The herald., 1896-09-23
THE PARAMOUNT sTArE1ssuE

In the general excitement and dis
cussion over the money question, which
is the paramount national issue in this
campaign. the voters of California
should not forget other issues which,
though not national, are of vital import
ance to the entire population of this
commonwealth.
Several local questions are before the
people and will be recognized as import
ant factors at the November election.
But the paramount issue. and the one
suffrage, is the question of tax reform.
There are two sides to the suffrage prop
osition. Many intelligent and conscien-
tious voters are earnest advocates of
allowing women to WELD the ballot,
while many equally intelligent and sin
cere voters are strenuously opposed to
such an Innovation. But in the matter
of needed reform in our existing unjust
unscientific. demoralizing and disgrace
full system of taxa ton there is but one
opinion among men OF all political par
ties. That opinion is in favor of a
change. There are differences as to how
radical and sweeping the change should
be, but every citizen who is not selfishly
interested in maintaining the present
corrupt system must favor a radical
change at the earliest possible day.
This can be effected throughout the en-
tire state only by constitutional amend
ment. les aa1a z9a mssg&
For several months q movement has
hoap II, v,rnerrosG IooIinO n oh 10 90
in the organic law SO. as to relieve i'm
provements and all other labor products
from taxation and make up the def
cheney in public revenue by an increased
tax on land values irrespective of i'm
provements. 1t is claimed that such a
policy would encourage, instead Of dis
couraging, all forms of legitimate in
dustry. and on the other hand would
practically break UP land monopoly and
speculation III land.
The legislature cannot alter the con-
stitution, but it can adopt a resolution
proposing a constitutional amendment
and submit the same to a vote of the
people for their ratification or rejection.
If the incoming legislature will but sub
init to the people an amendment such as
is now being advocated in San Francis
CO and many northern counties, the
question of tax reform will thus be
opened up in a tangible shape, and
campaign of education, irrespective of
party politics. will be carried on through
out the state for two years. Whatever
the result as to the adoption or rejection
Of the amendment, such campaign
would surely open the eyes of the peo-
pie and lead them to more thorough
understanding Of what constitutes just
and unjust, wise and foolish taxation.
Already the Populists of Marin county
have started in the right direction. AT
their county convention few days ago
they adopted a clean-cut tax reform
plank which declares unequivocally for
the abolition of all state, county and
municipal taxation except one tax on
land values irrespective of improve
ments. 1t is expected that the Demo-
Gratis of the county will adopt similar
declaration. and that the legislative can
didates of both parties will be men who
favor such reform measure.
In one legislative district of San Fran
cisco the Democrats have nominated
for the assembly L. M. Manyer, who is
not only staunch, capable and an hon.
orable citizen, but a radical reformer,
a true Jeffersonian Democrat and pres
ident of the most active and influential
tax reform organization in that city.
Voters in every legislative district,
whatever their views on national issues,
should send men to our legislature with
sufficient intelligence and moral cour-
age to provide for radical change in
our existing fiscal policy-a policy that
is a clog upon the wheels Of progress,
a disbursement to enterprise, pro-
moter of perjury and an insult to every
honest wealth PRODUCER