Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1906-12-22

sion appointed by the governor and
among other things provided was that
the direct tax on property for general
state purposes should be abolished.
Other revenues were provided to take
its place. The legislature adopted that
part of the program providing for tbs
abolition of the direct state tax, but
failed To provide for sufficient revenue
to make up the deficiency. The aboli-
ton OF the state tax is to be gradual
the last to come of in 1907. and, as
there viii be no other meeting OF the
legislature until 1909, the approaching
session must provide more revenue, or
else the state win inevitably run large
ly in debt.
For Regulation Of Railroads.
Another matter of great interest
now and of great Importance always
is state railroad commission. There
has been good deal of talk about the
creation of such body for several
years, and it has been made into pop
ular issue by the general discussion of
railroad-rate regulation that has been
engaged in all over the country the
last year or two. Four years ago a
bill CHANGING in the direction was pre-
pared and introduced into the senate
at the request of Governor White and
Mr.. Dawson, then secretary of state.
But it was not such bill as would
prove pleasing and satisfactory to
the people now. 1t provided simply for
a railroad commissioned, whose duty
it would be to collect data and report
to the governor. The people are now
demanding railroad commission,
armed with plenary powers to regu-
late the rate and do whatever may be
done under the constitution, state and
federal, to control the railroads doing
business in this state. One feature
that will inevitably cause a struggle
in the legislature is the manner of
choosing these commissioners. Gov
ernor Dawson thinks they should be
appointed by the governor. Others
think they should be elected by the
people.
The mining laws should also come
in for a general revision. The great
loss of life in the coal mines of the
state during the past Two years has
fixed the minds of the people upon the
necessity for some change in the laws
that will in some way make the bust
ness of mining coal less dangerous.
and a great cry has gone up from
every section demanding action from
the legislature. Governor Dawson a
few months ago appointed commits
sion to make recommendations along
this line, and the result will be that a
number of bills dealing with this sub
ject will be presented. One feature for
which the state mine inspectors con-
tended, but which the commission
turned down, was that an inspector
be given power, when mine is found
dangerous, to close it until it has been
rendered safe. Under the present law
the inspector must apply to a court
for an injunction to prevent the opera
ton OF bad mine. 1Eis, of course,
takes time, and the lives of the miners
| is exposed while the court slowly
moves.
A bill to fix the liabilities of employers
will be among those that will cause
much discussion This state is deplor-
ably lacking in laws for the safety of
workingmen, and each recurring legis-
lature for some years has been called
upon to deal with the matter. Two
years ago bill introduced at the first
OF the session could not be gotten out
10 I the senate committee to which it
was referred, and died there, though
the working people had a strong lobby
here during the entire time working
hard to have something done with it.
1t can hardly be smothered in COM
mittee again.
The appropriation hills will cause
great trouble. Despite the fact that the
last legislature appropriated more
money than was ever appropriated by
any OF its predecessors. there was less
appropriated for building purposes, and
the demands OF two sessions will be
here putting up 'holl sr" at this one.
And you know people will fight for
their appropriations.
Senator Elkins will be elected his
own successor without opposition.
BUYS VALUABLE FARM.