El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1915-01-02
NEW MEXICO LEGISLATURE MAY
FORCE LOWER RATE FOR TAXES
Question of Salaries for County Officials Also Will be
Acted Upon and State Educational Institutions
May be Consolidated the Legislature Will
Meet at Santa F e on January r.

X ANITA FE, N. NJ. Jan. 2.-Taxation
and salaries for county officers are
- expected to form the chief subjects
Of legislation by the second state legis-
lature Of New Mexico which convenes
here January H. Both subjects were
keenly debated at the last session Of
the Legislature and were issues in the
recent state campaign.
The adoption, at the November cleo
ton, Of a constitutional amendment
abolishing the state board of equaliza-
ton, removes the central tax adjusting
body and the board which fixes the
valuation of national banks, railroads
and other corporate property and live
stock. A bill to create a state tax COM
mission with power to inaugurate a
more uniform system OF assessment,
will probably be considered. A strong
movement in favor Of a lower tax rate
is afoot
Deadlock on Salaries Expected.
The question Of salaries for county
officers was left unsettled by the last
legislature. The Republicans passed
the measure, but it was vetoed by gov
q AANA -ANA|DAAd4us WIN uElQ AlldlL the rs
ures were too high. The new legisla-
ture is also controlled by the RepubIi-
cans and another deadlock is not un-
likely.
A bill providing for the consolidation
Of the various state educational insti-
tutions is also being framed. The con-
solidation, if effected. would reduce the
teaching force by about one-fourth. A
similar bill was defeated by small
majority at the last session and the
question is expected to preoipitate a
lively fight. The University of New
Mexico is now located al Albuquerque;
the state college at Las Cruces; the mill
itary institute is at Roswell and state
normal schools are located at Las
Vegas, Silver City and Ell RitO.
Commission Asks More Power.
Recommendation for legislation
made in the reports Of the various state
officials include one by the state cor
poratiOn commission to extend the
scope Of its powers to cover all puD-
lie service companies; to revise the
present corporation laws, especially
with reference to the incorporation Of
irrigation concerns. The secretary Of
state urges a general revision of the
state laws. He also asks for an ap-
preparation of $1,000 to be used in gath
ering and disseminating resource statis- (
tics by his office.
Better facilities for the extermina-
tion of predatory animals; license fees
for fishermen; closed season on bear
and protection OF doves are among the
recommendation Of the state game
warden.
Would Revise Educational Laws.
The state superintendent Of public
instruction urges a revision Of the edu-
caional laws and an increased appro-
priation for additional help in his Of (
flee. The attorney general also asks /
for another assistant and an Increased /;
appropriation for other expenses.
The secretary Of state recommends ,
a more rigid enforcement Of the weights I
and measures act and asks that the 1
sheriff Of each county be made county |
inspector.
Curtailment Of the powers Of the /
travelling auditors office is being Z
sought by Republicans who, in the state
platform. referred to the activities OF
this office as 'pernicious meddling.'
This office has conducted investlga-
lions into the accounts of many coun-
ties and, in some instances, removal OF
county officers has followed
May Repeal State Libel Law.
A movement. has also been started
TO bring about the repeal Of the state
libel law which a number Of editors
have declared to be vague and suscep-
tible of serious abuses. A proposed
substitute measure will probably be .
offered.
The personnel OF the state senate .
will be the same as at the last ses-
sion and will consist Of Is Republicans,
seven Democrats and one Progressive. .
The new house Of representatives con- .
sists of % Republicans, Is Democrats,
one Socialist and one Progressive
-Four Seats Contested.
Contests, involving four seats in the
house, have been filed. In Union
county, judge o. T. Toombs, Republican
candidate for reelection, and Candle
lario Vigil, Republican, are contesting
the seats Of G. c. Smith and SerapiO
Romero. Democrats. In SandOval
county. Eleuterio Leyba. Republican, is .
contesting the seat Of CelsO Sandoval,
Progressive In Bernalillo county,
Modesto Ortiz, Republican, is contesting
the election Of Rafael Garcia, Demo-
crat.
The chief candidates for speaker are