The Detroit times., 1911-03-01
TONNAGE TAX
PASSED IN HOUSE
Heated Arguments preoede Vote in
Which Measure Il Attacked and
Defended-wins by So To 81.

tFrOm q STAN CorrespOndenID
LANSING. Mich, March Though
many members of both houses wished
to adjourn Tuesday night because OF
the primaries and state conventions,
the legislature win sit today. Yester-
day was taken up with long proceed
ings In both houses. In the senate
the Bradley AFFAIR took up. most OF q
long session. In the house, the Grave
McNaughton tonnage tax bill, impos-
ing q tax Of 10 cents long ton on
the refined product Of iron ore and
one-fourth cent pound on copper,
was passed by vote OF 30 TO 81, after
arguments lasting even longer. Speak
er BMaker's charge last week that the
tonnage tax had been traded for the
junket, either proved unfounded or
drove the traders to cover, for the az
firmative vote was just what was pre-
dicted by Rep. McNaughton.
Rep. Bierd, the speakers closest
friend, tried to have the vote put over
till next week, as the speaker was
absent, but McNaughton refused. Rep.
Anthony Lucas attacked the blu, say.
ing that Il was merely fulfillment
of political pledges made to lower
peninsula constituents; that II was
an unjust discrimination against the
mining companies, and would cripple
those industries. He said that the
plan had failed when tried. In 1881,
and that the mining companies were
assessed 95 to SO per cent or their
valuation. He dared the advocates or
the bill to show that the farms or the
state were as well assessed.
Rep. Symonds objected as a farm
er. Rep. Field said that the farmers
of the upper peninsula raised 60o.o0o
tons Of hay, which was sold mostly
to miners, and that the tonnage Tax
would cripple the mining industry and
ruin the hay market. Rep. Edwards
said that the tax would block many
improvements that were to be made
In the mines.
Rep. Graves, who introduced the or
iginal tonnage tax bill, said that the
mining companies were making
enough money so that they would not
be seriously hurt. Rep. Happier took
= vhsck at him, and asked. IL the wire
Industries OF his county Of Lenawee
.were not let on with q "a per cent
assessment, and Graves retaiiated
that at least the wire companies did
not have representatives on the
board OF assessors. Rep. Whelan tried
to tack on an amendment taxing coal
ave cents a ton, and Rep. Stevenson
of Detroit tried to cut principal sec
ton, but both amendments were
showed under.
Rep. Gansser introduced a bill TO
create q state commission FOR the
Panama canal exposition In San Fran
cisco In 1915.
Senator Lee introduced bill look
ing toward a 100000 addition to the
state capitol to take care of the su-
preme court and other departments
which are now cramped.
Senator Smell introduced bill
drafted by the Bankers association OF
Detroit, which permits Michigan banks
to accept as security bonds registered
In other states. ~
A bill authorizing the state to pay
the expenses of any state historical,
biographical, or geographical so
cieties was introduced by Senator
Fowle. It also provides that the
presidents of the county and town
ship societies Of this kind shall be
honorary vice-presidents OF the state
organizations.
An appropriation of $131,747 for the
general expenses Of the Jackson state
prison for 1912, is asked for In bill
introduced by Senator Watkins. For
the year of 1911, S225,000 is asked. The
bill also authorizes the transfer OF
some appropriations 30 that a new
store house can be built In the prison.
Senator Rosenkrans' bill, which
forces the state to pay the expenses
OF the militia when called out to pre-
serve the peace was passed on third
reading. Senator Miller's measure,
relating to the capitalization OF sub
urban banks, which was made q spe-
cial order, finally passed on third read
ing, as did Senator Freeman's bill, In
creaslng the salary of the circuit court
,stenographer of The seventh district
from 81, 200 to $1,000; Senator Miller's
bill, making appropriations for the
state library, and Senator Fowle's.
providing a tax to meet disbursements
of state asylums.
The governor sent to the senate the
nominations of T. @. Stevenson, OF
Ionia, and z. II. Foote, OF Grand Rap.
ids, as members OF the board Of man
ayers OF the Michigan Soldiers homo.
Owing to the special orders scheduled,
the appointments were not confirmed
Tuesday.