The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1889-01-19

where SO much property is listed in
bulk.
PATENTED MINING PROPERTY.
"The assessment abstracts from
different portions of the territory
which possess the bulk of the min
ing property contain but little indi.
cation as to its real value.
1T is matter of common knowl'
edge that large quantities entirely
escape the tax which they ought to
pay. This property is tangible and
permanent, and it would seem that
full assessment thereof, and a
collection of the tax thereon, would
be matter of no special difficulty
The controller observes that in
this territory we must depend en-
tirely upon an ad valorum tax and
poll tax for the means to carry on
a territorial government, which
constitutes our general fund.-" and
cites as an undertaking rule, "a full
cash value and the rate of taxation
are the important factors to be con-
sidered in providing for our reve-
nue.. The total assessment Of val
ues in this territory should equal
100000 annually. If this be
accomplished, the present rate OF
taxation can and would be materi-
ally reduced, as the larger the value
the smaller the rate of taxation
would be. A reduction of taxation
always gives satisfaction. Take
our present taxable values, and
then take into consideration the
increase of our population, and a
low rate Of taxation would be lev
led, securing to the territory desira-
BILE immigration. Capital would
flow into our borders and seek per-
manent investment. 1t will prove
the most potent factor in the devel-
opment of the territory, and tend
to the prosperity of our people and
aid in developing and building up
financial, educational and indus
trial interests.
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
The controller calls the attention
Of the Legislative assembly. and
urges the Importance of establish
ing territorial board of equaliza-
ton, with power to equalize taxes
as may be deemed advisable. What.
ever will assist, he says, sin com
polling the listing of property fol-
taxation, ought to be done, for ever
person who enjoys the protection
Of government, for either himself
or his property, ought to contribute
to the expenses thereof"
."Heretofore the assessments upon
personal property especially money
money at interest, bonds, script
etc., in many of the counties, have
been negligently and carelessly
made, nearly all of the requirements
of the law having been disregarded
at may be safely estimated that
at least one-half of the above mer.
toned property subject to taxation
for territorial purposes has not
been reached by the assessors. This
should not be So"
The controller calls the attention
of the legislature to "the necessity
of change in the laws governing
the compensation for services rem.
dered incident to the collection and
paying over of the territorial reve
nues. The auditor receives three
per cent on all moneys paid over
the treasurer three per cent; sheriff
six per cent on all licences, which
equals twelve per cent on licences
the assessor fifteen per cent on poll
taxes, which equals twenty-one pei
cent on this source of revenue; col.
lector seven per cent on property
taxes, which equals thirteen pc,
cent on this source of revenue.
at will be observed that the rates
Of percentage are too high. The
territory pays too much for the col
lection of it's revenues. No good
reason can be assigned why the
territory should pay from two to
three per cent more than the county
to the collector from the proceeds
of property tax"
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.
"Under the provisions of title XII
chapter ", the district attorneys OF
the several counties receive a fixed
salary. Subdivision, fourth-sec.
ton 2157, Revised Statutes, allows
the sum of $500 per annum to
these county officers from the ter
ritory."
1--WE have an Encouragement
who is required to prosecute or de.
fend all cases to which the territory
is party, and all causes to which
any county may be party"
The controller respectfully sug
gests that subdivision four, of sec
ton 2157 be repealed and thus save
to the territory the sum of $4,8O(
per annum.
TERRITORIAL SCHOOL FUND.
"The principal income of this
fund consists of moneys accruint
from the estates of deceased per
sons. There is in this fund 81, 1874. 2!