The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-16

he without loss to the party to whom they
are due. This is made necessary by the
policy Of many of the roads TO carry these
claims from court to court, evidently LOT
the purpose of wearing out claimants ana
making too costly an appeal to the court
by the party suffering.
Equalization of Values.
The railroads maintain three sets or
values in the state one the amount OF
their stock, bond and security issues
another to the state auditor for the pur-
nose of being taxed for the benefit of
the state, which is their lowest valuation;
and the other given the railroad commits
sion for the purpose of taxing the people
of the state, which is the highest valu-
alton. and on which they claim they are
entitled to earn eight &) per cent AS IL
is right for the state TO tax them only
on actual value, and as 1t Is the law
that they shall be entitled to earn, where
there is no extortion. interest on actual
value and as the freight rates must In
the largest measure be based on TINS
value it is necessary for the state 10
ascertain and fix that value ! recon-
mend that the railroad commission be
empowered to hire experts TO ascertain
the actual mileage. both main lines ana
side tracks, the value of terminal IA
cilities and rolling stock and of any other
nronerty and asset, and to ascertain in
connection with the railroads themselves,
the true value of these properties and
have them so listed for taxation, and have
them in evidence in the very important
matter of fixing fair freight rates Tor
the state and | suggest that you enact
laws to carry this out ana appropriate
adequate means to be paid from the treas
ury to cover the expense
Lobbying.
A paid lobby swarming our capitol and
interfering with our legislators, Is IN the
highest sense debauchingt destructive ana
hindering to equitable legislation. only
the rich can afford to pay lobby. This,
in itself. would tend 10 make the laws,
which propose to control and restrict
The strong and the corporations, partial TO
the very parties proposed 10 be controlled,
and | recommend the enactment OF law
requiring any and all employed agents.
attorneys representatives for special
interests, who desire to present their
views. or views of their principals or
clients in regard to pending or anticipated
legislation to register in special books,
to be kept by the clerk of the house of
representatives and by the clerk of the
senate for that purpose, which book or
books shall at all times be kept open to
inspection by any person, the following
statement of facts concerning themselves
and their employment, viz. l. The name
and residence OF said agent attorney or
representative. 2. The name and prin-
cipal business office or address of the
person, partnership or corporation repre-
sented. together with the occupation of
said person, partnership or corporation.
a. The legislation in which the person,
premiership or corporation thus repre-
sented by him is interested. 4. The com
nensation paid. or agreed to be paid to,
or received by said agent. attorney or
representative for his services in behalf
of said person. partnership or corporation.
Domestcation of Corporations.
a,he nractice of exploiting Alabama
franchises by other states Is dangerous
and destructive to our business interest
| recommend laws requiring any corpora
ton whatsoever, before doing business In
this state, to become domestic corpora
lions in accordance with our laws, and