Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-03-17
PROTECT STATES RIGHTS
IN TAKING RAILROADS
congressman Montague Writes That
Protection Sought by General As
scmbly Has Been Provided.
FINALLY ADOPTED
bill Changed on Motion OF Virginia
Member to Permit State to Con-
tinuc Taxing Carriers, and Meas
urc Passed by Both Houses.

Congressman a. j. Montague assures.
Through 4 communication to- Clerk of
tho House of Delegates John w. WIZ
Hams, the General Assembly of Vlr-
sinia that the bills introduced In Con-
rreSs for Federal control Of railroads
were so amended at his suggestion that
nothing IN them should amend. repeal,
impair or affect the existing laws or
powers Of the several States In rela-
ton To taxation Of the carriers within
such States
Tho Assembly OF the State passed u
resolution requesting the Virginia
Delegation Washington 70 have the
oiils amended just as was already done
by Congressman Montague. and ex-
pressed tho view that Virginia would
look with dsmay upon any action
hat would tend to limit the States
wight 10 tax railroads. An amendment
% the resolution by the Senate to the
Effect that in case Of Federal owner
fhip after the conclusion of the war
he State would expect Il sum out Of
the PROFITS to equal the amount OF taxa
zion. was rejected by the House as be-
mr. wink at Federal control. FL
Ially the Senate accepted the action O.:
the House. The Eouse also rejected
IN amendment stating that the resolu-
ion had no reference to Federal own
2rship OF railroads and the Senate also
:oncurred in the action Of the House
striking out that amendment
Following is the letter from Con-
gresham Montague:
Il beg to acknowledge receipt on the
9TH instant OF the Joint resolution OF
ne General Assembly in relation to
senate bill 1852 and House bill S172
x the Congress, being bills for the
edcral control of railways. etc.
The joint resolution calls upon the
representatives OF Virginia in both
iouses OF Congress TO prepare and
avor the insertion OF n provision in
nc bills aforesaid now being consid-
;rcd whereby the right and power OF.
he States to tax such transportation
systems shall not be abridged. in
fringcd, or affected
YIN reply would advise that
'fither Of these bills 'infringed or
Effected the powers of the several
bates in relation 20 the taxation Of
he property OF carriers in such States
make this statement knowingIy, for.
pm February o, introduced in the
Committee n Interstate and Foreign
Commerce Of the House, OF which l am
membc~, the following Amendment:
That nothing in this act shall be
construed TO amend, repeal. impair or
ihect the existing laws or powers o..
he several states IN relation TO taxa
ion of the carriers within such States
MEASURE Is FINALLY
PASSED
This amendment was adopted by
he committee, and then adopted by tho
senate and the House without chang.
IN February 81 ana IS. respectively.
Therefore, the bills, az passed 10y tn.
senate and the House, contained idcn-
teal language. rcscrvinE existing pow
| ars OF the States rs to the taxation OF
,arriers within the several States
There were differences, however be-
"ccn the TWO houses upon other mat
crs In the two bills. conference was
'Skcd thcrcupon. and. as n result tho
aXaHon feature was amended by the
conference, but this amendment Of
he confcrecs was eliminated upon a
point OF order made in the Senate by
Senator Frelinghuysen, of New Jcr-