The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1904-03-22
ASSESSOR EXPLAINS
UNUSUAL STATE APPR0PRIA-
TIONs AMOUNT TO $615,0O0.
To Sustain Railroad Assessment 1t
Is Necessary That Other Prop
erty Be Taken as High.

Umatilla country's assessor, Chas. 2.
Strain, is sending circular letter to
taxpayers, which is explanatory on the
question of railroad assessment on same
basis of valuation of other property and
vice versa. The following is repro
duction of Mr.. Strains letter:
Pendleton, Oregon, March 19, 1904
The people of several states are watch
ing you today. For the first time in the
history OF the northwest, an attempt has
been made to assess railroad property
upon the same basis as other property,
which will increase their taxes in this
county upwards of $4,000 per annum, or
5000, 900 in ten years.
The state tax is SO high this year that
you may fail to appreciate the large sum
which this policy so Justly leaves In your
own pockets.
The unusual state appropriations are:
Lewis and Clark Fair. ,....... $25O,OOO
Cello Canal right Of way ..... 100000
IOTLdk6 ISOhu .........,.....'s' IuoioVV
Indian War Veterans ........ 100000
Total l................$ .$615, 900
Your tax may be high. But suppose
that in addition to paying it you had
been called upon, as usual, to pay more
than half the tax which rightfully be-
Ionoa 4o tha n u 4, NJ
In order to sustain my railroad assess
ment it is absolutely necessary that all
other property shall be taken equally as
high. An attempt to favor one COM
munity or one class Of taxpayers, would
be not only fraud upon all Others, but
it would invalidate my railroad assess
ment.
This policy has compelled me to raise
valuations more in some localities than
in others, because found some sections
already rated at one-third their value
while Others have lately sold at from
four 10 eight times their former assessed
values.
Notwithstanding my aim at uniform
ity, there are doubtless many inequali-
ties in my work which should be cor
rected by nom partisan board of review
in each precinct.
While | have no legal authority to
appoint such board and clothe it with
power to act, will cheerfully meet upon
their petition, the citizens of any pre-
cinct, or committee which may be
selected for the purpose of hearing COM
plants, and equalizing assessments.
My republican brother, I confess that
|, like you, desire to provide well for
my family and myself. And like you,
have other ambitions. would master
the snbiect OF taxation. I would sim
plify and equalize it.
IL you approve my ambition and con-
slider me capable and worthy, l feel that
can appeal hopefully to you to cast
aside your partisanshir and support my
policy of equal taxation and to assist me
in more nearly realizing that end.
IL you lovs justice more than some
triiing party gain, attend your primaries
and conventions and compel them to
give expression to your wishes. Sup
pose your party should endorse the pur-
pose OF my work. What could you lose 7
What might you gainG An annual saw
ing of $4,000 to the general taxpayer
and the gratitude of honest men every
where.
Suppose you repudiate me and my
work. Who will seer All the states
this side of the Rocky Mountains.
When will another man turn away from
corporations, able, and probably willing
to place him above want, and serve a
people that deserted his predecessor? ?
Yours very truly, Q. r. STRAIN.
An UNIQUE Accident.