Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1904-09-29
A Farmers Letter to John cornweII.

A short time since mutual friend
called the attention Of Hon. John j.
Cornwell, Democratic candidate for
Governor, to a substantial and intel
ligent farmer, at Toll Gate, Richie
county, who was supporting him for
Governor. Mr.. Cornwell addressed a
letter to the farmer in question, and
enclosed an editorial from the Review
relating to the new tax law. He at
once received letter in reply, which
he now has the permission to make
puolic, and which gives farmers
reason for voting against the candi-
date of the Republican party for Gov
ernor. They are reasons which ap-
peal to every farmer. If any of our
Republican friends think Mr.. John
son, the author of the letter in ques-
ton, is of no Importance in his com.
munitY, a letter to any good Repub-
lican in Richie county will give them
information on that point. Here is
the letter:
Toll GATE, w. Va, Sept. -.
Hon. Jno. j. Cornwell, Romney, w.
Va.-Dear Sir:-Your letter of the 5th
inst. at hand, with editorial clipped
from your paper. | most assuredly ap-
preclate the action taken by you in the
State Senate. You say right when you say
the Dawson corporation bill is not true
tax reform, that it would not equaliZe
taxation between the different branches
of pursuits and cause each to pay their
just share, based on the value of the
property owned by each individual or
corporate body, in the several branches
OF industry in which they may be en-
gagged, but to the contrary would cause
the farmer TO pay far more than his
just share, which surely would be not
only assessing his land at its full value,
also his farming implements as products
OF his labor, all OF which are assessed
under the present system of taxation
before the White Dawson corporation
bill was passed at extra session. 1t
gives us double tax on the products
of the farm, the growing crop being
valued and assessed in the different
stages of its growth, the turnips and
the beetS we have in the cellar TO feed
the COW that she may be able to raise
calf, for which we are assessed if ii puts
in its appearance by first day Of April
That calf does not render us any SER
vice or benefit except to eat the grain
and hay, upon which we are taxed, I'M
Til it is three years old, each of the three
years being taxed with grain, hay and
calf at their full value. And what have
| at the end of the three years? Why,
simply one steer worth IS or 40 dollars,
upon which have paid double tax at
full value for the land that raised grain
and hay and also full value each year
for the calf as it was growing, maturing
and getting ready for market. Yes,
sir, | am Republican and have no in
tent to leave the party Of which have
been a member since 1861, but it is a
pleasure to me to know | can, regard
less of party affiliations vote my senti-
mentS by voting for a Governor whose
views correspond with mine on present
subject of taxation.
| will not feed the serpent that stings
me, and now, dear reader, | raise a
question for the would-5e Governor,
VIM. NJ. o. Dawson, to answer: Have
you read Article Y of the State Consti-
tuition? "The legislative, executive and
judicial departments shall be separate
and distinct, so that neither shall exer-
else the powers of more than one of
them at the same time except. the JUS
tees Of the peace shall be. eligible TO
the Legislature" And will you answer
me one more question? Do railroad
companies or coal companies pay any
tax on the proceeds of their property?
If not, why do you seek to make me pay
a double tax on the proceeds of mine?
Very truly yours,
J. G. JOHNSON.