Eastern Washington Lawmakers Want Cheaper Freight and a Break on Taxes

Moses Bull, of Pullman, one of the pioneer lawyers of the state and representative-elect from the Seventh district, was in the city yesterday, the guest of his old-time friend J. T. Ronald, whom he had not seen for fifteen years. Mr. Bull left on the 2 o'clock train for Tacoma and goes thence to Olympia, where he will make himself at home in the state library until he has prepared several bills to be presented to the next legislature. He is a lifelong Republican and has been a political power in Whitman county for the past six years. Concerning the legislation in which he is most deeply interested he said:

"Our people over in Whitman county want a grain inspector under the warehouse commission law, protecting the grain grower from the local warehousemen. We want the law so construed that every warehouseman must receive a license from the state warehouse commission and be compelled to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of his duties. Then at the terminal points there should be weighers and graders, the latter's duty being to designate and establish the grade and quality of the grain. I will present a bill covering these points.

"We are also in favor of a state insolvency law for the discharge and protection of the honest debtor. We want a modification of the exemption law, increasing the amount of the homestead exemption and providing for its selection. We demand an extension of the time for the payment of taxes and a reduction of the penalty and the interest. I think the interest should be reduced to 8 per cent, the rate drawn by county warrants. Our people want the time for the payment of taxes extended until November, 1895, in order that they may have a chance to harvest their crops before meeting their obligations.

"Personally, nothing appeals to me more strongly than the revision of the salary bills for county officials. I also want a reduction of railroad rates, both freight and passenger. I don't think this can be done simply by an act of the legislature without due inquiry. I think that intelligent inquiry can only be made by the medium of a properly constituted railroad commission. I am in favor of an appointive commission, to be confirmed by the senate, rather than an elective commission, for the reason that in an appointive commission a minority representation can always be secured. The governor, with his personal knowledge of men, is better qualified to select the members of such a commission than an elective agency or convention."

Mr. Bull says that he is in favor of Ellis Morrison of this county for speaker of the house, but on the senatorial question he is neutral, having, as yet, no choice.

WANT LOWER FREIGHT RATES.

Senator J. L. Roberts, of Walla Walla, is at the Butler and will leave tomorrow for Olympia. Mr. Roberts is a holdover senator from Walla Walla county and anticipates a lively session at Olympia this winter. In an interview with a Post-Intelligencer representative last night he said:

"Walla Walla, as you know, is an agricultural county, and my endeavors will be to introduce measures and work for my constituents' interests. A year ago a large portion of the grain crop was damaged by early rains, and this, together with the low prices and excessive freight rates of the season just passed, left our farmers in a bad condition, and it makes it almost imperative that this legislature should enact some laws for their relief. It is very hard for the farmer to realize anything for his crop, with the present low prices being paid for grain and the high freight rates. It costs on an average in Walla Walla county 32 cents a bushel to raise grain, while the highest price paid during the past season was 32 cents a bushel. The freight rates have been from our county to this section $1.70 a ton, or a little over 11 cents a bushel. I believe a bill will be introduced looking to a lower rate. The farmers all demand that some action be taken in the matter.

"Our revenue law is oppressive in regard to the penalty and interest upon delinquent taxes. At present citizens are compelled to pay 5 per cent penalty and 20 per cent interest, while the state and county only pay 8 per cent. I believe we are entitled to a reduction of the interest to at least 10 or 12 per cent. I look for a bill to be introduced on this question.

"Nearly all the farmers in Walla Walla county would like to see a bill introduced providing for grain inspectors, as they believe it would greatly benefit them. I believe the greatest needed reform is economy in all branches of the state and county governments. Our judiciary system is extravagant and I believe the jurisdiction of our justice courts should be extended. I also think our jury fees should be attached as costs."