ASSESSMENT LAWS.
The Speaker took up the special order, viz: the consideration of the bill [S. 294], to amend the assessment act of December 2, 1872, with the reported amendment of the Committee on Ways and Means, viz: striking out section three, which Mr. Branham described as necessary in order to provide more stringent rules and regulations that will compel a more thorough collection of the delinquent taxes. It is gross injustice that two-thirds of the taxpayers have to carry on the State government. The county of Wayne is delinquent about $90,000.
Mr. Walker. Will the gentleman please read on in his list of the delinquents?
Mr. Branham. Jefferson county is delinquent $30,000. Here is a complete list of them. I instanced Wayne, because she is one of the wealthiest of the counties, and full of about as honest people as there are in the State. [Laughter.] The amendment was adopted.
Mr. Mellett proposed ineffectually to amend by a provision changing the price per description for the advertisement of the delinquent list, to 50 cents instead of 30 cents ; and then after debate by Mr. Branham and Mellett, under pressure of the previous question demanded by Mr. Kimball, the bill, as amended, was finally passed tho House of Representatives - yeas 87, nays 3.
On motion of Mr. Branham his bill [H. R. 508] to make further provision for the Insane of the State, was taken up - the question being on the third reading. The bill was passed by the House. Year 79. Nays 9.
