Mr. Patterson, from the committee on ways and means, made the following report: The committee on ways and means, to whom was referred the petition of J. R. Connor, Asa Madison, John Reno and John Hill, collectors of the second, third, fourth and fifth wards, of the city of Detroit, praying for an extension of the time for the collection of the state and county taxes of said wards, have had the same under consideration, and respectfully report: That from the statement of the petitioners it appears that the tax lists for the wards of which they are the collectors, were placed in their hands about the first day of December last; that the aggregate amount due from these wards was $13,702 33; that in consequence of the large amount, the difficulty of collecting, and the short time allowed for that purpose, they will be unable to collect the whole amount in season to make their returns to the county treasurer by the first day of February next, the time fixed by statute, without sacrificing a large amount of property. The special legislation required by the petitioners should only be granted in extreme cases, as it involves the establishment of a precedent that holds out encouragement for delays in the payment and collection of taxes. Indulgence granted to one portion of the state may with propriety be claimed for another, and endless confusion in the operation of our tax laws ensue, from a belief that the legislature will grant further time. With these views, the committee very reluctantly favor the prayer of the petitioners. But, as the amount to be collected was large, and the period in which to make returns is rapidly approaching, in order to relieve our fellow-citizens, and to prevent a sacrifice of their property, the committee conclude to report a bill in conformity with the prayer of the petitioners. At the same time, they cannot refrain from expressing a hope that the legislature will not be embarrassed by any more applications of the kind. The report was accepted, and the "bill to extend the time for collection of taxes in the second, third, fourth and fifth wards, in the city of Detroit, Wayne county," was read twice and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. Mr. Ames, from the committee on engrossment and enrollment, reported as correctly engrossed, the "bill to extend the time for the collection of taxes in the second, third, fourth, and fifth wards, in the city of Detroit, Wayne county." On motion of Mr. Walker, the rule was suspended, and the bill read a third time and passed. Mr. Barbour, from the committee on internal improvement, to whom was referred the communication of the board of commissioners of internal improvement, reported a "bill to provide for the completion of the Central Railroad from Marshall to Kalamazoo" which was read twice, referred to the committee of the whole, placed on the general order, and ordered to be printed. 66 On motion of Mr. Walker, the bill to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the Detroit and Shelby Railroad company," was taken from the table, placed on the general order, and referred to the committee of the whole. Mr. A. C. Baldwin, pursuant to previous notice, asked and obtained leave to introduce a "bill to change the name of Elvira Herrick," which was read twice, referred to the committee of the whole, and placed on the general order. Also, a bill to amend an act entitled an act to incorporate the Troy and Rochester Railroad Company, approved March 24, 1844," which was read twice and referred to the committee on banks aud incorporations. On motion of Mr. Peck, The Senate joint resolution relative to a joint convention was ta ken from the table, and its further consideration indefinitely postponed. On motion of Mr. Hazleton, Resolved, That all bills reported to this House by a standing committee thereof shall be placed upon the general order and printed, un less otherwise ordered. On motion of Mr. Hand, Resolved, That the committee on internal improvement be instructed to inquire whether the office of Commissioner of Internal Im provement may not be abolished without prejudice to the public inter ests, and that they report by bill or otherwise. On motion of Mr. Hand, The joint resolutions proposing an amendment to the constitution, relative to the pay of members, was taken from the table. Mr. Jones moved that its further consideration be indefinitely postponed, which motion was lost, by yeas and nays, as follows: Mr. Pierce moved to amend the joint resolution, by striking out the word "forty" before "days" whenever it occurs, aud inserting "hir ty," and a division of the question being called for, it was taken on striking out, and lost as follows: The previous question was ordered, and the main question was or dered to be now put. The main question, being on ordering the joint resolutions to a third reading, was then put, and decided in the affirmative by the following The resolutions were then read the third time, and the question be ing on their passage, Mr. Hazleton moved an adjournment, which motion was lost, by yeas and nays, as follows: The previous puestion was ordered, and the main question was or dered to be now put. Mr. Peck moved an adjournment, which was lost. The main question being on the passage of the joint resolutions, was then put and lost by the following vote, a majority of all the members elected not having voted in the affirmative: YEAS. Mr. Hand, T. Lewis, Mr. Patterson, The House met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to order by the Speaker. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. IIarrison. On calling the roll, Messrs. A. C. Baldwin, Edmunds, Hand, Hol. lister, Leland and Sanborn were absent on leave, and Messrs. Groves T. Lewis, Ten Eyck and Thomas were absent without leave. Mr. Scott asked and obtained leave of absence for Mr. Sanborn for an indefinite period. Mr. Barbour, for Mr. Ten Eyck, for the day. The journal of Saturday was read and approved. PETITIONS PRESENTED. By Mr. Toll, of W. L. Elliott, and others, of St. Joseph county, for a law providing for assessment of damages on lands flowed by mill dams. Referred to the committee on the judiciary. |