The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-10-21
The Tax Question.

the necessary expenses to those in
Cured for public improvements there is
a wide range for difference of opinion,
and the clashing of opposing interests.
Among some classes there prevails a
sentiment averse to taxation for any
purpose beyond that of actual expen-
ses of government. Another class
maintains the policy of general taxation,
not only for such necessary expenses,
but also for the purpose of internal I'M
provements.
1t is, or should be, the policy of Re-
publican institutions to further all
measures having for their end the
strength and stability of the govern
ment, be it Of a general or local char
acter. In this age of civilization,
government of the people, according to
the spirit of our national constitution,
means something more than mere
league, Or temporary compact to be
broken at pleasure, wherein the strong
may, if they choose, tyranize over the
weak and hold exclusive control of the
reins of power. 1t means rather rul-
ing power by the people themselves,
whose will is expressed III laws executed
by officers chosen in a like manner as
the legislators. With the ruling power
resting in such source, the citizen
who has confidence in his country, and
love of it's institutions, Will rot feal that
there is danger of the government be-
coming to strong. He will be willing
and anxious that revenue be raised from
equal taxation to further public improve
ments, foster education aud general re-
hncment, and each year more closely
cement the bond of union among the
people. His faith in his country will
cause him to feel secure III such public
investments, and to rejoice that his
community is prosperous and united.
Strong to assist the weak, to restrain
undue ambition and generally to equal
ne the blessings Of life to the whole
people. Something more than mere
taxation for the purpose of raising rev.
cnue for necessary running expenses OF
government, is comprehendcd in this
broad and comprehensive view OF the
subject. Taxation to foster, as well as
to protect, the higher objects sought i'll
the organization of Society into com
munities. And this is for the benefit of
the rich as well as the poor. 70 the
former it guarantees enjoyments of a
more certain and substantial character,
and affords them a firmcr tenure of
their possessions. 10 the poor it gives
the helping hand, and to the unfortu
nate opens the door OF encouragement.
So much for liberal taxation, but
what of the manner of assessment, and
collection OF. taxes? This branch Of
the subject will be easily solved when
public sentiment is sufficiently enlight-
ened as to desire liberal taxation for the
purposes above expressed. Any mode
will be Objectionable where the feeling
exists that taxes are unfortunate at best,
to be made as light as may be, and to
be escaped altogether if possible. When
the masses OF the people shall have at
tanned that public spirit that will cause
them to take hearty and genuine in
terest and pride in all matters of public
concern, ilen the mode Of rating p, b.
lie rc venue will at olce become cues
ton easy Of resolution. Until Zine
arrives, all laws upon the subj ct will
be more lc } abhortivc. No law ca
even ,proximate to perfection unies !.
is based upon the fundamental p ipciple
OF impartial aration o. all propert, &C.
cording to intrinsic ralue. There should
be no discrimination. There is no
reason for it in republican govern
ment, where all people are equal before
the law. The ideal law will therefore
secure, first, All assessment OF oil proper
ty according to intrinsic value; second,
a uniform rate; third, cheap and Wig