Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-01-29
DISCUSSING TAxArIoM
Lecture Before the Farmers Institute--
The Farmers Want Relief.

urday afternoon, before the Farmers
Institute of New Castle county. Prof,
James subject was "Taxation,' and the
question submitted to him by the insti
tute was: elias ANY State Relieved
Landowners of an Unequal Burden by
Equalizing Taxation2"
In the absence of DIR. J. ]. Black, the
president, who was prevented from at
tending by the death of his brother, and
owing to the fact that Wilmington hun
dred is not permitted to have vice
president, Arnold Naudain, vice-presi-
dent for White Clay Creek hundred,
presided. Nearly 100 persons were
present, including Representatives Hig-
gins, Smith, Walton and Day of New
Castle county, jackson of Kent and
Morris and West of Sussex.
Professor James answered the ques-
ton in opening his remarks, by saying
that no state or country has ever relieved
the farmer of the burden of taxation.
In all countries the farmer pays more
than his share. 1t was the question of
taxation that brought about the great
charter in England and the American
and French revolutions. The great
principal was that the people should
determine what taxes are to be levied.
1t was easy to raise small amounts by
the present system, but it was difficult
to raise S700,000000 annually, as was
now raised in this country. A single
tax tends to destroy one part of the
economic body.
In this country, the same system is in
vogue as 100 years ago, or in fact since
the time Of Queen Elizabeth. Advances
have been made in everything else, but
we stick to the same Anticipated system
of taxation. In less than a century
taxation has increased 40 fold and pop
ulation but 12 fold. We must find out
where the wealth is and then devise
system to tax that wealth. A century
ago the chief wealth was in farms. The
bulk of it now is in cities, banking,
manufacturing, railroads, &c. The pro-
fits of trade are more than the value of
the farms.
The speaker described the events that
have brought about this change and as
serted that the whole present system of
taxation must be radically changed to
bring il i'll harmony with the present
conditions. No system of tax on prop
crty will do because it will discourage
savings
porations and the ease of property so
invested to escape taxation was referred
to. The farmer has larger amount of
property invested in farms and visible
forms of investment which cannot escape
taxation as bonds and stocks do. The
taxation of investments and mortgages
was discussed.
The speaker outlined his plan as fol-
4.
state taxation. The state must distri-
butte wealth for the support of public
institutions. The expenses of courts
should be bourne by the state largely,
and the schools should be supported.
Highways should also be supported by
the state. The bulk of the products of
the farm are marketed now, hence good
highways are Of prime Importance. The
insane should be under the charge of
the state.
Mr.. James spoke of the great changes
wrought by railways. Three ways out
of the difficulty were suggested. Greater
power of taxation to the Federal gov
eminent, which would be Capitalization.
State taxes on imports, which is impos-
sible. Taxation by the Federal govern
ment and division among the State and
local governments. Local and state
governments collect those which it can
best collect, and the Federal govern
mrnt the larger ones.
Mr.. James discussed the condition of
the farmer, in comparison with other
classes. He recommended the reform of
taxation and the growing Of new crops,
which were to be experimental upon
and decided upon by the experimental
stations
In relation to the Delaware farmer,
Mr.. James said that his lot would be
more peculiar than il is now if they did
not look out. They had done their
share in building up the general pros
perity of the country They should
have II portion of the proceeds of ma
tional taxation to assist the schools and
highways. Small states are those that
suffer the most.
At the close Of the lecture Representa-
tive John G. Higgins asked how the re-
forms were to be brought about. Mr..
James answered by referring to the bill
making an annual appropriation of
$4,000 year to the experimental sta
ton of each state. This was brought
about by the people moving on their
representatives. He favored Federal
support Of schools and roads, the two
most important and expensive institu-
tions in the country.
Mr.. Higgins then asked about taxation
Of mortgages, whether it was not the
borrower that had to pay it and not the
lender. Mr.. James replied that it was.
William Walker of Christiana hun
dred, considered that bonds and bank
stock could be taxed as well as anything
else. He spoke of the small profit of
farming, and claimed that it was not
paving more than l or 2 per cent, and
yet farmers were paying most of the
taxes. All property must be taxed.
Business that pays better than farming
should be taxed more. The west was
no better than the east, so far as farmers
are concerned. There should be u law
to tax farms, bonds, railroads and all
alike.
d. J. Murphey of Newark thought
that the natural advantages of the State
were not taken advantage of He knew
of plant that makes rs good silk as
there was made anywhere. Immediate
relief was wanted in the shape of pro-
portionate taxation on every one. The
general government could issue cur
rency and redeem mortgages at low
rate of interest. Mr.. Murphey moved |
that committee be appointed to confer
with the Legislature and devise law
to tax bonds and stocks; in fact all prop
erty alike.
George D. Medill and others spoke
against the appointment of committee,
on the ground that the representatives
knew what was wanted.
Mr.. Higgins stated that he understood