The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-09-09


the feasibility and practicability of the
plan above proposed. The objection is
made that an increased assessment
would increase the county's proportion
of the territorial tax. Suppose it did;
shall Clarke county cripple her own in
terests for fear she will help the terri
tory trifle beyond her just proportion:
Such course is not dictated by lib
eral public spirit, but on the contrary,
is narrow policy and shame upon
the people of any community.
Again, it is proposed that if addi-
tional funds are wanted beyond what
the present penurious and inadequate
system affords that special tax be lev
led, no percentage of which the terri
tory is allowed to claim. But why in
cur this additional expense and trouble
for the sake of avoiding Il duty the
county owes to its territorial govern
ment, because other counties sometimes
pursue similar policy as narrow and
illiberal as it is MOI ally dishonest: Does
true public spirit dictate such Il course: !:
Is it consistent with the theory OF our
governmental institutions, or with pub
lie policy If not, then why remain
longer under the ban of such vain and
frivolous excuses' Let true public
spirit assert its sway and the consc
quences will never be regretted; for the
present generation will soon see cause
to be thankful, and the next and all
succeeding generations will be glad
that their fathers were disposed to seek
that better part, attainable only through
an honest and public spirited career.
The next Legislature should, accord
ing to tho recommendation of Gov.
Ferry, pass Il law creating Terrific
rial Board of Equalization, ;" that ter
ritorial taxes may be justly apportioned
between the different counties. The
people everywhere, and the press
throughout the territory, should urge
this measure opon their representatives
as one of the first duties to which they
shall give attention at the Capitol.
Washington Territory is now upon
the eve of biennial election. 1t is
always important that capable and hon
est men be selected at these elections
to fill the various Offices, but it is par
ticularl y important that not only capa
bic and honest men, but public spirited
men, be selected for the positions of
Assessor and Commissioners of the
several counties. Clarke county needs
an Assessor who will put the total as.
scssment of the county at one million
dollars next year, and Board of Coun-
ty Commissioners who will see that it
is maintained and the tax thereon rig
idly and impartially collected. Public
policy demands it, and public spirit
ought to be such as to not only demand,
but secure such result. No rcllcc-
tions are intended to be cast upon any
Assessor or Commissioner the county
has had, or has now, but rather upon
the quality of public spirit and public
sentiment that not only toleratcs mar
row and illiberil course, but requires
those officers to pursue it.
SO much for TIE matter of finance and
the raising Of public revenue, one Of the
most important things in the political
economy of any people. In it is found
the key to many social problems
thought to be difficult of solution. In
its consideration direct appeal can be
made to the individual citizen with
whom the whole matter of public veal
or woe finally depends. lie can be
told that the payment of just tax upon
the intrinsic valuation OF all his prop