Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1904-10-14


propriety which so frequently leads to
public scandal. The people are beginning
TO look with marked disapproval upon
the conduct of officials who overstep the
bounds of propriety in their transactions
with special interests. They will doubt
less observe with distinct sense OF
disapprobation and suspicion the strenu-
Gus efforts of the beneficiary and rapre-
sentative OF great number of corpora
lions to obtain the office of chief execu-
tive of the State and at the same time to
retain in his hands their attorneyship and
the large fees which such employment
brings to him in a personal way. These
corporations are the creatures of the law,
are amenable to it, and have in many
instances interests and motives which re-
quire at time its restraining hand for
public welfare, and it is apparent to all
except those whose vision is clouded by
self-interest that the complete divorce
ment of the executive office from the in
fluenee of such organizations is absolute
ly necessary to conserve the welfare of
the people and COMFORT with the true
dignity that should attach to that high
office
100000 Expended With What Result.
From first to last, nearly $4,000 have
been expended in the futile plan to
amend the tax laws. The total of this
expenditure has produced no tangible re-
suit. Railroads despite menaces have not
been assessed another dollar; on the con-
trary, they have been exonerated from
about $4,000 they have heretofore paid
annually for State and State school tax
if the reduction in these items really
means anything. Neither coal, oil nor
gas was subjected TO additional taxa
tion In fact, the sum total of results
in tax reform so far accomplished has
been simply to give another turn to the
wheel that grinds out taxes from the far
mer and men of small means, by doubly
and trebly increasing the valuation of
their properties.
The Democratic Party and True Reform.
Though the Tax Reform agitation or
iginally was the result of the necessity
of the Republican administration for
greater amount of revenue to meet its
extravagant appropriations, and although
we have seen the public sentiment in
voked by the Tax Reform movement
seized upon by Mr.. Dawson to be used in
sincerely and with the articles of the
demagogue to advance his political am
billions, yet the discussion of the ques-
ton has indicated to the minds of many
conservative citizens that it is desirable
and practicable to devise real and sub
stantial improvements in our tax laws.
The Democratic party in its platform de-
clares that such reforms in taxation shall
be made without discrimination against
any interest or class-that equality of
right with equality of burden may pre-
vail How far it may go in the direction
of extending licenses and other indirect
forms of taxation will depend upon how
far such methods may go without work
ing hardships and injustice upon any
class of citizens or depressing or gripping
any business or industrial interests.
Under its platform declarations and in
accordance with its practice, the Demo
cratic party is pledged TO repeal tine act
of the recent extraordinary session Of the
legislature which unfairly increases the
valuations of the farms and homes of
the people, thereby unjustly discriminat-
ing against this species of taxable prop
erty in the distribution of tax burdens
Nor will the Democratic party deny to
that class of its citizens engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, those exemptions from
taxation of farm products and live stock
which have been regarded from the foun-
dation of the State as fair and equitable,
and which are now for the first time, by
act of the extraordinary session, made
assessable for purposes of taxation
Whatever may be the exigencies of the
State treasury, the Democratic party will
not, through its tax collectors, pursue
the products of the soil remaining unsold
on the day of assessment-the meal in
the tub, the calves in the field nor the
chickens in the barnyard. II will bring
to the subject of reforming and admin
istering our tax laws that patriotism,
intelligence and conservatism which en-
abled it for nearly quarter of a cen
fury during which period it built up
and maintained the splendid State insti-
buttons it turned over to its successor in
1891, to administer State affairs and
keep out of debt at rate of levy on an
assessed value of property which brought
it but one-half the revenues that now
find their way into the State treasury.
During this period the State enjoyed its
greatest prosperity. Frugality and eff
fciency marked the administration OF
every department of government. Sal
aries and fees were only commensurate
with labors performed, and no interest
or class was placed under political obliga.
tions for fayors received or under duress
to assist in promoting the political am
billions of party leaders and those in
trusted with public place. No property
interest was assaied or threatened. nor
was the taxing power of the State en-
ployed to create monopoly in any bust
ness. nor was legislation offered for sale
at the State capitol as openly as turnips
in a city market.
Appropriations Have Doubled in Eight
Years.
The aggregate of all State appropria-
tons for the last four years of Demo-
cratic administration was S2,693,2s
while the aggregate of appropriations for
the last four years of Republican ad
ministraton was $5,lS5,696 Compare
these figuresi In eight years of Repub-
liean rule the appropriations have prac-
tically doubled in amount. With such
| colossal and inexcusable extravaganza, is
| il any wonder that tax burdens are bear
ing heavily upon the people, that the Re-
| publican administration is seeking new
methods Of imposing and increasing taxes
| under promises of tax reform, and that
I one class OF taxpayers is seeking to shift