Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1903-02-03
0ov. White Speaks Out.

On the subject of the Tax Commission s
report Gov. White gives our tor publica-
ton the following:
=. The issue before the Legislature Of
tax reform is clearly defined. 1t is the
indirect as against the direct tax for the
support OF the State government. II IS
the peoples interest as against the selfish
opposition OF privileged interests which
oppose just taxation.
.sThe Tax Commission shows how the
State can raise the needed revenues with
out direct taxes. 1t requires no consti.
tutional convention to afford this relief.
The measures proposed can be adopted
now. Why not give relief now? We all
know why certain corporate interests pre-
fer the present Ineffective, unjust and in,
eauable plan of levying direct taxes. :
But why should the people be needlessly
and unjustly taxed that special interests
and privileges may not bear their just
share of the public burdens? Why should
we levy a State tax of thirty-five cents
on the hundred dollars needlessly'
ITO postpone this great reform until
constitutional convention is held is 9
scheme to defeat by delay. | do moi
favor the submission of the question OF q
constitutional convention at specia
election. The Tax Commission proposes
that the question of constitutional con
vention be voted on at the regular cleo
ton in 1904 without expense, and, If ap
proved that such convention be elected
That is soon enough.
What would constitutional conven
ton do more than the present Legislature
can do towards pleasing the STANDARD
Oil Company and its constituent oil com
panies. the great railroad coal combina
tons, the liquor and other corporate in
terests, which want to be let alone, Will,
the people pay unjust burdens.
/ There are no constitutional Difficult
ties in the way Of adopting the recon
mendations of the Tax Commission.
Such talk is INDUCED in for effect ant
always is brought against any proposes
tax measure.
1.-The State needs revenues. The pc
ltical party in power is merely an instru
ment IN the hands of the people to pre-
mote their welfare. fit proves recrean
to the trust, if corporate influences out
weigh the just recommendations of tn
Tax Commission and no relief is given,
may be a sorry day for the responsible
party when the people pass judgment.
There is a public duty resting on tn
Republcanrepresentatives OF the preser
Legislature as we'll as on the Democrat
members. But the Republicans are re
sponslble. They will be held responsible
They cannot dodge or shirk their duty
Reforms 10 not go backward and defea
now of the indirect tax methods for raj!
ing revenue will only intensity the cor
test and renew the more vigorously Th
people in the end will not be deceived.
My hope is that the present Legisla
ture, fresh from the people, will stud
the peoples interests and serve them.
1.-THE tax laws proposed by the TIA
Commission will not affect the produt
ton of pound of coal, gallon of oil {
a cubic foot of gas; nor will they hampe
in any way the growth. development {
prosperity of the State.
But they should prove blessing
all the people and result in fair and MOI
equitable system of taxation, both tor |,
cal and State purposes"