New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-23
Mr.. FAssETT TO SINGLE TAX MEN.

HE DECLARES EMPHAUCALLY FOR BLANKET
BALLoT-A TAX QUESTION DISCUSSED.
In letter which he wrote on Monday Mr.. Fassett
placed largo lien the vote Of singe-tax men who
follow the leadership Of Henry George. The single
takers have supported the Democrats in National
politics since 1885, and as their number In the state
ia not small. their Importance as political factor
cannot be overlooked in close campaign. In State
politics their chief has always been the Australian
blanket ballot which they assert was first proposed IN
this country by Henry George As guide for tax re-
formers and ballot refoers generally two OF the most
prominent of them-General c. T. Christensen and
Thomas G.. Sherman, of Broolyn-have Just had cor
respondence with Mr. Fassett which, 1t is thought viii
insure the votes Of the great majority OF sngetax men
and ballot reformers for the Republican candidate.
Mr.. Shesrman and General Christensen In their
letter to Mr. Fasset say that there are thousands OF
voters in this state who regard the abolition OF pro
tective tariff the supreme issue in National pohtlcs
but who are disposed to give precedence to ballot re-
form and local taxation In State elections, provided
they can do without false construction being put
upon their action On behalf OF this alleged large class
two questions were submitted TO Mr.. Fassett in the
letter The writers Of the letter preface their hrst
question by saying that they are dissatisfied with the
present ballot law OF this State and they desire the
adoption OF the blanket ballot. They also want the
repeal Of the statute passed at the last session OF the
Legislature This is the first question |" In case OF
YOUR election as Governor viii you permit any bills
which the Legislature may pass to this effect to become
LAVISH
They also say that they desire county home rule"
in the method Of raising taxes. They say that bill to
this effect has been drawn up which gives this power to
each county and reqnlrng ell personal property TO be
assessed and returned, as at present or a. may be
hereafter provided by law IN the various counties 50
that every county desiring to exempt any other class
of property may do so, but still pay its share OF the
State taxes This is the second question In case OF
your election will you permit bill to this effect, II
passed by the Legislature, to become laws" copy
of the same letter was sent to Roswell P. Flower.
This is Mr.. Fassett's reply:
New-York, Oct. 10, 1891.
ChEstens%sn en- Esq ;at.o s,or.o oso ~ rbonas e
shearman was received at Rome in the midst of great
confusion have had but little time since 10 con
tage Of the first available opportunity to make reply
First, to the blanket ballot let me say promptly
Australian ballot, 50 called was spoken Of, l have
approved of being the best form yet suggested 70
cuated to make it possible for independent men to
fairly express their preferences at the polls Governor
Te fee f p D of & year declares empha
caly against the kind Of ballot you describe in the old
believe in the Exclusive Official blanket ballot regulated
on the lines described in the petition presented to the
Legislature passes bin such You describe or not,
and whether 1 elected Governor or not am in
ponents Of such ballot have been the spokesman Of
Tammany Hall and the Governor OF the state and ]
notice that nv distinguished opponent, the Hon. ROs
well P. Flower places himself squarely upon the Demo
cratic platform. You say you are greatly dissatisfied
with the present Ballot law. SO am J. universal
manhood suffrage will hest be conserved by the ex-
cluslvely official blanket ballot.
When, however, we reach the question OF taxation
to the most difficult and intricate problem OF
government. recognize most clearly as It seems TO
must recognize, that the entire tax system of this
state needs reformation bqt must say with equH ~
the state to determine how taxation for state as well
as local purposes shall be raised, into commission in
the counties, is method Of treating the tax problem
(Which, have Just said, Is the gravest and most
difficult Of all governmental problems which have
never before been called upon thoughnully 10 con
slider; and I think you will agree with me that tle
are hardly conducive 10 the most satisfactory con-
slderatlon of such an important problem. .
While ! believe ,unqnaifedly in the doctrine Of
self government (sce Senate Document No. 70,
introduced April IS, 1901, still recognize that
in many departments the state muss be supreme and
must act directly in order to secure liberty and
equality both to person and property, and. inasmuch
your proposition involves partition of the SOW
state unit and to all Of is citizens alike should
elected Governor, desire to consider the entire
matter soberly and matureIy after hearing all that
could be urged both for and against it, before could
woad be- ag more than "s this now
all existing circumstances. would be to PREJUDICE the
latter eX parte and without evidence conviction.
As TO Ballot Reform TO your questions regarding
which / have given such unequivOcal answers. the
matter has been thoroughly discussed by the public
and in the Legislature, and | unhesitangy declare
that II elected Governor would do all in nv power,
within the Constitution and the law to to the
people Of this state what regard as the most in
! Yours very truly. ]. S. FASSETT
| No reply has been received from Mr.. Flower al
though letter of inquiry was forwarded to him on
the day upon which the Fassett letter sent