The Columbus journal., 1903-04-08

Linooln Letter.
OSpseial Corrsspoodsocs)
The now revenue bill has at last passed
both houses, and ct this writing it seems
certain to receive tho governor's sigma
ture and become Q law before the end OF
tho week. 1t il not drawn to take effect
until next year, which viii give time for
tho officials to become familiar with its
provisions. It will in some respects
bring about . revolution in county elec-
tions, - it provides for new Official in
each county in the person Of the county
assessor, Who is to work in conjunction
With tho county commissioners in the
appointment Of the deputy assessors, and
in the supervision OF the work. The
county assessors will in turn work under
tho supervision OF the secretary OF the
state board, who is expected to keep in
touch with tho work in all the counties.
One good effect OF the revenue aRita-
tion is noticed in the reports OF the meet
ings Of precinct assessors now being held
over tho state. Tho usual practice has
been for these officials TO meet and under
the old full valuation" Law sgree to
assess property at from one-fifth to one
twelfth OF its cash value. The reports
this year indicate general tendency to
IN increase in tho valuations of personal
property. Should there also be IN in
crease in tho efforts to collect, the new
revenue bill will have done good work
for the state funds before it really goes
into effect % Law.
Now that the Legislature is about to
adjourn it 10 not out OF place to mention
tho general character OF tho membership.
1t 10 apparent that last year the people
Of the state were aroused to the necessity
OF electing representatives OF good habits
and good character, and who would not
trade OF their work in the session for
jobs and other perquisites. The result
u that better lot Of men never came to
hestate house. There IL no booking and
rowdyism such % has sometimes marked
past sessionsL Not one-half OF the men,
bers even smoke, and there is no sus-
picion OF 'hold-ups" or "hold-up" bills.
The old-style lobbyists with their free
whiskey and free lunch and dance tickets
have met with q cold reception. The
republican party has reason to be proud
OF the men it has sent to Lincoln and oi
the conscientious work they have per.
formed.
The house in iit OF generosity pushed
tho appropriation bills through, calling
for expenditures amounting to . total Of
nearly $4y000OOO, as compared with
$2S00OO appropriated by the last leg.
islature. A great many members voted
for these large amounts with the full
knowledge that tho senate would not
agree to such lavish expenditures. The
upper house and the governor are now
joining together in the pruning process,
and it u believed that tho bills will be
cut down to reasonable limita.
It was expected that the adjournment
would take place ct the end OF last week,
but tho unexpected delay OF the revenue
bill in tho senate, and the work now in
sight in trimming the appropriation
bills. made it impossible to get through
% soon, and the date fixed for Tuesday
BY tho conference committees is the
earliest practical date. Interested lob
byists attempted to force IN early ad-
journmeut in order that tho prodigal
appropriations and claims be rushed
through. but they were easily frustrated.
Tho interesting features OF this week
viii be the appropriation bills, the elsva-
tor bin, the militia, and the normal
schools. OF course the iveliest skir-
mishes will be made by those who object
to the plan Of tho senate to cut down the
appropriations, and the interested lobby
10 expected to work overtime.
Tuesday 10 the date set for adjourn
ment, but there is probability that tho
clock viii stop and that the session will
60 right on until about Thursday noon.
"WEDNESDAY afternoon attorneys for
tho defense in tho Lille trial ut David
City finished reading their sdidavits
alleging that jurors had formed IN opin-
ion - to tho guilt OF tho defendant BE-
fore entering the box. A number Of
these aARdavits were filed in tho morning
and tho county attorney had no oppor-
tunity to 6le aAidavits to rebut them.
ThN court af al,onk 2 0,clock a6ionrnal1