Mr.. Watson's ques-
ton.
Mr.. Willard then spoke briefly
and stronglyagainst changing section
fifty. In answering Mr.. Watson's
question he said that the act was
adopted for the purpose of getting at
the actual value of railroad property
and to get that property on the tax
books. He said the section was dis
cussed very fully two years ago at
meetings of the committee, and that
railroad attorneys and railroad Off
Gals were present when it was dis
cussed. After full discussion it had
been printed and laid on the desk of
every member of the legislature.
II Judge from the opposition to
section so that it will accomplish its
purpose if it is allowed to stand"
Mr.. Smith, of Gates, said the Ian
guage Of section so implied a discre-
ton within the three lines laid down
by the section. The corporation Com
HllSSlCi1 1A1DSO WOIA W1lIIl1A CIIC 1lIll1lS
laid down.
The vote was then puton MI. Hen
derson's amendment. It was defeat
ed by a vote of11 to 8. Judge Ora,
hams motion to adopt the section
without change was then adopted by
II to &.
Senator James B. Glenn, of Gull
ford. then said he wished to make
the point of order that this was no
a Joint committee in session, but
meeting of the House and Senate
Committees. "I make the point
he continued, 'that the vote be ia
ken separately and reported sepa.
rately to the two Houses.
Chairman London: "The usua
custom of putting a viva voce vot
of the Joint committee has been pur
sued"
Mr., Henderson: "No man is boun,
by the report, especially if he give
notice"
General Glenn: "The Senate Com
mittee should make its oWn report.
And that ended the fight. It isnc
believed that there will be niue
fight in the House, but the remark
of Senators Henderson and Glen
would indicate that they will contir
ue the fight to amend section 90
the Senate.
She hated him for carrying her t
the opera, because the man she love
wouldn't bid.