Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1913-06-27
A Few Reasons Why Senate Joint Reso-
luton Is Should Be Defeated
Sees a Bug" in No. 10.
To the Editor of the Record, Fol

To the Editor of the Record, Fort
Worth, Texas.
Ballinger, June 19.-July 10 the peo-
pie of Texas are to vote upon several
amendments to the state constitution.
among which is the much discussed
joint resolution No. IS. Many charges
and counter charges have been made
by both the proponents and the oppon-
ents of this resolution. We will all
agree, believe, that each side is par
TALLY right. Now, | take no stock in
the petty jealousies that may exist be-
tween the Agricultural and Mechanical
College and the University, for there
| is plenty of room and plenty of ma
terial for both. So let's dismiss that.
But this amendment would affect
many things supported by taxation.
1t contains some good clauses. But
some are extremely dangerous. 1t is
of far-reaching consequences and was
was shrewdly drawn by masters in
the art. 1t is a veritable dragnet to
catch a voter who might be interested
in some one or more of its many pro-
visions.
Broadly speaking, | believe it an ex-
tremely unwse policy to use the credit
of the state in the form of bond issue
for any purpose except by at least
majority vote of the people. 1t would
be very unwise for an individual to
authorize his agent, who is hired for
only short time, to mortgage his
property for an indefinite amount at
an indefinite rate of interest.
Now, we find on reading the amend
ment an innocent looking little clause.
After naming several specific things
for which the Legislature may author
ize the issuance of bonds, the amend
ment would give to the legislature it.
self the authority to issue bonds to
erect buildings for other state insti-
tutions." Some say there is bug
under the chip. There are thousand
bugs under that one little innocent
looking chip. Should the amendment
be adopted the legislature by quietly
issuing a few millions in bonds could
bind nf inc tn
every representative district in the
state, and at the same time reduce the
tax rate for year or two. Then they
come up for recollection and proudly
point to that reduction, and also claim
credit for the new buildings of state
institutions" Where did they get the
money? Who is going to pay it? The
next administration will face the prob
lem of raising money, not only for gen.
Ieral expense, but to care for said
state institutions" meet the interest
on the previous bond issue and to pro-
vide for the sinking fund to care for
same. How will they get the money?
The tax rate must go skyward or more
bonds must be issued. 1t is very I'M
wise, Mr.. Taxpayer, for anybody to
have the authority to mortgage your
property and require you to pay the
bill.
l am asked if | have not enough !
confidence in the judgment and dis |
erection of the legislature to authorize
them to issue bonds without limit !
against my home. Emphatically, no.
One session of the legislature could |
bankrupt us, and if it failed to do so,
there would be no string on the next |
one. There is not enough continuous
upon our officials to
warrant any such debt making power.
e. c. Baskin, in Fl. Worth Record. |