Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-01-16


Had the assessment been at actual value the
rate oftaXatiOn would not have exceeded one per
cent and the direct state tax, which is less than
oue-twellth of the total tax would have been less
than nine-tenthS of y mill to the dollar.
The entire state tax, direct and indirect for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1873, repre-
scented by the receipts into the general fund,
amounts 10 81 120,S 37 81, and if levied upon the
taxable property OF the state would amount TO
one and oue-tenth mills upon the dollar, or about
one-eighth of the total tax paid by the people.
The amount is $4,000 less than was received the
year before, which, with the large deficiency eX-
listing in the general fund January l, 1878, and the
expenses Of the publication OF the revised stat
utes, accounts in part for the increase in the state
tax now being collected. 1t Is confidently expect.
ed that this tax Will pay all the expenditures Of
the year 1879 and in addition very materially Ie-
duce, if it does not entirely eXtingnish, the de-
hcency in the general fund which has appeared
each first day OF january for several years last
past.
ESTIMATES
The secretary Of state estimates that the re-
eepts for the calendar year 1880 will be S679, 12S
66, as follows:
From railway companies. 80. $3.50, 600 90
From insurance companies $500. IL, coo 90
From miscellaneous sources .-..-... 200 90
From taxes authorized by existing
HS estimates The erncnt1res for the same ne p 90
Rod nj 1927, 12S So, including S41 so 80, the pro-
ceeds OF the one-tenth of a mill tax for the ben
fit of the State University, which was omitted
from the estimates, but is included in the tax
levy for 1879.
These estimates are doubtless as correct as it
is possible to make them. TheamOunts to be re
Ceived from other sources than the direct state
tax may exceed fall short of the estimates. de-
pending very largely upon the character of the
crops and the general condition Of the country.
In my Judgment they are more likely to exceed
than fall below the seCTetaTy'S estimates, and
therefore, unless extraordinary appropriations
are made during the present session, The levy OF
a state tax of S24S, 600 in addition TO taxes now
authorized by law, will be ample for all purposes.
My views upon the subject of appropriations are
well known, and it is unnecessary to elaborate
them at this time, The people o Wisconsin
are both able amp willing to pay all taxes levied
Tor necessary and legitimate purposes but they
insist that the same rules of prudence and econ
omy shall obtain in public affairs that wise men
use in the conduct OF their private affairs.
EDUCATION.
The reports of the state superintendent and of
the boards of regents of the university and nor
NAL schools will be LAID before you in due time,
giving full information as 10 the progress and
present condition of our public educational sys-
tem-the report OF the regents of the university
being accompanied b. an able and Interesting
report by Professor w. w. Daniels, concerning
the tornadoes of last May.
1t does not need that should commend these
reports to your most earnest and careful consid-
Grafton Whether viewed in regard TO their