davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
TAX QUESTION IN WISCONSIN.
Equal Distribution of public Burden
on All Glasses of Property.

Equal Distribution of Public Burdens
on All Glasses of Property.
The legislature of Wisconsin Is graphing
with the tax question vigorously, and with
a determination to compel all classes of
property to bear an equal share Of the
public burden. A dispatch to the Chicago
Inter Ocean says the taxation committees
of the legislature, the tax commission and
the general officers OF the railroad cor
porations in Wisconsin will hold an infor-
NAL conference at Madison on February II,
and II is probable that James J. Hill of
Minnesota, who has been invited. will at
tend; in fact. he has informed Senator
Whitehead, who is chairman Of the senate
committee on assessment and collection Of
taxes, that he will be on hand II he can ar
range to do SO without interfering with
business arrangements already planned.
President Hughitt of the Chicago & North
western, and A. ]. Earling Of the Chicago.
Milwaukee & st. Paul, have said that they
will be present II possible. All OF the other
roads loing business in Wisconsin Will be
represented by ~ofhcials.
At this time appearances indicate that
the primary election bill is to be pushed
forward by the assembly, which is un-
doubtedly in favor Of a measure nearly as
radical as the Stevens bill, which was
killed two years ago, while the senate Is
deYoting all its time to taxation with the
evident intention OF disposing OF II before
the administration election reform meas
ure is considered seriously.
II is believed that Mr.. Hill will be on
hand February II, and that his appearance
will be one OF the features Of this session
of the legislature. TIL railroad people
have Just begun TO wake up to the fact that
there is great danger that there will be
legislation of a serious character, and that
their interests are in danger.
The legislature, however, through its
committees, has indicated a desire to hear
from the ofhciaIs OF the railroads on the
question Of higher taxes. and II is believed
that the railroads will improve the oppor-
tunity by presenting. through the various
presidents or other representatives, the ar
guments said to have been formulated upon
an elaborate mass Of figures and facts re-
Gently collected by a special agent.
They are prepared to show. It is said,
that there has been no tax-dodging on the
part OF the railroads, and that, as a matter
OF fact. they have been paying for a num-
Der OF years a heavier tax in Wisconsin
than In any other safe, Notwithstanding
the fact that nearly all other states have
increased the taxes Of these corporations
II is believed that no time is to be wastet
in the senate. and that this taxation ques'
tion is to have the right OF way oVel
everything else. The assembly, however
Is apparently more interested IN prtmar'
election reform
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
WHICH FORK TO USE.
Baltimore American.

Baltimore American.
Some persons yearn for knowledge
OF the kind you get at colleges;
Some long for musty facts from days
agone;
Some hunger 30 be knowing
What the future will be showing,
While others watch the present humming
But When I'm called out to dinner
BY some plutocratic sinner
who was always in the social swimming
I would give a whole diploma,
E,en my college-bred aroma,
I would give II all and gladly be a fool
/ would give my evening Clothes,
And the JOY that ebbs and flows,
When / hear the mellow popping or the
cork,
Were I not always forgetting
One small thing that keeps me fretting-
II I only could recall which forxts
(which fork?"
There's quite a row besioe me,
But the woe OF woes beude me,
II ever / can get them sorted QUIT
For saoh one has its duty o
just ae. each It's dainty sauty-
But the rest-they have me guessing
In a manner most distressing.
And I'd almost trade my hope OF future soy
For a nance TO eat again
In the farmhouse dull and plain
With the tools / used to handle when =.
boy.
For I'm sure I never learn,
Thou gin / yearn and yearn and yoarn.
Though I spend a dozen seasons In New
Just what fork Is next In line;
81 from soup TO nuts and win
1 am haunted by the thought,
(which fork?"
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
WHAT THEY ARE PLEDGED TO.

