The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1903-01-19
COUNTY BILL MOVES.

COUNTY BILL MOVES.
From the report of Chairman w o
smith, of the commission which framed
the county bill now being considered
by members of the Republican party
and to be introduced in the Legisla
ture Immediately after it meets, there
may be gathered very fair idea of the
scope of the measure which will bring
the government closer TO the people, in
the form of the election of immediate
G6AsoficiaIs The measure has been looked
8 sforward to with interest for some time,
sand now that it is to be given publicity.
those who have been studying the ques-
ton will have chance TO see how far
; the commission has gone in the new
: boapIan.
Nax There is no feature perhaps which
Trvdemands closer attention than the tax
: woration provision, and none should COM
anomend itself more fully to the people.
The impossibilty of one set of tax Of
or ficers for all the work was apparent,
and as well the necessity for some con-
Ttstrol of the various counties, that the
ANburden of taxation for Territorial pur-
Sposes might be distributed equally.
This is accomplished through a Board
FFbf Equalization, consisting of three Ter
ritorial officials, with powers to adjust
the rate of tax for the use of the gov
wm ernment at large, basing the rate upon
1kthe appropriations made by the Legis- |
lature. No more will there be the con-
dition now apparent, of no money to |
carry out the plans of legislators, and
$%%<-as well public interests will be safe
zzu4 zusg-uarded by preventing the making of
low assessments in one county, so that
nr0rNhe people may pay a small proportion
of Territorial expense.
This at once places responsibility
where it belongs. If there is to be a
5high tax for Territorial purposes, then
the fault will lie directly at the door
of extravagant members of the Legisla-
ture. If there is a high rate for the
county expenses then it is the County
Supervisors WHO are to be blamed
There can be escape from the re-
sponsibilty, for the Board of Equaliza-
ton must provide revenue to carry out
the wishes of the Legislature and the
counties must pay this along with their
local expenses
There are however in the measure,
several points where Improvement can
Bustbe suggested, although any suggestions
1t Unjust be offered with the knowledge
morsthat the commission has gone into the
matter very fully and exhaustively.
The elective officers comprise a largel
staff, and their maintenance will be a
H.burden the small counties. That
b each official must reside in the county
seat and keep open his office each day.
viii mean that he may engage in no
other pursuit~than holding his office,
00Nland his salary must be in proportion
las to the need of many officers ex-
perience elsewhere has proven that
there may be readily combination which
rEsfwill reduce the salary roll and give
lat least as great efficiency. In the State
of West Virginia for many years. and
dit is probably at the present time,
the entire group, had sheriff, treasur-
er and tax collector in person,
bonds being given for the faithful per-
Torrance of the duties of each office.
These considerations will not mate
rally affect the County of Oahu, with
its revenue of 100000 but there may be
expected burden the counties of
Kauai and West Hawaii for instance.
Where the duties to be performed are
light and there is no conflict in them,
there might be amalgamation without
detriment to the public service. E
The bill is closely, carefully drawn
one, and to the men who have crystal
lized it there is due the thanks of the
- community at large