Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1904-04-21

eVluent lu3I WISCONSIN VIII recover
from the railroads Il very large sum Of
money when this investigation shall
have been finally completed. Mime
sofa recovered from the railroads trav-
ersing that state about Sl47,00O and
its examination covered period OF
only six years. The statute OF iimita-
tons cannot be raised in Wisconsin
and the state will pursue the investi-
cation rs long rs there is any evidence
Of the withholding of the earnings
from the reports OF all gross earnings,
which the law has required them "
make annually for the last forty
years,
Gov. LaFoIIstte Lead. tho Way.
On the 23d day of April 1909, Gov.
LaFollettc sent to the legislature,
then in session, a special message %
great Importance. 1t presented facts
and arguments in such convincing
and powerful array that the legisla-
ture was compelled to follow the rae
ommendatlon of the governor and pass
law providing for an investigation
Of the books and documents of the
railroad companies for the purpose of
determining whether they were pay
ing the full amount Of taxes due the
state.
The law under which the railways
Of the state pay taxes was drawn by
the representatives OF the railroads
and it cunningly permitted the roads
to assess themselves. For years 1t
was believed that the railroads did
not make II true report OF their gross
earnings and the Hon. 4, X. H,.il for
years tried to induce the legislature
to take some effective and thorough
going action to investigate this subject.
The power of the lobby was always
sufficient to prevent the accomplish
ment OF anything of real value In
this direction.
1t remained for Gov. LaFollette to
lead the way for the recovery Of large
sums OF money as back taxes, out OF
which the state has been defrauded
- l,a a Tar
year under this old license fee law
passed Just half century ago.
Hallway Legislators In II Panic.
The presentation of this message to
the legislature on the 23d day OF
April created a profound impression
upon the public and CONSERVATION in
the ranks OF the railway lobby 1t
was cleary manifest to the most cas-
ual observer that the outcome was a
body blow 70 the representatives OF
the railroads in the legislature and the
lobbyists. The legislation recon-
mended in the special message was so
fair, SO plainly demanded
by the interests OF the state, and so
strongly backed up by the experience
rven the most hardened corporations
serving senator and assemblyman
could find no possible excuse to op-
pose.
Strong Bill Passed Assembly.
The governor had recommended
the bank examiners office
with authority to make the investi-
cation. This, doubtless, for the rea-
son that the investigation required
the work of expert accountants and
could be directed with less expense
and greater expedition by a depart
ment, the head of which was
skilled and experienced expert in such
work. In order, however, to offer no
possible excuse for defeating the
the friends of the admins
tration prepared bill placing the eX-
animation in charge of the bank ex-
lminer, railroad commissioner and at
-orney general with a view of having
The benefit and advantage of cooper
ition with the several departments
named. The bill provided for exam
ming the books, papers, accounts and
records OF any railroad or or any Off
,er or agent thereof, without prior
notice. and in aid Of such examine
lion, upon cause shown. gave author
ty likewise Ito compel the attendance
md testimony Of any witness and the
Inspection of the books and papers Of
Ill persons, joint stock companies, CO
partners or corporations who by rea-
son of any business transaction with
he railroadwhoSe accounts were under
Investigation would have knowledge
'elatiye thereto"
Senate Protects Railroads.
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