The platform plank embodied in the
declarations unanimously adopted at the
last state convention Of Nebraska re-
publicans relating to the question of
revenue law revision reads as follows:
We realize that the condition Of the
states finances urgently requires measures
to increase its revenues and to reduce the
state debt, which exceeds the constitu-
tional limit. with this object in view a
more strict enforcement of the laws re-
latlng to assessment and taxation is i'm
perative. The franchises as well as the
tangible property Of all corporations should
be assessed so as to bear their just and due
share Of the cost Of government-state'
county and municipal-the same as other
taxable property as contemplated by the
constitution.
Every republican member of the leg
islature was elected on this platform
and stands committed to carry out he
pledges therein contained. No n can
read this declaration without under
standing that it promises tax reform
that will equalize the burdens Of gov
eminent not only in the state at large
but also in the various municipalities.
The platform says in so many words
that the railroads should be assessed so
as to bear their just and due share OF
the cost not only of state government
but also of city government where rail-
road property shares in the advantages
of the public service rendered at the ex-
pense OF the municipal treasury. That
the railroads do not now bear their just
and due share Of the cost of municipal
government the same as other taxable
property as contemplated by the con-
stitution, will not be denied eve by the
railroad attorneys and lobbyists them
selves
The changes in the law by which the
three principal cities in the state,
namely, Omaha, Ltpcoln and South
Omaha, have raised their assessments
for city purposes under the tax commits
sioner system up to the full cash valua-
ton, while the railroad assessments
have remained at the ridiculously low
fraction Of actual value fixed by the
State Board of Equalization, have
worked to reduce the amount Of mu-
nicipal taxes paid on the railroad prop.
erty even below what it was under the
old system and TO compel the other
property owners to pay taxes which
should be paid by the railroads. In
these three cities the railroads have had
their taxes absolutely cut down to the
extent of many thousands Of dollars
but not a dollar of the money thus with
held has been paid in additional taxes
in any county. city or school district in
the state.
It is needless to dwel1 on the manifest
inequality and injustice of the existing
law for the taxation of railroad prop
erty in cities. Every member Of the
legislature stands pledged to remov
this inequality, and he cannot shut his
eyes to the situation without laying
himself open to the charge of repudiat
ing party promises.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
ne lsorfoIk ssyinm n sminently sound snd
should be confnrmed 10 without delay.
Personal NOTES.

General Uribe-Uribe has decided that tfo
Is a failure unless a man can have his own
way.
Although a very generous man. President
Roosevelt doesn't like TO tip the beam at
more than 100 pounds.
Charles Moten, q colored man and tho
oldest resident Of Washington, d. G., has.
just died in that city at the age OF lis.
Abraham Lincoln. the Oldest male sur
vivor OF the LlncolRs from which descended
the president, is living at Lacy Springs. Va.
While in Europe General Miles saw a good
many novel things. He attended a oale-
walk IN Paris and Bufrslo Bin's show In
London.
Mr.. Marconi is a handy travelling COM
up in the air at any time and pull down
the latest news.
Seventy German poets have formed a
trust and agreed not to accept less than
half a mark a line for their work. This
seems to be a confession that many Of their
lines are not more than half up to the
mark.
Benjamin waddell, a wealthy and public
spirited farmer OF Marion county, Ohio.
who some time since gave q $4,000 homo
for children to the town of Marion, is
about to expend at least $50, 900 in building
a home for old ladies in the same town.
Anicla RinEinska. the only remaining godr
child OF Napoleon l, is dead at Warsaw,
aged 81. She happened to be born the day
Napoleon passed through Warsaw on his
way back from Moscow and the great gem
eral stopped at the baby's fathers hotel.
Having in mind how the eighth letter OF
the alphabet is misused in England. some
one in Washington has perpetrated this
crime: What was really the disease from
which Sir Michael Herbert suffered when
he had his row With Bowen7" OF course
the listener gives 1t up, whereupon the
Rnswer is given: "It was a severe attack
of the (H)ague.''
Nate Salisbury, who died at Long Branch
on December "a last, by his will left S210.-
900 In personal property and no real es-
tate. His widow. Rachel Salisbury. is
made sole legatee. knowing that she will
devote the income OF my estate to the
care and education of our children" as
the will reads. The wiil names Milton +.
Minor of Fort Benton. Mont, az executor,
but it is understood that he has snounced
In favor OF the widow.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

