Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-09-27

may so declare, but with a law Whlcn
provides for the equal assessment OF all
property to permit one-half of the per-
sonal property to go undiscovered and
untaxed betrays weakness in our stat
Gtes which can not be endured. There is
something wrong about the morals of
some of our people in this particular
which ought to be rshted. i firmly be-
lseve that there should be n provision in
the law which would furnish motive
tic tell the truth to the assessor. If the
law provided that upon the subsequent
discovery of property that had not been
listed for taxation the owner should for
felt considerable part of it to the state,
with a proper allowance to the person
thru whose diligence the discovery is
made, l think 1t would have tremep-
dous influence upon the conscience OF
Eien whose property has hitherto been
Invisible. There may be better plans,
and the best one must be adopted. but
that some modification, some change is
required in order to do justice to the
man whose wealth is in real estate /
have no doubt whatsoever. A reform of
this character must come from the peo-
pie who are interested. 1t must come
from the constant demand for the bet
terment of the laws, and l leave the
suggestion with you. hoping that thru
the intelligence of the voters of this
state the thing will be done that ought
TO be done.
There has been much discussion with
regard to the taxation of railroad prop
erty. For reasons which are altogether
clear to any observing person, the value
OF railroad property is ascertained by
the executive council instead of by the
township assessors. That railroad prop
crty should be assessed upon the same
basis that is adopted for other property
is so obvious that it can not be dis.
puted, and SO far as know 1t never
has been disputed. / know of no other
species of property so fit for comparison
In determining the assessed value of the
railroads as the real property of the
state: that is to say, the farms OF the
country and the lots of the cities. The
railroad companies can not complain II
they are compelled to pay taxes upon
valuation which puts them upon an
equality with the owners OF lands and
lots Value is matter almost wholly
Of opinion and there may be wide and at
the same time honest differences III the
Judgment of men regarding the value OF
any specific property. The authority to
determine the value of railroads must
be lodged somewhere. 1t is now reposed
in the executive council and what you
have a right to demand is the fearless,
honest exercise of the authority. !
doubt not that the law relating to the
subject is capable of Improvement. but
however 1t may be amended, there is no
substitute for integrity in official life
with 1t poor laws will be good; without
ii good laws will be poor. am candi-
date for governor and II elected will be
member of the executive council. II
you believe that / have intelligence
enough to ascertain what the value OF
railroad property is and courage enough
to declare 1t, / am entitled to your conf
6ence and your support: but II you
think that am lacking in Intelligence.
Integrity or courage, am unworthy to
receive either your trust or your votes