The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-11
cs..sy aaa city omesai Paper.
SEATTLE. TUESDAY, MAY II.
LAWS AND BUSINESS.

Judge ]. X. Lewis is one OF those men
Who always talk Interestingly. but very
often very forcibIy. on subjects to which
resident OF Seattle: he has occupied an
honorable position In the judiciary OF the
state an was for many years one of the
foremost OF citizens In every public move
ment. Judge Lewis naturally feels pride
IN the state. and has nesghborly feeling
Tor the men whose property he sees likely
20 leave them through ridiculous laws.
Yet he Ii sufficiently familiar with the
wonderful resources OF Washington to see
the clear distinction between the future OF
the state and the future of the individual.
Those who through Popuiist legislation
their loss viii not long retard the develop
ment Of the state. The property Will be
here. chiefly owned by aliens instead Of by
those who came years ago and hoped to
profit by the growth of the state. As Mr..
Lewis points out. II is not those who want
who. having already borrowed. are unable
10 pay. and might have a chance Of re-
uewal but for the law passed by the last
legislature. This IL unfortunate for the
property owner. but the blame lies with
the Popuiists. Many Of the more mis-
chisvous bills. which attracted attention
during the session OF the legislature. were
defeated through the presence Of an infiu-
entail number of conservative members
belonging to the old parties. and Of few
Of the less radical Populists.
Judge Lewis Ia not so accurate in his
description OF the tar law. He complains
that II he is only one day delinquent in
payment. somebody else can pay his taxes
and receive Is per cent. interest. The
remedy for this h not TO be day delin-
auent. II a note Is not paid when 1t Is due
II IL protested, and costs have to be paid.
II . man neglects his rights for one day
after the statute Of limitations begins to
run. he has 10 pay the penalty OF loss.
Taxes are not due on the last day of a
period. but on the first. Taxes are inev-
table: and they should he paid before they
become delinquent. The fact Is that our
tar law 10 az mild as any In the United
States. II was 20 mild that II has been
more profitable for tho property owner 10
put his money to other uses. Even now,
after moro than one-half the people paid
heavy interest and penalty. the legislature
permits deiinquents 20 pay all taxes prior
to 1885 with no more than per cent inter-
est. The penalty has been taken OF cur
wisely maintained at a rate high enough
TO make II an Involvement to property
owners 10 pay their taxes. n the levy f.
honestly made. ana only large enough 10
meet earrcnt expenses the taxes are
needed during the running year
These objections are Of less general mo-
ment. however. than the great improve
ment in business due 10 the DEVELOPMENT
of the mines. the Increased demand for
lumber and the ned trade with the Orient.
with these NE need have no fear OF the
state The opening 10 of half a dozen
snlnes like the Monte crsSso would wipe
cut half The Indebtedness OF the com.
munity In few years. and make the other
half q good investment for both borrower
and lender.
our laws arc oniy temporary aisad-
vantage which VIII be corrected by tho
next legislature. Many thousands of good
citizens who voted the Populls, ticket
through q mistaken notion OF ropulisi
doctrine have had enough OF Il; they hay,
seen the difference between praciica
Hesitation and the visionary attempts q
put everything TO rights" The laws vii
be In force only a abort time. but our won
derfu, wealth and vast opportunities vii
not be exhausted for many generations.
Just now We are attending 20 business
and when the right time comes we vii
attend TO the law.