The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1898-11-02
Vote for Middlecoff.


10 lax Fey0rs ana voters.
Duluth, Mimi, Oct. l8, 1898: In my
judgement the most Important era in
the history of St. Louis county is upon
us-the legislation to be secured by
the members from this county who
should have the hearty cooperation OF
the county officials is Of far more inn
pOrtance than is GENERALLY supposed
to be the case. Both parties have
promised remedy from the effects OF
the so called Forfeited sale which is
to take place next May under the 1897
law, and perhaps no one has been
more insistant on securing such prom
Uses than | have been. 1t was my
privilege to go before the committee
on resolutions appointed by the Re-
publican County Convention and urge
this proposition and the Democrats
and Peoples parties have followed the
good example set for them. In round
numbers there is 81 100000 of unpaid
taxes in the Forfeited List and if the
law as it now stands remains unchang-
ed the whole amount OF said tax in
my judgement must be total loss so
far as county, city and school taxes
are concerned and the state will be
the only beneficiary. In my capacity
as county auditor and as president of
the State Auditors Association L
know l will be able to bring great in
fiucence to bear in securing the de-
sired legislation. Some Of our people
advocate the repeal Of the law entire,
as to that position have my doubts
as to its being the best policy and if
it were the best plan l question seri-
ously if it could be accomplished. l
have no hesitancy however in saying.
that with proper effort, the county.
our cities, villages and school districts
may become equal beneticiaries with
the state, and with proper safeguards
offered to purchasers we will he enab-
led to realize a large percentage of
these taxes.
The County Auditors Association.
at my instance, had the bill prepared
permitting taxpayers to pay their
taxes in two installments, which was
enacted into law in 1897, and the story
OF its success Is best told by the large
collections made in the June settle
ment. l predict that the next pub
lisled delinquent tax list will be the
smallest published in this county for
seven years.
In no other county in the state are
the duties of the county auditor so
and extensive and in no
Office is there more responsibility at
tached to those duties. Thorough
with such duties is as es-
sential qualification of the person
who fills it. Should / fall OF election
this Fall, / will turn over to my sue
ceSsor records that are, complete in
detail and that are up to date. and a
set Of records liz do say it) that any
one might be proud Of.
When assumed the duties of my
office nearly four years ago. it was
with the firm determination to treat
all tax payers alike, and, so far as lay
in my power, to make the burden OF
taxation rest equally upon rich and
poor. In the pursuit Of this policy /
have met with criticism and opposi-
tion by certain would-be "tax-dod-
gers" this expected and will expect
in the future if l am so fortunate as
to be reelected.
am still of the opinion that the
course / have pursued is the only cor
rect one, and it is my purpose to con-
tinue the same policy so long as /
shall remain auditor of st. Louis
county. SIS
ODIN HALDEN.
County Auditor.