The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-09
BY the Governors OF Three
States of the West.
MUCH ABOUT TAXES.
A Number of Reforms in Method
of Raising Revenue.
Designed to Equalize the Bur-
den Among Citizens.

st. Paul, Mimi, Jan. 9-Governor
Johnson's message to the legislature
delivered today declared that the recent
| reductions of railroad freight rates had
not gone far enough since rates in 9TH
er states and Canada show what can
be done to aid the people without being
unjust to the railroads.
| The governor advocates uniform two
cent per mile passenger rate law; abol
| ishment of all railroad passes excepting
| those to railroad employees and members
/ of their families and legislation to en-
force reciprocal demurrage charges.
| Governor Johnson recommended enact
mentS requiring a standard life insur-
ance policy, abolition of deferred divi-
dend schemes. the prohibition of politi-
/ cal contributions from insurance inter-
| ests. regulation of the companies in
vestmentS and the officers salaries, and
clear annual company reports.
! The governor commended the primary
election principle, but desires that the
present primary be amended. He recon-
mended removal of the nonliabilfty Of
masters for injuries sustained through
negligence of fellow servants; suggests
a labor inspector for each congression-
al district, giving them authority of a
truant officer; recommended a registry
and income tax on mortgages and ad-
vocates permanent state tax COM
mission and investigation of county tax
commissioners for the present assessor
system. Other taxation recommended
tion were: Income taxes on royalties OF
mineral rights; increased tax on iron
production; high tax on sleeping car
companies; penalties on telephone COM
panieS for nonpayment of taxes; better
system of taxing express companies;
railroads to pay taxes semiannually;
annual license tax on all corporations;
present fixed tax on mineral leases to
be raised to minimum of 90 cents per
ton and a sliding scale. general increase
of state revenue from iron ore sources.
Governor Johnson asks that an ap-
preparation be made to enable the at
torney general to prosecute those re-
sponsible for alleged extortionate in
crease in price of lumber.
Deneen's Message.
Springfield, ILL.,. Jan. 9-Governor
Deenen in his message to the legislature
today recommended insurance 1egisla-
ton along the line of laws of MaSsa-
chusetts including a yearly apportion-
ment of accrued dividends; a statement
of surplus to be furnished the policy
holder each year; making discrimina-s
tion by life companies a miSdemeanor
and thorough examination of the af-
fairs of every company at least once
every five years
He also urged that the insurance
superintendent be made the attorney
for service in this state for all insur-
ance companies having authority to do
business in Illinois while any liability
remains outstanding against such COM
panies. He recommended a provision
prohibiting any fire insurance company
from owning the stock of another.
There has been, he said. a general de-
mand for a more extended supervision
of the banking business of the state,
not with the view of interfering with
or impairing the conduct of sound bus
mess institutions but to prevent the
unsound conduct of business. All in
the banking business, he said. should
be treated alike and all be subject to
inspection by the federal or state gov
ernment.
extension of deep waterway from
Lockport, Ill, to st. Louis and recon-
mended legislation prohibiting the in
crease of capital stock bonded and
other Indebtedness of railroads without
regard to the actual value of the road,
and also a law abolishing railroad
passes.
The Wyoming Idea.
Cheyenne. Wyo., Jan. 9.-Governor
Bryant B. Brooks message, delivered
a state depository law, a primary cleo
ticn law, reapportionment and new
banking law.
The message calls attention to the
state have remained practically un-
changed for a number of years and
says that the railroads are not paying
tn cir just share of the taxes.
Attention is called to the fact that
the Ute Indians who journeyed across
Wyoming last summer and caused |
some excitement are lawful citizens, |
and the legislature is urged to take
measures to prevent a recurrence of
such migrations.
Irrigation the message says. has |
made more progress in the past two |
years than in six years previous. and |
various suggestions are made for leg !
islation which will encourage settle |
ment and discourage litigation.
An appropriation of $4,000 for wolf |
bounties is recommended.