The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-02-05

stance where the question was re-submit-
ted after three years experience. only
six votes were cast against IT, aud again.
] have confidence In the intelligent judg
meht az our voters when once their inter
esq In any subject TO be voted upon has
been sufficiently aroused. This change
would. OF course, increase the tax Oh va.
cant lots from $50 on the $1,000 to $50 but
where the Improvement value OF io'
equaled the land value, the tax would re-.
main the same. and where the improve
nient value exceeded the land value, the
tax would be reduced and where the Lard
value exceeded the Improvement value the
tax would be increased
Now. briefly as TO the application, while
not permitting city or county to dts
criminate In favor Of the wealthy manu-
facturer as against the poor homestead
owner whose humble improvements also
contribute proprtionately to the general
prosperity, and while requiring the manu-
iacturer. in common with all other clti-
zens. to pay a tax upon the value a. The
land which he occupies, the exemption
from local taxtion OF all improvements,
machinery aud capital used In his bust
ness would offer TO him Inducements SUI
perior to those OF total exemption from
taxation for a term of years. and no qucs-
ton Of class legislation would be raised
Now, suppose that Houston could adycr-
tise to the world at large that manufactur
ing homestead and business Improve
ments, goods OF merchants banking and
insurance cauital, and all those thing.
which are wanted In every prosperous
community. were exempt from local taxa
ton; that the merchant or business man
without a political pull would not be a,
the mercy OF tax assessors and boards oil
appraisement In the matter OF assessments
on stocks of goods, accounts, credits
money In bank and miscellaneous personal
property. Would not this induce Wen
derful flow OF capital seeking investments
which give employment 70 labor and add
TO the general prosperity? Let II be
known that in Houston a man was not
fined by having his taxes increased for
constructing improvements on vacant ianl
and handsome buildings would soon occu-
py unsghtly spaces now to be found even
in the business centers OF the town. Lei
1t be known all over the world that there
were cities In this State where all forms
OF capital actively employed would thus
be welcomed. and a long felt want would
speedily be supplied. Who can doubt hal
under such q, system the cities OF Texas
which awaited themselves OF It's privileges
would enter upon careers OF unexampled
prosperity and progress, In which farmers
State would also participate? And moi
even the dogs in the manger." who tdl
not, neither do they spin, who never vol
UNFAIRLY or cheerfuly contribute for pub
lie enterprises in which they themselve,
are the greatest benefieiaries. who sit upon
vacant lots, and. by demanding extortion.
ate prices. drive OFF the manufacturer and
the homeseeker even they would be hene.
/ fited. The influx OF capital and nereas,
OF prosperity and population would Great,
greater demand for land and the en-,
hancement of values resulting would NOR,
than offset the increase Of the tax. HON,
rule in taxation will come and II vii
come to Texas. The only question is, shall
Texas adopt il in time TO avail herself o.
the special advantages to accrue to thos,
enlightened communities which shall frs
remove the shackles imposed upon indus
try and enterprise BY harbarous AM
medieval system OF taxation?