Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, January 7, 1909, Page 1

| | | THE BEMIDJI DAILY PIONEEI W02 [sobionigy it X atianwol fihidriad uistonical Society. (RR) MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. VOLUME 6. NUMBER 233. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 7, 1909. FORTY CENTS PER MONTH THE GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE SENT TO LEGISLATURE Governr Johnson Gives Much Space to Taxation.—De- clares this to be Question of Greatest Interest to People. Better Control of R ailroads Necessary. Tuesday morning the state legis- lature convened at the state capitol the preliminery adjourned for the day. As predicted Representative A, J. Rockne of Zumbrota chairman of the house, after which 10:30 Wednesday morning, when a joint session, the members of the House and Senate, was held to listen to Governor Johnson’s message, which is as follows: and after work was elected the house adjourned until “Tn Beginning the governor cites the excellent condition of the state's finances and the prosperity of the people in general. Referring to the development of the immense natural resources of Northern Minnesota the governor says: One of the obstacles to the highest development of our northern domain {8 the lack of adequate state adminis- tration of its public lands, including their timber and mineral resources and water powers. There should be a state bureau of lands, mines and for- ests and it should be equipped with full executive powers to administer in a thoroughly businesslike, efficient and up to date manner all duties pertain- ing to our public natural resources. The subject of drainage is more than ever a proper one for your co- sideration. The last two years have been marked by the greatest progreas in this direction ever made in a sim- {lar period of the histery of the state. In fact, because of the generous and wise policy of the last two legisla- tures more miles of state ditches have been constructed, more water has been removed from swamp lands and more acres of land reclaimed than in all the previous years of our state history. I desire to emphasize the great need of very liberal appropria- tions for the state drainage work. It is a channel through which excellent returns can be had for every dollar appropriated. Not only can the state school fund be largely augmented in this manner, but thousands of homes tan at the same time be added to the rural districts, from which every busi- ness center in the s.ate will reap Bome benefit. Immigration and State Development. Biils will undoubtedly be presented to your honorable body asking for lib- eral appropriations for the state im- migration commission, the primary object of which is to bring before the people of the United States and of forelgn countries the advantages of Minnesota as a farming and agricul- tural state. The agricultural popula- tion of Minnesota has not shown that Increase which the fertility of onr soil, the attractiveness of our climate and the natural advantages for agriculture and stock raising and kindred pur- suits present within the borders of our state. Especially in Southern Min- nesota -counties during recent years has there been a loss of our rural population. Efforts are making through the mediums of commercial clubs and other civic organizations to advance their material prosperity and to in- crease their population by presenting their advantages to the people of other sections of the country. The | work of the state immigration com- mission during the less than twe years of its existence has been large- ly experimental, but I am firmly of ‘the belief that progress thus far made | confirms the wisdom of the legislature of 1907 in making an appropriation of A good start has been made and work outlined for the future and the best thought of leading men of Minnesota |is that the state will make a good in- vestment by continuing this work, so auspiciously begun, along liberal and prograssive lines. Taxation, No one question for legislative con- slderation is of wider or more contin- of taxation. Where government ex- ists revenue must be raised for the expenses of government. I think, first, that taxes should be imposed in proportion to the benefits derived and in proportion to the ability ‘of those taxed to pay; and, second, that this is not the condition obtaining now, but, on the contrary, the burden is carried too frequently by those who can ill afford to be laden with it. Un- der our constitution as it has stood for a half century it was proposed to assess all property at its full value in money. In neither spirit nor letter have we complied with the constitu- tional provisions, but instead have been striking averages from time to time until it has become a common practice and almost unwritten law to value at a percentage rather than to undertake assessment at money value, The creation of a tax commission was a long step in the right direction. That body has undertaken to work out a scientific assessment value of prop- erty and, as time proceeds, is due to make much progress in the direction of equable taxation. One of the most important changes proposed is the establishment of a county assessor system as a substitute for the plan now in vogue, which consists of town- ship and city assessors. The office should be under the direction or su- pervision of the tax commission, so that some general plan might be worked out which would be uniform throughout the state. Taxation of Corporations. As set forth by the tax commission the taxation of corporations is mnot satisfactorily accomplished under the present law, largely because the lists now required of these organizations do not harmonize with legal condi- tions. The enactment of a law pro- viding for a more extended list ot queries is important and essential to ood Co. oz We have a large stock of our own brands of coffee and invite all who enjoy good coffee to order a pound- oft these brands: “Nickel Cut”......35¢c “Cold Medal”...... 