The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1882-01-14
Assessments.
TN. o. Times-Democrat.1

Altogether the fairest and most
thoughtful article that has appeared
in opposition to the equalization plan
comes to as in a late issue of the
Claiborne Guardian. 1t is hostileto
the policy we have been advocating,
but its tone is SO moderate, its desire
to be right is SO evident that we
would gladly have regiment of such
opponents instead of one prejudiced
and unreasonable enemy. We have
carefully considered the opposition
set up to our equalization system
We have read and digssted every ar
gument which has appeared in the
negative. But we can truly say that
we have yet to see one statement to
the contrary which is not founded in
total misrepresentation of the theory
and practice of the plan.
The popular objections may be
summarized thus !:
/. 1t is feared that the equalization
board will be central power, taking
authority out of the peoples hands
and using it arbitrarily.
2. 1t is feared that, under the OPP
Grafton of the plan. the poor hill lands
will be forced to pay as much as the
rich alluvial lands.
8. 1t is feared that the effect of the
plan will be to nullify the provisions
of the Constitution limiting the tax
to six mills.
There are other objections, vague,
random and hysterical, and more or
less sincere. which we need not con-
slider at this time. The above are
particularly the main points upon
which the measure is antagonized.
Most of the opponents are honest in
their opposition, and really believe
that the danger they set up are ac-
tually and living dangers. Let US
see:
l. 1t is impossible that the board
can become a central power since its
members are elected exactly as Con-
gressmen are. 1t would, on the con-
trarv, be quite as representative
body as the Legislature.
There is no possibility of poor lands
being assessed as high assrich lands,
because the classification Of property
would have to be made under law
of the State and this law should clear
ly, specifically and deliberately define
the grounds of classification. The
lists of the Assessors would, therefore,
be subject to the supervision of the
courts and every citizen would have
his remedy for the slightest injustice.
This remedy must needs be absolute
since it is possible to frame law
which will clearly and Enthusiastically
establish a standard of classification.
This has been successfully done ev-
erywhere-why not in louisiana
3. The operation of the plan is no
more likely to nulify the constitution
al limitation than is the plan VIC
now pursue. Indeed, it contains the
best possible guarantee against such
notification. The integrity of the linn
itation depends upon the justice and
good faith of assessment, we hold
that such integrity is preserved by
system which absolutely assures
equality and uniformity far better
than by one which leaves everything
to the caprice. the discretion or the
personal opinion of the local assessor.
In truth, If one will only examine
the equalization plan in spirit of,
honest anxiety to understand its true
and proper meaning he will discover
that all the objections upon which he
now dwells are cured by this plan and
flourish no where SO well as beyond
its influence.