N
The ratification by the senate Of the
treaty providing for a commission Of
jurists to pass upon the question Of the
Alaskan boundary dispute gives promise
that the troublesome controversy will in
a reasonable time be settled. 1t should
be understood that this convention does
not provide for arbitration, but simply
for the ascertainment, by American and
British jurists, as to the scope and mean
ing Of the provisions of the treaty be-
tween Great Britain and Russia regard
ing the boundaries Of the territory that
was purchased by the United States
from Russia.
There exists now an arrangement that
is not satisfactory to either country. 1t
is a provision Of understanding that is
necessarily temporary and which cir
c~umstances may disturb at any moment.
1t has been a menace to peace in the
past and may become so in the future.
Both governments realize the expedi-
ency of getting 1t out of the arena of
controversy and therefore they have
agreed to submit to a commission the
determination of the question as to the
meaning Of the treaty of 1925, in force
when the United States purchased
Alaska of Great Britain. In proposing
this method Of reaching a decision of
the question our government has made
nc concession. 1t has simply said to
Great Britain that this is a matter
about which there is uncertainty and
the United States is willing to have
the meaning of the treaty between
Russia and Great Britain submitted to
a tribunal of jurists in whose integrity
and honor both can rely. These Jurists
will not have the character Of arbitra.
tors and yet their decision will have q
potential influence upon the determine.
ton of the controversy. II a majority
should decide in favor Of the American
contention, as it is confidently believed
would be the case. there would prob
ably be no difficulty in reaching ar
amicable adjustment. On the other
hand, should our claim be approved the
controversy would end and a perplex
ing and irritating issue would be for
ever settled.
We believe that the contention Of the
United States in this matter is abso
lutely sound and that this can be con
clusively shown to fair-minded British
jurists. This is evidently the feeling a
Washington and particularly in admin
~istration circles. Everybody who is a
all familiar with this controversy mus
desire that It shall be settled as soon Al
possible in a fair, equitable and amicabl,
way. The treaty ratified by the senat
provides a way suggested by our owl
government and there is reason to be
licve that. It viii have a .satisfactor!
result.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
Senators by Popular Vote.
st. Louis -Globe-pemocrat.

st. Louis Globe-Democrat
One branch Of oregon's legislature has
passed a joint resolution asking congress
to pass an amendment to the constitution
for the election of senators by a direct
vote of the people. Many legislatures v
taken similar action in the last few
years. Apparently, the movement for the
change is growing. Such a contest as
that in Colorado recently and the one in
Delaware for the last few years help to
incite the sentiment which voices itself
In these demands for a new method in
the election of senators. For the time
being the proposition to make this change
in the mode Of election will be sure to
be opposed by the senate itself, but unless
the scandals attending the elections by
the Legislature end soon the movement
for the constitutional amendment will be-
come irresistible s
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
CURRENCY FoR THE PHILIPPINES.

~ 49,.
If congress adjourns without making
provision for IN Improvement of cur
rency conditions in the Philippines the
consequences will be most serious to
the islands and a vast amount of trouble
to this country may result! The dis
patch from Governor Taft a few days
ago shows how bad the situation is
and how great is the urgency for relief
and in view of this it seems remarkable
that ongre should hesitate to provide
the needed legislation. Governor Taft
stated that all business is suffering
greatly from iuctuatiou and deprecia-
ton Of silver and that failure to furn-
ish relief at this session Of congress
would create CONSERVATION throughout
the islands. He pointed out that the po-
litical situation would become more diff
fcult If there was not relief and there
can be no doubt that such will be the
case.
The greatest need in the Philippines
today is a currency system that will pro-
tect III business of the islands against
the disastrous effects of the depreciation
of silver and the consequent luctua-
lions of exchange and this can be pro-
vided by simply putting the currency of
the islands upon a gold basis, as was
proposed by the house of representatives
at the last session of congress and re-
jected by the senate. There is no ne
cessity for trying expedients. when the
way is plain. Governor Taft, who is
perfectly familiar with the situation,
says that the effect Of introducing Amer
icar money into the islands, which has
peer proposed, would enhance prices
greatly and derange every form of busi-
ness. That this is correct no one ia
miliar with financial operations Will
question. The money that is now used
in the Philippines should be retained
that is the silver currency-but upon n
gold standard basis that will guard
against the fluctuations now so dam
aging to the business Of the islands.
What is manifestly needed is not a new
currency. with which the people would
be entirely unfamiliar. but IN change in
regard to the existing currency which
would give it stability and security.
This question has been befare col.
gress since early in the beginning OF
the present session and ought TO have
been disposed of long ago, since there
was ample information as to the neces
sity for different Philippine currency
legislation from that which had beer
provided in the bill that passed at thu
first session. Had the policy embodied
in the house measure been adopted
there would now be no trouble, but al
1t is there is danger that nothing viii
be done at the present session and tina
a year may elapse before the monetary
} relief so urgently needed by the Phil
5 ippines will be supplied. Tue demo
Gratis in the senate are said to be op
posed, 10 extending the gold standard L
the archipelago and It is quite poss,bl
that they viii defeat the proposition I
do this. In that event 1t is altogethe
+ probable that there will ensue IN tn
! Philippines disorder ahd difficulties o
J q very serious nature. The delay o
3 congress in this matter has been yer
damaging and failure to provide tn
needed relief might prove disastrous
4
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

