The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-01-26

As freely predicted by the press and
public men of the state the Idaho
legislature does not propose to. accent
without question the proposed legis-
lation formulated by the special COM
mittee. The Republican members of
both houses met in joint session and
agreed upon program. A joint
committee was appointed to prepare
the proper measure or measures. The
first bill was the general revenue
measure and was introduced in the
house by Representative E. G. Davis
of Oneida county. 1t completely
eliminated the tax commission feature
advised by the Governors special
committee. The principal features of
this bill are as follows: assessment
at full cash value; levies to be made
on a basis of 40 per cent of assess
ment; county boards given more time
for equalization; taxes may be paid
in two semi-annual payments; no
change is made in the power or du-
ties of the state board of equaliza-
ton; assessment of public service
corporations is left with the state
board of equalization. To The Tri-
bune the proposed general revenue
law seems most sensible. The elimi
nation of the state tax or revenue law
commiss sion meets with approval. This
proposed commission met with strong
opposition from all sectins of the state
in and out of the legislature. The peo-
pie were not slow to see what an all
powerful and dangerous commission
was proposed and were not slow to
express themselves.
1t was rumored on the streets of
Boise the fore part of the week that
in case this measure was passed
Governor Hawley would exercise the
veto power. Such veto would GER
tainly crown the Governors career of
folly as chief executive of the state.
1t would kill him and his party for
years to come.
All bills providing for the raising of
revenue must originate in the
house. Consequently the senate
would have nothing to do until the
house had passed at least one bill!
1t could simply adjourn from day to
day. Consequently senate caucuses
were held to ascertain the views OF
the members on the proposed meas
ures. 1t early developed that none of
the members had any intention of
voting affirmatively on the measures.
1t was hoped that business might
be expedited by caucuses. On ascer-
tainment of the sentiment of the SEN
ate it was decided to simply await
the action of the house.
The Democratic members also met
in caucus and were given their in
structions by Governor Hawley and
Chairman Nugent. How far these
two leaders can instruct. drive or
whip the members remains to be seen.
Some idea may be gained on this in
teresting. point by the rumor which
gained currency Monday to the CT
feet that Governor Hawley would not
be a candidate for denomination and
that Chairman Nugcnt would resign
as state chairman. Evidently the
Democrats had a hot time at their
caucus.
Newspaper comment would indi-
cate that Hon. o. M. Van Duyn Is far
in the lead for the Republican nomina-
ton for attorney general. Hon. Jos.
H. Peterson admitted his weakness
when he stopped in his fight long
enough to attempt to secure the ap-
pointment of Judge of the Third Ju-
dicial district-Judge J. F. MacLane
having rendered his resignation. At
this time Mr.. Peterson tested his
strength and an uproar ensued imme-
diately after it was announced that
he might be appointed. 1t was i'm
mediately remembered that Peterson
had won considerable notoriety dur
ing the Brady administration owing
to his activity in Cary Act land and
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