Morris tribune., 1912-08-30
THE TONNAGE TAX,

after it was resolved at conclave at the brewers
headquarters that it time to throw into Cong
DOM 1t is cheaper to the vote of the Legislators
from Northern Minnesota with the threat of tonnage tax
than it is to elect men whom they can control This ex
plains the regular appearance of tonnage tax bill at
every session. In their anxiety to protect the commun-
tiles they represented against the hardshps which would
bly, follow excessive taxation of 80 per cent of its
assessed valuation and which wealth employs thousands
of men, the Legislators from Northern Minnesota gladly
accepted aid from any source little suspecng that
of their pretended friends the authors their rou
BILE.
This, and this alone, is the whole of the so-caled
alliance between the breweres and the steel trust
emphasize the facts in the hope that again
will single voter in ST. Louis county be coerced by the
threat of tonnage tax. Better MUST taxation than to
be shorn of political rights. Once Them
take chances with other citizens in securing
equal justice.
''The way to fair taxation and laws just to all is
through constitutional representation in the legislature
and this be secured apparently only by the elimination
of the brewers from politics. and judging from the at
ttude of the brewers, this can be accomplished only by
the wiping out of the breweries
''The foregoing conditions demonstrate that if / had
done the things which your article charges would be as
shameless the political manpulaors of the
brewers. However, so that there can be Quibble
state unequvocay that am for Mr. Gordon for govern
or, and that anything which do to accomplish his
nomination. will be done. not for him because he
is great man. But. far discover, this lack
does in the least degree dferenate him from the
other candidates who appealing to the republican par
ty for the nomination. Neither have any admiration
for that pye of mind which, while asking political party
for the great office of governor exploits his hostility to
the candidate of the party whose nomination he asks for
the greater office of president But here too he cannot
be differentiated from the major part of his rivals.
IS FOR GODRoN.
81 am for Mr.. Gordon for the sole that he
will not fetch and carry for the breweres in order to
obtain that great office of governor.
but to continue explicit denias have not attend
ed any conference at which the dropping of Mr. Gordon
was considered, have deserted him. 1 have never
made any political compact with anybody. behalf of
the corporation any it's subsidiaries have
had any authority to do. Since ceased to be
general counsel of the Oliver Iron Mining company about
ten years ago. have had any authority from the
steel corporation its subsidiaries to make any KIND OF
agreement, political, business or legal.
Ths is notice to the brewers that they think they
have such an agreement indicated by your source
close to the brewery headquarters somebody has
them.
''Mr. Knapp will have my hearty support in his
effort return to the legislature. regret that d. not
have the political machine which you say possess II
had it, every wheel would revove for Mr.. Knapp. The
only opposition he will have will be that of the brewers
disappointment has not been sacrificed by the peo
pie of northwestern Minnesota prevent tonnage tax
TIL charge made by the brewers and their servants
for the purpose of dividing the forces of reapportonmen
and thereby comprising its defeat.
LOOKS TO FUTURE.
''You say that the fight the breweres declared by
me has been called off, 1t will be called off until
the brewer;es to be the lawmakers of the state
until we of northern Minnesota have constitutions
rights in the making of our laws.
''For four years chow much longer, do not know
fasehoods have been sent out from the brewers head
quarters for the purpose of coercng their support
till they have actually convinced the majority of the ct
of Minnesota that every resident of ST. Lotus con
is the tool of the steel corporation, and that that
pany ready to deliver its slaves to the brewers to avo
tonnage tax So long these falsehoods affected nj
alone it not worth while to deny them but now tina
they being used to further postpone honest reap
poronment for the purpose of prolongng their rule o
, infamy compelled to speak. io.a#
''The people of Minnesota through the voice of tn
ma ority. may do their will with u.s. but when sixt
remain under the rule of the brewers welcome trou
| Bile.
i Every statement which you make the haathorlt
OF source close to the brewery headquarters is false
and given out by them in pursuance of their estab
lished policy to film fam the people. ri s#EE
i T therefore ask you publish this for the welfar
of the people of northern Minnesota.
/ Chester A. Congdon.
i Duluth Mimi. Aug. 22.''
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