The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1921-02-05
Farm Federation Letter Describes
Bills Now Pending in Legislature

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Feb. s.
Passage of the Seed Bill (H. B. No. 99)
by the house, is reported by the legis-
latiye committee OF the Indiana Fed
GRAFTON of Farm associations, in a let.
ter just sent out TO county farm bu-
reaus. The bill was passed Friday
by vote of IS to and goes to the
senate where it is hoped that it will
soon be favorabiy acted upon.
Besides the seed bill, which will pre-
vent seed companies from dumping"
poorly terminating, or impure seed
in Indiana, the legislative committee
calls attention to other important bills.
Support Experiment Station.
First. One-half cent levy for eX-
pertinent station. This bill was before
the house last Friday and after con-
siderable discussion was passed by
vote II to IA, giving three-eighths
cents instead of the Gne-half cent, as
asked for. This bill replaces the ap-
preparation of s75,00O,0o0. This bill
now goes to the senate. Senators
should be urged to support this meas
ure. Since our federation feels this to
be of great importance to the farmers
of the state.
Second. The bill proposing 20 cents
levy for public schools. This bill is
now before the ways and means COM
mittee of the house. In view of the
great need for rigid economy this com
mittee does not favor this high levy,
and can support only such an amount
as is required to meet the urgent
needs Of the schools.
Favor Lower Tax Levy.
Third. A bill for levy of 20 cents
for highways. After several confer
enees on this measure it is strongly
evident that there is great sentiment
against this high levy. Indiana must
raise sufficient funds to match special
government funds for highway con-
struction. In addition to funds from
levy the highway departments receiv-
ed Inheritance taxes and all automo-
bile fees. If these latter funds are
taken away from the department the
levy must necessarily be higher than
if these funds We're allowed to remain
for the use of the commission. Our
committee is keeping close tab on this
matter and will use every effort to Sc
cure the lowest possible levy.
Fourth Proposed Bill for the Es-
Establishment of State Constabulary.-
This measure has been introduced dur
ing the last week and is strongly sup
ported by many business interests and
also the Horse Thief association. The
bill as presented provides for two
units consisting of about 165 men
This bill calls for an appropriation of
100000 There are many good argu7,
ments for a state constabulary, and
many counties are registered in favor
of such an organization. On the other
~
is so strong that il is doubtful if such
al appropriation is warranted at this
time The committee cannot consist
emily advise in favor of this measure
under present conditions.
Condemn Mortgage Taxation.
Fifth. H. B. So Relating to the
Taxation of Mortgages.-This commit
tee after carefully studying this bill
has come to the conclusion that it is
not good measure. 1t really means
Gouble taxation for the farmer or other
borrower on real estate security. We
understand that the trainers OF the bill
have weakened in its support and
quite likely it will not get through the
hands of the committee.
Sixth. Taxes in lndiana.-Our state
tax laws have been greatly discussed
the last two years. Much criticism, ID
great deal of it justifiable. has been in
evidence. We favor the amendments
that are proposed for the existing law,
1t is not to be presumed that perfect
set of laws can be secured. This is
humanity impossible. However, we be-
lieve that many, if not all of the ex-
listing wrongs will be removed by these
proposed amendments.
Seventh. Public Service Commits
sion.-Having in mind that the pres
ent state administration fayorS farmer
representation on all important state
boards and commissions and that the