Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1874-02-26

IcliON CltlLGiL9 HAY y bcCli 'tllAAott7 ~
know, for some time, what the re-
suit of the much vexed bond cues
ton would b.. Time develops all
things. Now, most people see that
the debt in some shape must be met;
and after all the expense and sus-
pense there appears to be a will III
the people to bring the matter to an
end. Unequal and unjust assess
ment appears to occupy the mind;
and as it falls upon the hard work.
ing poor man, the widow and orphan
with heavy stroke, while the
wealthy are not taxed according to
the real worth Of their property
especially so in time of double tax
and bond payment. The value
placed on property Is the basis of
all assessment Property of the
same quality is of the same value
through the county; therefore an
equal valuation OF all property in
the county should be attained; If
this is not accomplished. some town
or person must suffer. The law
provides for the election of three
local assessors. Would it not, there
fore, be much better to elect that
number, at least once in a given
term of years, aud have the judg-
ment of three persons IN arriving
at an equal valuation OF property
rather than run the risk of causing
the nard working poor man and
widow to pay an unjust tax.
Were the county board to call al
the local assessors in the county
together, previous to going through
their separate towns to take the
value Of property, and assist them
in drawing up scale OF prices to
regulate and accomplish All equal
valuation of property in town and
county, being honest men, the
assessors,) they of course would be
willing to be bound by oath to abide
by said standard aud, thereby,
causing all parties to be taxed no
more nor less than that which is
just.
1t may be said, that there is no
law for the county board TO act thus.
Ii our local assessors, or any one
fall short of the laws of equity,
may our county board, they being
chairman of the board Of equaliza-
ton in their separate towns,) to
carry ont the law of rectitude,
Justice and honesty to all their con-
stituents, not be considered a court
OF equity, and in that capacity act
for the uprightness and the good OF
the county. Industry should have
protection. 1t is II credit to our
county that a comfortable and plcn-
teous home is provided for our fellow
creatures who are unfortunate, and
those who by old age can no longer
help themselves; yet there are
numbers who are struggling hard
to meet the wants of large families,
and keep them from paupellsm,
who are at the same time the strong
arm of the county, and yet on such
tne debt of Town, County and State
falls too heavy in proportion to their
property. The wealthy in many
cases find out ways to protect them
selves from taxation. Previous to the
time OF giving to the assessor u Just
account of all taxable property, the
merchants stock of goods are re-
,uced. and the funds are exchanged
for United States Bonds, on sent of
for a new supply, but it is contrived
in such Il way that the new goods
do nat arrive on his premises until
at least a few days after the lawful
time for a valuation of property to
be taken which is III his possession,
and so escape taxation. Again
those men of wealth who have
money to loan on interest are GER
taiuly great prop to the ambitious
lahorerS who are building up the
county, and deserve respect as we'll
as interest for their money; yet
these men are all alert as the time
for assessment draws nigh, how
they may also, invest most OF their
moncy under the shelter of Uncle
Sans Bonds. In time Of war, many
came up nobly, showing great mag
nanimity Of soul to assist the gov
elumrnt in financial matters. Now
in time of peace, it appears to me,
that such wealth should not escape
Taxation. and continue to hnrQen