Every member Of the legislature
should read over and digest the an
guage used by Judge Holcomb in the
opinion rendered by the supreme court
in the railroad tax case, in which he de-
clares that the condition Of affairs in
Omaha, Lincoln and South Omaha by
which the railroads are enabled to es-
cape proportionate taxation with other
property discloses an inequality
in taxation 'repugnant TO the most
r%udimentary principles Of justice" WIN
the legislature refuse to give relief from
such injustice?
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
diminished Business.

st. Louis Globe-Democrat.
That fight with insurgents in the neigh
borhood Of Manila in which an American
officer has been killed is an indication that
qualification in the Philippines is not yet
quite complete. II a fight of this sort can
take place within seven miles of tho capital
of the Philippines, as this did. there must
necessarily be considerable disafiection left
in the archipelago. That movement of
troops to the United States. by which the
garrison Of the islands has been reduced to
about 2 10000, has evidently gone too far.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

minority will have another chance 10
show whether It's professions for home
rule mean anything or are designed sim
ply for campaign buncombe. II home
rule is a principle worth tying to, it ap-
plies TO the management of South Omaha
fire and police departments and to the
control of the Omaha water board MS
much as It Toes to the paving of city
streets or the administration of the pub
lie schnola
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

In any other city than Omaha the
Commercial club. as the organized body
Of business e would be in the very
Forefront OF a hght TO put a stop TO rail
road tax Sinking whose success would
q a reduction OF 20 per cent In every
business mans city taxes Just imagine
what activity the Kansas City CONNER.
cAl club would be manifestng II OuI
campaign for tax reform were being
waged there. But the difference be
tween Omaha and Kansas City In thl'
respect - easily accounted for
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
Grnftjn Politics.
Indianannlia 1onrnal

Indianapolis journal
The word graft as now used in politics
is of comparatively recent origin. The la
test dictionaries throw no light on its new
meaning. The nearest approach to II is an
architectural use of the word to designate
something inserted in or Incorporated with
another thing to which It did not originally
belong; an extraneous addition The new
graft" is something inserted in the public
treasury and the peoples pockets. Every
farmer knows what grating means and
what milking is, but II he were told that
the modern graft is a means Of milking the
public treasury he would probably be be-
wildered. 1t represents one Of the worst
forms of legalized stealing and is found in
great abundance in state houses during leg
~islative sessions. During the first 100 years
Of our, national existence we have moved
very far. both in national and state govern
ments, from the high standard OF oficial
responsibility and civic duty. the rigid
economy in public affairs and the conscien-
tious regard for the taxpayers that once
prevailed.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

The only way to secure tax reform
that viii equalize the burdens of gov
eminent as between the railroads and
the private individual is TO keep ever
lastingly at 1t. Committees in command
Of the fighting forces must not allow
themselves to be frightened or diseour-
AGED.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

The diplomacy Of Superintendent
PeaTse was again shown when he care
fully excluded the members Of the
school board from his list Of those fur
nishing horrible examples in penman-
ship for public school pupils.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
ONE Horse ON Marcus.
Springfield Republican.

