The Farmington times., 1919-02-14
LEGISLATIVE LETTER
(By Means Ray.)


jefferson City, Mo. Feb. 10.-The
plan of Gov. F. d. Gardner to raise all
money for State purposes by indirect
taxation is meeting with the approval
of the people of the State generally.
The hope is to raise the additional
revenue by increasing the income, in
heritance, corporation franchise and
soft drink tax.
1t was fully discussed by the Gov
ernor at joint meeting of the COM
mittee on ways and means of the
House and Senate and seemed to meet
with their favor.
The only opposition to the plan is
because of the adoption Of the prohi-
bition amendment which will mean a
great reduction in revenue from that
source.
Governor Gardner's plan would be
great thing because of the separa--
tion of county and state revenue and
would forever settle the question Of
tho valuation of property for the pur-
pose of taxation as counties would be
able to make their valuations what
they desired.
The matter will be brought up the
latter part of this week and bills SUBJ
mitted to the general assembly, pro-
vided the committees agree.
By the rigid enforcement of the
State game laws Commissioner Birm-
ingham has paid the expenses of his
department and created fund OF
$27, ,845.35 for the purpose Of pur.
chasing a State park. The practice OF
economy in State offices has resulted
in the payment of the State debt OF
100000.
Failure of B. L. Guffy, a Republi-
can clerk in the House, to appear for
work resulted in resolution being
submitted requiring all clerks to reg
lister each day. The Republican ma.
jority in the House defeated the res
olution. 1t was when a roll call was
demanded on this resolution thai
Speaker O'Fallon, Republican, kicked
on having roll calls on resolutions
and "other matters of trivial impor-
tance."
The House committee on elections
controlled by the Republicans, has re.
ported that w. P. Elmer, convicted
and fined $1,000 under the espionage
act, be seated over Rev. E. H. Foster
Baptist preacher. Two Republicans
Joined the Democrats in favorint
Rev. Foster. A caucus of Republican
members was held to try and hold al
| in line for Elmer, but it is said thai
sixteen refused to be bound by th'
| caucus. The mindrity report citet
section 8 of article Ia of the U. s
Constitution whihc provides that nj
one that has given aid or comfort t.
enemies of the. country is eligible t.
be member of Congress or Stat
| Legislature in addition to the fac
that he was honestly elected by /.
votes.
A bill to repeal the law creating
| the Tax Commission has been en-
crossed. 1t is expected that som
provision will be made for the Stat
Board of Equalization to provide ma
chinery to assist them in seeing tina
property is assessed on an equal pa
sis.
From all indications it now seem
that measure providing that won
en- may vote for President and vice
president may be PASSED during thl
session. The bill was engrossed
the House without opposition and wa
placed on the calendar OF the. Senat
despite the adverse report Of the com
mittee.
| A measure has been introduce
| placing all probate judges in the Stat
on straight salary. The bill pro
vides that their salaries shall be fror
/ 81, 200 to $4,000 per year, accordln,
to the population of the county.
Republican members from st. Loui