Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1904-09-23
4 Republican Farmer


At Toll Gate, Rltchle County. Man Of
Property and Influence, Writes a
Letter to the Democratic Candl-
date for Governor and Tells
Him Why He Viii Not Sup
port Mr.. Dawson.
Some days ago mutual friend call
ed the attention Of the Democratic
candidate for Governor, to snbstan-
tial and intelligent farmer. 1t Toll
Gate, Richie county. who was sup
porting him for Governor. Mr.. Corn
well addressed letter to the farmer,
in question. aud enclosed an editorial
from the Review, relating to the new
tax law. He TT once received letter
in reply, which he now has the per-
mission to make public. and which
gives farmers reasons for voting
against the candidate Of the Republi
can party for Governor. They are rca-
sons which appeal to every farmer. II
any of our Republican friends think
Mr.. Johnson, the author OF the letter
in question, is of no Importance in
his community. letter to any goo d
Republican in Richie county will give
information on that point. Here is the
letter:
Tollgate, w. Va, Sept 10.
Hon John ]. Cornwell, Romney w. Va
Dear Sir:--Your letter of the sth
inst. at hand, with editorial clipped
from your paper. most assurediy APP
preciate the action taken by you in
the State Senate. You say rig hit
when you say that the Daw-
son Corporation Bill is not true
tax reform, that would equalize tax a.
ton between the different branches Of
pursuit and cause each to pay their
Just share, based on the value OF the
property owned by each individual OF
corporate BODY, in the several bran CHI
es of industry in which they may be
engaged. 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 value
also his farming implements as pro-
due of his labor, all ofwhich are as +.
sessessed under the present spstem Of
taxation. before the White Dawson
corporation bill was passed at extra
session. 1t gives as double tax on
the products of the farm, the growing
crop being valued and assessed in the
different stages of its growth, the tur-
nips and the beets we have in the Gel
lar to iced the COW that she may be
able to raise calf, for which we are
assessed if it put in ita appearance BY.
first day of April. That calf does NOT
render US anv service or benefit ex-
cept to eat the grain and hay, upon
which we are taxed, u.til it is three
years old each Of the three years be-
ing taxed with grain hay and calf a.
their full value. And what have l ct
the end Of the three years. why SIM
ply 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 az it was growing
maturing and getting ready for mar
ket. Yes sir, I am Republican and
have no intent to leave the party Of
which have been a. member since
1861. but it is q pleasure to me to
know I cap regardless Of party afili-
atoms, vote my sentiments by voting
tor Governor whose views CORE
spono with mine ON present subject
OF taxation,
will not feed the serpent that
stings me, and now. dear reader, 1
raise question for the wou.d-be Gov
ernor, VIM. NJ. o. Dawson. to answer
Have you read Article " of the State
Constitution "The Legislative, Ex-
ecutive and Judicialdepartments shall
be seperate and distinct, SO that neith-
er shall exercise the powers properly
belonging 70 either Of the others; nor
shall any person exercise the powers
OF more than one them at the same
time except the justices of the peace
shall be eligible to the Legislature. I"