30c “Our Winner”.....25c ROE & MARKUSEN Phone 206 or 207 Lumber and Building We carry in stock plete line of lumber of all descriptions. Material at all times a com- and bulding material Call in and look over our special line of fancy glass doors. We have a large and well assorted stock make your selection. from which. you can WE SELL 16-INCH SLAB WOOD St. Hilaire Retail Lbr. Co. BEMIDJI, MINN. $30,000 and creating this commission, | uous interest to the people than that | | Semi-Annual larger réturns ‘and a better enforce- went of the law. Of particular moment is that chap- ter of the commission’s report In ‘which is discussed the question of the gross earnings tax of railways. The state now receives over $3,000,000 an- nually. in railway taxes and if the re- cent decision of the court in the gross earnings tax suit is sustained the amount now veceived will be in- creased by about $500,000, as by its provisions all of the roads must pay 4 per cent gross earnings tax. While the amount now received is large it is pointed out by the commission that under an ad valorem hasis, uniform and equal with other property in the 2 the present rate of 4 per cent 1ot meet. the requirements nec- essary to equal taxation. In the matter of the assessracnt of personal property the law establishes an arbitrary personal property list. Expansion from time to time has made the list a complicated one and becuuse it has heen arbitrary it has resulted in at least the occasional omission of property which should be listed. In view of the changes which possibly may be necessary the com- mission should be given the power to extend or decrease the list of items as exigency may necessitate. g Taxation of Iron Properties, During the earlier years of the state our natural resources were largely agricultural and forest. Recently, however, we have grown to be the first mining state of the Union and our almost phenomenal sudden growth in this field has made the question of the taxation of iron ore one of the ut- most importance and of our gravest concern. In the past twenty-four years the state has pursued two sys- tems for the taxation of iron. For eleven years during the infancy of the industry a tonnage tax of 1 cent per ton was imposed, one-half of which temained in the state treasury, the other half belng returned to the coun- ty treasurer. The net amount re- ceived by the state during that period was $48,453.77. For thirteen years fron taxation has been upon an ad valorem basis and the amount re- ceived by the state has grown from $11,572.33 in 1896 to $661,200 in 1907 and $599,400 in 1908. It is not my purpose at this time to discuss the merits of either the ad valorem or ton- nage systems. While it is a most jm- portant matter I believe that it is not a question of systems so much as that the mining properties should pay their full and just share of the taxes. In the consideration of this question one point must never be lost sight of: The counties, cities, towns and school dis- tricts in the mining districts must never be deprived of their full share of the tax levied and any plan which would deprive them in any measure of their just share of reliable and con- tinuous revenues could not be enter- tained, as it would be unfair, unjust, unwise and unworthy of the state. Awaiting Court’s Decision. 1 have refrained from a discussion of the two systems of taxation for the present because of the uncertain state in which we find ourselves and may avail myself of future opportunity for a further discussion of this question in a special message. Previously, un- der our constitution as it stoed for nearly a quarter of a century, a ton- nage tax could not be imposed. The legislature, by an act approved April 13, 1905, proposed to the people of the state for their approval or rejec- tion an amendment to article 9 of the constitution, which was known as the ‘wide open tax amendment, and which, if approved by the people, would have glven to the legislature wider latitude tban it then enjoyed. The state can- vassing board declared said amend- ment adopted and a proclamation by the governor was accordingly made. A partial recount of the vote was had and in the district court judgment ‘was entered declaring the amendment lost. Appeal was taken to the supreme court, where the matter is still pend- ing, but from which a decision will be handed down during this legislative session and in season for such action in all the premises as your body may desire. If it should be decided by the su- preme court that the amendment has prevailed then the way is open to this legislature for such legislation as it may desire to enact. If the decision is otherwise then further