The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1899-08-31
STATUS OF TAXATION.
Continued from first page.)

Continued from first page.)
masses of property were annually es-
Gaping the assessors eye, and the
state and counties were drawing more
from the property actually assessed
than far and just share. 1t was
considered quite dangerous for an as
SCISSOR to fearlessly do his duty.
Population Of the state was increas-
ing, but wealth, judged from the as
SCISSORS returns, was not. Besides
the great injustice done individuals
and communities the oddity OF the
situation gave rise to erroneous i'm
pressions, very damaging in their re-
suits, as to the commercial and in
dustrial progress Of the state.
This was the condition of things
when the last legislature enacted n
law fixing maximum rate for the
state and county purposes. 1t being
impossible to 60 beyond that rate,
the assessor had to raise valuations
somewhere near the legal require
ment. An utter failure to do this
would have occasioned deficit in
the county revenues and resort to
expediencies which should be avoid
ed il possible
Having examined the county audi
tors abstracts showing the work of
the county assessors in their recent
work, ] am satisfied that most
praise worthy effort has been made
to comply with the revenue laws and
levy assessments on the basis of full
cash valuation. In all instances
there has not been strict compliance
with the law making the full cash
value the standard Of assessment
But | do not think this was result
of ina.tention or desire to violate
the law. The reform has been suf-
fciently established to insure its COM
pletion in the near future. The
interest of the individuals, the
counties and the state will be greatly
promoted.
The amount Of property assessed
has been greatly increased In some
counties, it would seem, there have
been the most remarkable improve
ments in this respect. Whether due
to the vigilance of the assessors or
the voluntary returns made by the
owner, the fact is the showings are
very much more satisfactory than
heretofore
In connection with this expression
of congratuation upon your work, |
beg leave to indulge the hope that
you will not recede from your resolu
ton to execute the revenue laws in
letter and spirit. The State Board
of Equalization fully approves your
endeavors to reform methods of as
sessment, and cheerfully acknowledg
es the success which has been attain.
ed in particular instances. The
Board has attempted to cooperate
with you in the discharge of its duties
Of equalizing valuations.
1t is gratifying to observe that the
people Of the state generally have ia
cilitated the assessors in every way
possible The exceptions to the rule
are few, and it is hoped the beneficial
results of strict execution of tn.
revenue laws will be so plain thai
these will become reconclled. Nc
other official is confronted with the
same temptations to depart from the
rule of impartiality as the assessing
officer, and no other official has the
same latitude for arbitrary action,
and yet it is clearly evident the
county assessors, almost without ex
ception, have exercised only sucl
discretion as the law contemplates
When the results of the different
abstracts are tabulated, l shall tax,
pleasure in sending you copies.
Very sincerely,
BARTLETT SINCLAIR