Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1903-08-01
TAXATION A STATE ISSUE
Politicians in This State Are Di-
yided on the Question Of Taxes.
THREATENS AN EXTRA SESSION
Rival Candidates.


of a political movement very similar
to the one which IL distraetiug the
republicans of Wisconsin, although
in this state the question has not yet
assumed the serious uropoi tions that
it has in Governor La Toilette S state.
In both instances the question of tax
alton is at issue, and the contest is
between the corporations and other
interests Of the state.
In West Virginia the issue may in
volve the coming elections, in which
Legislature to choose, the successor
to United States Senator Scott is to be
elected. rs well as a governor and
state ticket. Rival candidates for
goverpor are in the field, espousinG
the opposite sides of the taxation
question. Thus far the senatorial sit
uation has been kept clear of that mat
ter, but Senator Scott is being opposed
for uthol reasons and his reelection is
contested.
THE ISSUE BROADLY STATED.
Broadly stated, the issue as to tax
alton is proposition to equailze the
taxes on farm properties and real es-
state and to place a tax on railroads,
on the output of coal and natural gas,
with certain additional license taxes.
Naturally, the great coal and railway
interest of the state, which are almost
proportionarely as powerful as they
are in Pennsylvania, oppose the new
plan and thus far have succeeded IN
preventing it's being put into oper-
alton.
The new system was devised by a
tax commission. authorized by the
legislature and appointed by the pre-
sent executive, Gov. White. The
commission was composed of demo-
Gratis and republicans and included
some of the ablest men in the state.
1t recommended the abolishment of
the state tax on land, which was equal
in every county, although the same
classes of land might present great
differences in value. In lieu of the
state taxes. each county should levy its
own land taxes. assessed bv a board OF
well-paid men of good standing, the
taxes to go into county fund. In
that wav it was argued every county
could deal with the land question on
its peculiar merits. In state with
the diversified typographical features of
West Virginia this system was urged
as more equitable. The countries
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 proposed to
place tonnage tax on the OUTPUT OF
coal, tax on railways. on the output
of gas and to licene all professions.
Gov. White Endorsed the recommenda-
| tions of the commission and bills were
introduced in the legislature but it ad-
journed without changing the existing
| system.
EXTRA SESSION THREATENED.
Now Gov. White threatens to call
An extra session OF the legislature to
take the case up again. Opinion is
divided on the ACCESSIBILITY of the call,
and there is much argument through.
ont the state upon it. The corpora
tions are fighting the idea and making
every effort, it is said, to swing public
sentiment against it.
Gov. White is not eligible to re-elec.
ton, under the law, so his personal
fortunes are not involved. He has en-
entailed the fight however, upon his
secretary of state, Mr.. w. M. O.
Dawson. of Charleston, who is a can.
.didate for the gubernatorial nominal
ion on the issue of favoring the new
tar system.
State Senator G. w. Swisher. of
Fairmont Is candidate for the NOM
ination, and Is opposed to the new
plan. Ex-Representative q. p. Dorr
OF Addison and Mr.. Charles Teter of
Philippi are also in the field.
THE UNITED STATES SENATORS.
Thus far the two United States sem
ators. Elkins and Scott. have managed
to steer clear of the tax issue, and
both at this time are deep in the tall
timber Senator Scott's trouble is said
to be geographical, rather than per-
sonal. although there are some bust.
ness side lights to it. Both the sena-
tors are from the northern part of the
state. and now the men in the SOUTH
ern section claim that there should
be geographical division. and Mr.. ]
L. Caldwell is urged as the candidate
Of the southerners.