The Democratic advocate., 1904-02-20
Let Reason Replace Excitement
Economy the Watchward.

Last week the General Assembly of Mary
land lost its head on account of the Baltimore
fire, called for Federal troops, when the
President had no authority to send them under
existing conditions in Baltimore; passed reso-
lutions of censure against Gen. Lawrason
Riggs, and the next day expunged them, after
an explanation from Gen. Riggs, and other
wise gave evidence of excitement dethroning
reason. In the case of Gen. Riggs it was con-
demnaton first, and trial afterward.
A resolution was introduced in the House
of Delegates to appropriate $3.50, 900 for the
benefit of Baltimore. Just what the money
is needed for, it is difficult to understand.
1t did not pass, and it is hoped it will not.
There has been no suffering in Baltimore.
No lives were lost and no special hardships
imposed. Some people were thrown out of
employment, but their cases are personal
matters, to be borne like losses that come to
men continually, and do not call for State aid.
Business men and professional men have suf-
fered inconvenience and some loss, but the
most of them readily found temporary loca-
paper publishers. They had to continue the
publication of their papers, at great expense
and Inconvenience They could not stop.
They had to continue to issue their papers, no
matter the cost in money, and they will have
to so continue for some weeks longer.
1t is reasonably certain that the State tax
rate will have to be increased for the nea:t
three or four years. One cent additional may
suffice, but two cents on the 800 is the more
likely increase. owing TO the decrease in the
taxable basis in Baltimore of perhaps $50,
600, 600. There will be decrease in the tax
from licenses, also. Notwithstanding the loss
of revenue to the State from these causes, il
is now proposed by Baltimoreans, and a bill
To that effect has already been introduced IN
the Legislature. to further reduce the States
revenue by abolishing the tax on incomes
from mortgages. This tax is an ever increas.
ing source Of revenue, and if once abolished
il may never be reimpOsed, because most
money lenders viii s,reuuously oppose it.
With decreased revenue from direct and
license taxation it is the duty Of the Legisls-
ture to throw aside excitement and consider
all measures for further reducing the revenue
with reason aud calm judgment. All apuro
priation bills should be considered with ealm
Judgment also. The public schools must not
be allowed to 60 backward or even stand still;
free books must he furnished to school chi
dreu. and the pensions to school teachers must
be maintained and the increase voted to take
care Of those who are entitled to pensions aud
have not received them.
The City OF Baltimore should he gwen ali
legislation ,aAi she needs te enable her to
ariss from her ashes. bai We can see no need
Of an appropriation Of $3.50, 900 BY the 5, lie,
nor for the reoeal Of the mortgage tax. Bal
timore has bad unexampled prosperity for SIX
or seven years. and the accumulated wealth
ia those years is surely sufficient TO place thu
city above the pauper plane. More than half
OF the direct loss Is covered by insurance, sud
within thirty DAYS al Of this insurance viii
have been paid. The city will not recover
from the effects Of the FIRE for dsebde. but
misfortunes are continually ovrrtAkiag people,
and must be overcome by industry and econ
omy. The people OF the counties q Maryland
will willingly bear an increased tax rAis Of
two or three cents on the 500 to make ap the
loss OF revenue 10 the State resulting from the
disastrous FIRE in Baltimore. The eoartry
merchants will also aid the uPhailding Of Bal
;imore By buying goods there that wete form
erly purchased IN New York and Boston, bat
economy in appropriations By the Legislator
where it may be exergi,ei, 50 that the .I;ais
tSx rate bear as lightly - possible.