The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1896-01-16
GOV. BUSHNELL.
Continued from First Page.

Continued from First Page.
July |, 1895, to July l, 1901, one year sliU-
eequent b the final maturity date pro
posed for those bonds. If this $3.50, 900 OF
the funded debt is thus carried forward
and that amount applied to the payment
OF the temporary loan and the balance of
the temporary loan refunded to July l,
1897, and at the same time the $3.50 600 Of
ahe funded debt falling due July /, 1891
refunded to July !, 1902 the entire pay
ment of the temporary loan would be pro-
vided for, and, in case of emergency, we
would be able to borrow temporarily to
the full constitutional limit of $3.50, ,OOO
and it would seem best to make this dis
position of the debt, and, if the rate of
Interest is made 3 per cent in order that
our people may invest in the bonds ]
would suggest that they be made non
ta&able.
CAN'T When com pared 20 the Importance OF
the state, our progressiveness and our
values. This debt is being discharged at
the rate of $3.50. 900 annually and there j.
every reason to hope that the closing year
Of the century will show Ohio practically
without any interest bearing obligations
There is a satisfaction in such prospect
that should be matter of pride for all.
The subject of state and county taxa
tion is now being discussed by nearly all
clclasses Our commercial bodies, boards
OF trade, tinanciers and citizens Rener-
ally, are deyOting attention 10 it in the
hope that such an amendment of the
Ohio tax system may be secured as will
tighten the burden and protect the inter.
ests of the people. Various plans have
been proposed TO remedy the conditions
and to all such as come before your honor.
able body, i trust that you will give con
sideration and close study. One of the
propositions which will doubtless be ad
Vanced is that of local option or home
rule in taxation, which contem plates that
counties shall provide their own system
of taxation Tor the necessary revenues of
the county. This idea has been indorsed
by many authorities on taxation and
commend it TO you for special considera-
tion.
In treating the subject Of taxation, the
purpose should be TO effect result which
will provide that the burdens shall BEN
rs equitably as possible upon all the peO-
pie. Double taxation should be avoided
and all laws that tend to drive business
energy and capital from Ohio to enrich
other states at our expense should be re-
pealed our system Of taxation should
while producing sufficient revenue 80 dis-
tribute and tighten the burden as TO re-
tain and attract capital TO be employed
by our own people. Ohio should have as
HOou TAX system as any sthJe. j again
commend to you the necessity of giving
the tax problem your most earnest con
sideration.
have spoken Of economy in public ex-
penditures. Among the ways this can be
secured is by the creation Of purchasing
board, the duty of which should be to
purchase all supplies for all the state in
Btitutions There might be board to be
appointed by the governor, by and with
the consent OF the senate, to consist OF
three members and secretary, TO meet
not oftener than once a month, and at
their meetings pass upon the acquisitions
for supplies from the state institutions
and enter into contracts with those who
may choose to submit bids based upon
and in accordance with advertisements
inviting proposals for such supplies as
may be needed The duty of the secretary
could be to keep all the books, accounts
and records, audit all bills and sign all
vouchers, which later would be submitted
for the approval OF the president of the
board The secretary would probably
need assistants and the board would have
20 authorize their employment.
This plan of purchasing supplies on the
basis OF advertisements inviting proposals
for certain material, goods aud provisions
IL used by the federal government with
conspicuous success Ia every way. A pur-
chasing board f0g the state OF Ohio would
concentrate responsibility and, by making
~-s-~Aer~o 40 lArlie nilantltlaa. would ~