discussion of a tonnage tax at this session would be superfluous and your chief duty is action looking toward the resubmis sion of this very important amend ment to the people of the state of Minnesota and because of its vast imporiance I urge upon this body its most earnest consideration to the end that the amendment may be submit- ted at the next general election. The necessity for this amendment is not alone in the matter of the taxation of fron ore, but involves practically the entire question of taxation. Payment of Taxes. If possible a change should be made in the present law so far as it re- lates to the payment of railway taxes. Continued on page two. Railway Judge Bailey Married Couple. Judge Bailey of the Municipal court united Alfred S. Peterson and Margaret Burns, both of Laporte, this morning in the holy bonds of matrimony. The newly-wedded couple returned to Laporte on this morning’s train. In speaking of the marriage, the judge laughingly stated that this is Elks’ Meeting Tonight.' The Elks, at a regalar meeting | this evening, are planning to do considerable work. After the work a social session will be held to which they have extended a number of invitations to outsiders to attend. The entertainment prepared by the lodge is elaborate and a pleasant and profitable evening is predicted to all who attend. T0 BUILD $1700 BOAT HOUSE ON LAKE BEMIDJI The Viking Boat Company Will Erect Building to Accommodate Twenty Seven Launches. Bemidji is to have one of the finest if not the best, boat house in the north central Minnesota, according to a contract which was recently made between the Viking Boat com- pany of this city and Thomas John- son, a local contractor. The growing popularity.of Bemidji as a summer resort and the constant demand of visitors at Grand Forks Bay, Lavinia, Lakeside and Birch- mont Beach on the shores of Lake Bemidji for a proper _place to leave their launches while in the city and to store them in the - winter -has forced Messrs. Aubolee and Kroken, of the Viking Boat company to erect a large building in addition to the regular boat house. The proposed boat house will be fifty-eight feet wide by one hun- dred feet long and will be placed about 'twenty feet from the end of the present building. The new house will have stalls enough to accomodate twenty-seven launches and will cost about $1,700 when completed. Mr. Johnson furnished bonds yesterday in the sum of $1,600 for the faithful execution of the contract. This boat house will doubtless prove an added attraction to Be- midji asa popular summer resort and will do away with several small buildings along the lakeshore bordering on the city as many of the local people are desirious of using stalls in a large boathouse. Messrs. Aubolee and Kroken and the people of this city are to be con- gratulated - on the increase of Bemidji’s reputation as an excellent resort for summer tourists. Af the Brinkman. Sitnalta and Mack opening at the Brinkman Family Theater tonight, are presenting an act so entirely different from the rest, that it is at once becomes a novelty. _Sitnalta’s serpentine dance alone is well worth the price of admission, to say, notbing MUGH IMPORTANT WORK COMPLETED; ADJOURNED County Commissioners Finished Régu- lar Session This Afternoon.—School * Petitions Acted Upon. — The Board of County Commis- sioners completed their work this afternoon and adjourned. Commissioners Danaher, Wright and Peterson were appointed a committee to take charge of the disposal of the personal property owned by the county, at the county poor farm, it being the . intention of the board to sell what stock and furniture the county has at her poor farm. This committee will also appear before the city council Monday night to find out the wishes of the council of the City of Be- midji in regard to renting the poor farm for the City of Bemidji. The salary of the county sup- erintendent was fixed at $1,350, and traveling and office - expenses. The final report for 1908 was approved and ordered published. The commissioners also ordered 200 copies of the financial statement in book form. = The committee appointed to view all road work done upon the “Kelli- i her-Shotley Ditch” road recommend- ed to the board that the ;,work done by John Kolar was completed and that Mr. Kolar’s bill should be allow- jed. Regarding that part of the con- tract taken by O. B. Olson of Kelli- her, the committee report that the work was not complete in accordance with plans and specifications, the latteral ditches not being the requir- ed depth called for in the plans and specifications, and the grade work of the road ditch does not meet the requirements. The committee recom- mended that $300 of Mr. Olsoun’s contract be held and that he be paid the balance. The board adopted a resolution making the Kelliher-Shot- ley road a state road. ‘The school petition of citizens residing in Towns 162 and 163-34, was rejected and the auditor instruct- ed to write to the applicants request- ing them to make another application taking in the whole of Towns 162 and 163-34 (the rejected bids con- taining only a part of this territory.) The school petition of J. J. Opsahl and others for a school to the north- east of Lake Bemidji, including a portion of the territory in the Towns| of Northern, Frohn and Bemidii, was accepted and a new district created. A resolution was passed authoriz- ing a purchasing committee of three, said committee to consist of the county auditor and two of the com- missioners, .including the chairman of the county board. Such com mittee, as appointed, will be County Auditor John Wilmann, Commis- THE ST. CLOUD NORMAL V8. “BIG BEMIDG” TONIGHT One of the Most Impoftant Games in Championship Series Will Be Played At Coliseum Tonight.