The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1911-03-16
idaho STATE NEWS


Legislature has passed into history and
with its departure the Gem state has
begun seriously to consider its accom-
plishments. In many respects the af-
termath is interesting. Probably
there is more lack of political har-
mony, more discomfort over the
pledge-breaking record, more unrest
within the rank and file of the two
predominating parties in the wake of
the passing of the 18th legislature
than since Idaho became state.
It will be frequently said within the
next two years that the recent legisla-
ture was one of the most extravaganza.
It's appropriations ran well into the
millions and were an increase over
two years ago. To be exact the gen.
eral appropriations bill carried ST.,
$50, 900, and was passed in this form.
The bond issue created is LII, 900,
and the total is SO, 900, an in
crease in appropriations alone of
1904, 360.95. The mill tax created is
nine and half mills, just one-half a
mill short of the constitutional limit,
which if exceeded, would have forced
an immediate extra session of the leg
islature.
The figures are the facts that Il q
people have to face through taxation.
The decrease made by the session over
the tenth amounts to but $3.50, divid-f
ed as follows, the amounts showing
what has been taken from off the var
ious biennial salaries of state depart
ments: Governors office, $500; state
auditors Office, $3.50; state treasurer,
$500; mine inspector, $500.
The increase over two years ago ag-
gregates as follows: Secretary OF
state, 200; attorney general, ST.
600; state engineer, $3.50; superinten-
dent of public instruction, SO, $40; adj
jutant general, 81, 300; insurance com
missioner, 81, 100; state land board,
$14, 900; supreme court, $4,000; dis
trict courts, $72, 300; university of
Idaho $40, 300; academy of Idaho,
$14, 300; Lewiston state normal, $780,
500; Albion state normal, S24, 900;
Blackfoot asylum, $4,000; Orofino
asylum, $25, 900; deaf, dumb and blind
school, $37, 070; college of agricul-
tire, $50, 900; university of Idaho,
$55, 934; academy of Idaho, S58, 900:
Lewiston normal, $29, 870.95; Albion
normal, $50, 8O6. The six latter
items are for buildings at the various
institutions.
Boise-The state board of equaliza-
ton took the most drastic action in
its history Wednesday by ordering
that all property in Idaho of every de-
scription shall be assessed at its actual
cash value. Heretofore, the same
property has been assessed at one
third of its valuation.
1t is asserted that the board SO
acted for fear of an extra session of
the legislature threatened by Governor
Hawley on account of the fact that
the constitutional limit is almost |
reached in the mill tax and the bond |
ed Indebtedness is near the limit. |
Governor Hawley has not as yet signed
the appropriation bill. 1t is said on
good authority that he is seriously
considering the extra session.
9 By the living God, said Governor
Hawley during the equalization board |
meeting, 81 believe it is my duty and
the duty of the board to comply with
the very letter of the lay in the mat
ter of taxation. l am empowered
with authority to enforce that law
and shall do so.
Notification has been sent to county
that they must assess in full
and if they fail the machinery of the
law will be placed in operation against
them and they will be prosecuted. In
the event that county attorneys refuse
to enforce the law they will be re-
moved.
Boise. March 6.-The 18th session
of the Idaho Legislature adjourned to-
day after having run over the pay
limit four days.
1t is regarded as liberal body. 1t
refused to enact statewide prohibi-
ton law or to submit resolution for
prohibition by constitutional amend
nent, notwithstanding the Republican
platform promised the latter.
A railway commission law, prom
sed by the Republican platform. was
also defeated. The legislature was
Republican in both branches. The
iirect primary law was amended by
eliminating the compulsory second
,hoice provision and providing for rep
'esentative party declarations.
There is some prospect of an extra
session to reconsider appropriation
bills.