Thus far Senator Hanna's bill to pension
ex-siaves has received one notable indorse-
ment. Resolutions unanimously adopted by
the Birmingham, Ala, camp OF united con-
federate veterans declare that the bill
should pass because, among other reasons,
the slaves loyalty cultivated the planta-
lions Of their masters while the masters
were serving under Lee, Jackson and Bragg.
At this distance the Birmingham indorse-
ment looks like a Joke on Mr.. Hanna.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

Omaha city officials may as well save
themselves the trouble of preparing bills
to remedy charter defects that have
come under their notice through their
experience in office. The members OF
the Douglas delegation to the legislature
are operating oil the theory that they
are able to hatch all the charter amend
ments needed without the aid or consent
of nyo not specially invited to give
advice.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

After throwing the votes of all the
democratic senators against the con-
nrmaton Of appointments of negroes to
ONCE in the south, the democrats will
try to persuade the negro voters in the
north that the republicans are not treat
ing them right.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
LAUGHING MATTER.


'Haye you any objection to my, taking
your daughter TO the theater.. sir"
saleot the ~play."-smart Set.
Miss Hope-what is the best way to re-
tain ones friends?
Mr.. sage-Don't give 'em a~w1N-Hcansas
City Journal.
81 see that one P~ennsyaVauia convict
fatally assaulted another"
They must have some bad men in that
neutrality-suspicious. Plain Dealer.
Uncle John-rm glad to hear you say
you've got such a nice teacher.
Willie-Yes, she's the best ever.
Uncle .John-rhats right.
wiiie-Yes. she gets sick every other
week or so an there amt no school,
Philadelphia Press.
'-Wha kind of breakfast food have your
inquired the New Workers in the Boston
1--WE have pumpkin. custard. apple and
adjusting his giasses-Yonkers Statesman.
Where are yo,u from. Mr.. POlhsmusf'
what are your politics, may I askp"
Haven't got any po~htics-1ust New Jer-
sey."-Chicago Tribune. !ee
THAT inventor has a brilliant future"
HE has. I never knew a man with so
long a list of great things he is going to
do. He is one of the few people whose
futures make them famous"
Star.
'I am the most important. thing around
here" said the big range II like TO
6noT why that pun gasoline stove Is
perhaps II has a right" said the coal
scuttle; at is the only thing in this house
that dares to blow up the cook."-Philadel
/ phfa Record
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13
AduIterated Medicines.
New York h

The published results Of researches made
by the health department, which prove
that in many drug stores costly mediea-
ments are extensively adulterated with
substitutes, may tend to increase the num-
Der OF V~otaries Of faith cures. The prac-
tice Of SUBSTITUTION" something equally
good" in medicines. prepared foods and
~potables. has been. unfortunately. gaining
ground. to the public dstriment and injury.
In many places Of late years.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

The solicitude Of President Baer, that
the adoption OF the uniform wage scale
for the entire anthracite coal region
might not accord justice to men mining
coal under different local conditions, is
truly pathetic. But Mr.. Baer's anxiety
to see that nothing but even-handed
justice is melted out does o extend to
transactions between the coal operators
and the coal-consuming public.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

Over in Chicago the underwriters are
talking OF institutlng a fire coroner at
their own expense, provided he can be
invested with the necessary authority.
When they talked of a fire coroner for
Omaha the possibility of the fire com
panies footing the bills was not even
suggested.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

New York City has been definitely COM
mitted to the policy Of public ownership
of street car lines by the grant Of a fifty
year franchise to the Interborough Street
Railway company. on condition that at the
end OF that time the city shall take over
the plant and equipment "at a fair price,
to be then fixed by the board of estimate.
The lines to be constructed under this
franchise will be located in the borough
Of the Bronx. Mayor Low, as we'll as
Controller Grant. have favored the impo-
sition Of the public purchase condition. II
is probable that hereafter new franchises
and extension OF old will be granted only
on similar terms.
Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-13

A decision in the beef trust litigation
is expected soon. If the case is de-
cided in favor of the meat packers we
will see an early resumption Of the sus-
pended operations looking toward a con-
solicitation Of all the great meat-packing
PLANTS of the country.