The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-07-26
FIGHT OVER TAX
REFORM MOVEMENT.
Situation Similar to That in Wis
cOnsin Prevails in West
Virginia.
COMING ELECTIONS INVOLVED.
Governor White Favors Equaliza-
ton of Taxes on Farm Prop
erty and Real Estate, and
Tax on Railroads,
Coal and Gas.


REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Washington. July 2J.-West Virginia is at
present the scene of a political movement
very similar TO the one which Is distracting
the Republicans of Wisconsin, although in
West Virginia the question has not yet
assumed the serious proportions that it has
in Governor LaFollettes State. In both in
stances the question of taxation is at issue
and the contest is between the corporations
and other interests of the State.
In West Virginia the issue may involve
the coming elections, in which Legislature
to choose the successor to United States
Senator Scott is to be elected. Us well as
Governor and State ticket. Rival candi-
dates for Governor are in the field, and or
posing sides OF the tax question.
Thus far the senatorial situation has been
kept clear Of that matter. but Senator Scott
is being opposed for other reasons. and his
reelection is contested.
Broadly stated. the issue as to taxation is
proposition to eQualize the taxes on farm
properties and real estate and to place
tax on railroads, on the output Of coal and
natural gas. with certain additional license
taxes. Naturally, the great coal and rail-
way interests of the State, which In West
Virginia are almost proportionately as pow
erful as they are in Pennsylvania, oppose
the new plan, and thus far have succeeded
Al. preventing us DeiIlS put lIlD ppSTdllOI
me new system was devised by tax
commission authorized by the Legislature
and appointed by the present executive,
Governor White. The commission was COM
posed of Democrats and Republicans and
included some of the ablest men in the
state 1t recommended the aboltshment Of
every county, although the same classes of
value.
In lieu of the State taxes, each county
should levy its own land taxes. assessed
by board of well-paid men of good stand
lng' the taxes to go into a county fund.
IN that way, 1t was argued. every county
could deal with the land question on its
peculiar merits.
In q State with the diversified topograph-
ical features of West Virginia this system
was urged as more equitable. The counties
were to pay the State for the care of their
paupers, insane and criminals To supply
the deficit in the State funds which would
be created under such a system it was
pToposed 10 place a tonnage tax on the
Oh gas, and to license all professions.
TALK OF EXTRA SESSION.
Governor White Endorsed the recommen-
dations of the commission and bills were
introduced in the Legislature to carry
them out. but the bills failed of action and
| the Legislature adjourned without changing
the existing system.
Now Governor White threatens to call an
| extra session Of the Legislature to take tho
case UP. AGAIN. OPINION Is divided on the
advisability Of the call, and there is much
argument throughout the State upon IL
| The corporations are fighting the idea and
making every effort, Il is said, TO swing
public sentiment against ii.
| Governor White is not eligible to re-cIec-
| ton under the law of West Virginia, so his
personal fortunes are not involved. He has
| entailed the fight. however, upon his Secre-
| tary of State. w. NJ. o. Dawson, who is n
candidate for the gubernatorial nomination
| on the issue of favoring the new tax system
State Senator c. W. Swisher of Fairmount
| is a candidate for the nomination and is on
| posed 10 the new plan. Ex-Representativo
| c. p. Dorr of Addison and Charles Teter of
Phiippi are also in the field.
Thus far the two United States Senator's
| Elkins and Scott, have managed to steer
! clear of the tax issue, and both at this time
are deep in the tall timber
| Senator Scotts trouble is said to be geo.
graphical rather than personal, although
| there are some business side lights to 1t.
| Both the Senators are from the northern
part of the State, and now the men in the
| southern section claim that there should be
| a geographical division and ]. l.. Caldwell
| is urged as the candidate of the southerners
A fire in Senator SCOTS rear has been
| started by II. @. Schmulbach of Senator
! SCOTS own county. Mr.. Schmulbach ia n
wealthy brewer of Wheeling, and he and
| the Senator are rivals, 1t is said, in some
railway schemes. Mr. Schmulbach is now
talking Of swinging his forces to Mr.. CaId-
| WELL and, If he can not get 1t himself, at
| least bowl out Senator Scott.