Gubernatorial Messages 765 



means and the great corporation shall pay their full 

 share of taxes and bear their full share of the public 

 burdens. If this is done, then sooner or later will 

 follow public recognition of the fact that it is done; 

 and when there is no legitimate basis for discon- 

 tent, the American public is sure sooner or later to 

 cease to feel discontent. 



The Legislature passed, and there is now before 

 me, a bill for the taxation of franchises by treating 

 them as realty. After watching the progress of this 

 bill I became convinced that the opposition to it was 

 less to its particular features than to the general 

 principle of taxing franchises in any way; in other 

 words, I became convinced that any really effective 

 measure of taxation aimed at franchises would be 

 vigorously opposed. It therefore became of the ut- 

 most importance to secure this year some statutory 

 enactment which would distinctly recognize the prin- 

 ciple which we seek to establish. Toward the end 

 of the session it became evident that the influences 

 against the taxation of franchises would be content 

 with nothing save the defeat of any measure of sub- 

 stantial relief ; and a measure of less than substantial 

 relief I would not accept. Finally it became evident 

 that the Legislature could pass only one bill and that 

 without amendment. I therefore sent in a special 

 message asking for the passage of this bill. It was 

 passed on the last day of the session. It represents 

 a long stride in the right direction, and one from 

 which there must be no retrogression. 



Nevertheless, it can be greatly bettered if amended 



