Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-01-28
BILL FOR REFORMING
TERRITORIAL REVENUE LAWS
Introduced By Hon. !. s. Duncan, of San Miguel County Brief Bio
graphical Sketch Salient Features of the Measure.

Hon. James S. Duncan, who has introduced a bill in the council to reform
the revenue system and method of the collections in the territory, and which, if
ewas ushered into this world November Z, 1852. Like numerous men who have
made their marksin the world, Mr.. Duncan began life as canal boy on the Erie
canal. Later he went to sea; and finally gave up a sailors life to enter the army,
which brought him to New Mexico. In 1869 he arrived in the territory and
served asf first duty sergeant in D troop, Sth U. S cavalry, with credit and honor.
At the expiration of his period of enlistment he engaged in freightng and then
took up railroad contracting in which business he met with marked success
MIR, Duncan has been repeatedly honored by the people of East Las Vegas,
where he resides. He has served with credit as mayor of the town. Though
formerly a Democrat, and possessing a wonderful influence in his parys coun-
zens of San Migue! and Guadalupe counties. In November, 1898, he vas re-
elected as u Republican to the council.
Owing to political complications he was not allowed to take his seati in 1897.
although being fairly and honestly elected. This vas done by a combination of
Democrats and Union party members. During the session of 1897 he proved a
most valuable, aggressive and honest member. The experience gained by him
during that session, in addition to his natural ability and courage, will prove of
great benefit to his constituents in particular and the people of the territory in
general during the present session..
Relative to legislative matters, Mr. Duncan said to The New Mexican
tend to increase thu valuation in the territory and facilitate the work o the oun-
by assessors and collectors and prove a safeguard against a slpshod or incom-
potent administration of revenue affairs. believe that the taxes ofthe territory
are collected, within 90 per cent of the Just amount assessed, the territory will
be entirely relieved of debt within a period of a few years. The territory I'M
doubtedy has the property and it only remains for us to conceive a plan to force
the equitable collection of taxes. The bill is the outgrowthnf the work and OBJ
|of BernaiHo county, has assisted wonderfully in the work of framing and push
ing the measure to the front and is entitled % a equal amount of credit.
Another matter that | wish to touch upon is that If it is necessary for us
to reuench, do not think it policy to start with the educational institutions
We are responsible for bringing these institutions into existence and they are
entitled to u further consideration and support They are good advertise
ments for the territory, for the homeseeker Invariably considers the matter of
educational facilities paramount and desires to know whether the region is in a
benghted state or whether hsc children cn procure the benefits of a good educa-
ton there, before casting his lot with the residents of a different locality. How
throttHng the schools and institutes entirely or placing them in a position where
they must work at a disadvantage. New Mexico has as good institutions of
learning as many OF the larger states and territories, though lot so many, and l
think that we should sustain the reputation which we have gained. The terri
tory has improved wonderfully in the last few years in the matter of educational
institutions and nearly every visitor to the region expresses surprise that we are
50 progressive and enlightened. The valuation of taxable property has also en-
Loved a wonderful increase. and an inclined 10 regard the rigid econOmy cry as
a sort of bugaboo. The territory can enforce the collection of taxes and be in
perfect condition to sustain Its public institutions"