—Duluth Y. M. C. A. May Play Here Soon. The first of two basketball games between the St. Cloud Normal team and the “Big Bemidg” five will be played this evening at the Coliseum skating rink, the game starting at 9 o’clock sharp. This event will go a great way towards deciding the championship of Northern Minnesota and will settle the question brought up last year as to_who had the best title to the championship, “Big Bemidg” or the St. Cloud Normal. The visitors have won every game they have played so far this 'season, four in number, and have an enviable repu- tation as one of the swiftest fives in the north half of the state. Acting Manager Joe Markham stated this morning that the local boys are in excellent condition and will go after the “'scalps” of the visitors “for all that’s in them”. “Such’ a trophy hanging from our belts,” said Mr. Markham, “would be one of the best honors of the year.” The line-up of the St. Cloud boys is unknown here at the present time but the visitors will arrive in the city on the M. & I. passenger train this evening. “Big . Bemidg” will line up in the following positions: Markham and Geil, forwards;Biown, center; and Peterson and either Renner or Carey, guards. The Duluth Y. M. C. A. basket- ball team has offered to take the “Big Bemidg” team to the “Zenith City” for two games providing the locals will bring them here for two contests. It is the intention of the “backers” of the local boys to judge by this evening’s attendance whether they can afford the $135 expense of bringing Duluth here. Everyone should turn out to the game this evening and tomorrow night as Duluth claimed to have won a tie game last year and a contest with {them would prove a “battle royal.” sioners Danaher and Peterson. The board were very determined in their efforts to reduce the expense of the county and as a resolution was unanimously passad, they will fail to recognize auy bls for supplies not ordered through the proper channel, the purchasing committee. The report of Clerk of Court Rhoda for fees received during 1908, amounting to $2,596.17, cepted -and ordered filed. The board then appointed the following men to assess territory in the unorganized townships: First district, Nels Otterstad; sec- ond district, John Reibe; third dis- trict, Christ Espe; fourth district, Ole Miller; fifth district, C. G. Stenmon;sixth district, Mr. Flinders: seventh district, B. A. Arneson. The board also appointed’ the following persons to look after the burial of deceased soldiers: First district, J. M. Phillippi; second district, John Cisco; third district, Iver Myhre; fourth district, Mr. McKnight; fifth district, Benja- min Carter. g was ac- Union Gospel Service. You are cordially invited to be present at the Gospel service this evening at 8 o’clock. The subject will be “The Signs of the Times.” Remember the place, Presbyterian church. Come and bring a friend with you. Rev. S. E. P. White, ROYAL LEAGUE INSTALLS _ OFFIGERS AT GASS LAKE — Held Second Annual Ball Last Evening and Installed Officers for this Year. Cass Lake, Jan 7.—(Special to Pioneer.)—The second annual ball and installation of officers of -the Cass Lake Council of Royal League was held in the Masonic hall last evening and it was one of the most enjoyable affairs ever held in this city. The following elected officers were installed: E. D. Boyce, archon; A. J. Hole, vice archon;H. N. Hard- ing, orator; R. D. Converse, past archon; E. F. Miskella, guide; Charles Graham, collector; John Grady, scribe; G. C. Birich, treasur- er; Rev. H. F. Parshall, prelate; F. C. McCumber, warder; E. Dryer, sentry; L. M. Lange,trustee for three years, Jebe Entertainers. The Jebe entertainers will appear at the City Opera House Thursday: afternoon January 7, at 8:30. The Jebe’s are now touring the 'North- west and their appearance here will meet with favor. Admission 50 Local News on Last Page. cents. of “Jack” who is just about the funniest thing that ever happened. The Poiriers, who have been play- ing here since Monday cannot be spoken of too highly.and need no recommendation to the Bemidji pub- lic who have already shown their appreciation of their excellent work. Fire Alarm. An alarm of fire was turned in late yesterday afternoon from the residence of Alderman Tom Smart on American avenue but the quick arrival of the “fire laddies” ' enabled them to extinguish the blaze witnout turning on the water. The second floor had caught fire around ' the chimney. . Horses for Sale. I will have for sale in the City of Bemidji one car load of heavy draft horses,* weight thirteen to seventeen hundred pounds. Horses his sixth ceremony and. ot one of the couples have been divorced yet. iwill be herein a day or two. John . Wahlberg. The “Eagle R.usset". Fountain Pen The Best Dollar Fountain Pen on the Market The Pen is always ready for use and may be carried in any "position without danger of leakage Ask for Russet Foufitain Pens at ~ Pioneer Office