The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1905-03-28
IA LETTER
TO FARMERS.
The State Federation Of Ag-
ricultural Associations
Makes Suggestions.
WATCH THE COUNTYEXPENSES.

The, following circular letter to the
farmers Of New Jersey has been issued
| from the State Federation of Agricul-
| tural A Associations =:
THE question OF increasing tax
alton has no doubt impressed itself on
your attention from year to year. This
constant increase becomes more bur
densome when considered in connec-
tion with the decreased EARNINGS Of
capital. This, as is well known, runs
from two to possible five per cent
while the tax rate, varying in different
sections of the State, runs from one
and one-half per cent. to five per cent,
and even higher. The tax absorbs the
earnings
1t will be seen that such q course
persisted in means death to industry.
And it is becoming a serious question
to persons of moderate means and hav-
| ing but small land in some cases no1
income from active labor, whether or
not they will be able to live under such
conditions.
True, money is being made by the
few in certain business enterprises, by
controlling output, by eliminating the
manufacturer or dealer of small means,
and thus for essential commodities in
daily demand, compelling the consum-
er to pay the price demanded, COM
petition having been destroyed. But
such combinations promise no income
to the masses.
In the methods of taxation, it is evil
dent there is a wide disparity in differ
ent localities. as between country and
city; and the time has come, I'M our
opinion, when a concerted move for
Improvements should be begun and
persisted in until reasonable and equ-
able valuations and just taxing rates
shall be established The growing
fashionable demands for costly public
improvements so-called, must be curb
ed, and a palmer but equally substan-
tial standard adopted.
What can we do to bring about re-
form?
We suggest f5rstr that we endorse
the principle of a maximum rate OIL
taxation tobe fixed by law for every
in this State, as suggest
ed by His Honor, Governor Edward G.
Stokes; and, surthery that we endea-
vor, in all suitable ways to influence
legislation to secure the enactment of |
this principle.
We believe this w0Qld be a step in |
the right direction, and for the rea-
sons expressed in the Governors mes
sage, which we commend to- yoBr care
full consideration. especially that p0r-
zion entitled Municipal Taxation.
We suggest, second,, that you give |
careful attention to the management
Of your county affairs, believing that |
the excessive burden. OF taxation to |
largely due to increased ex-
penditureS, ordered by cOuaty officials,
which expenditures are seldom opposed |
in their.tirst stages by the Taxpayers.
Furthermore, we believe farmers do |
not, as a rule take enOugh active In
terest in purely State affairs. When a |
new GoyernoriS elected he delivers, at |
the proper time, his inaugural address,
This outlines, his, views on State at
fairs, needed legislation, ETC., and calls
the condition OF State in
and. their requirements.
While addressed primarily to the Leg
islatures it is Intended Ter ALI the peO-
pie.
Governor. Stokes, reGites the various
humane, charitable and opinninal in
stitutionsin the State requiring State
aid for THEM support and the present
State revenues.
One Of these, which we have cOnsid-
cred devoted entirely to, the support
Of our public schools. is the income
from riparian lands.
These lands, as, the Governor says,
are growing ia value, and hence the
uIlWlo6' ROliSE ~ SELLING dht pUA UiOu VI
them, as has been done, thus cutting
off absolutely and forever one source
of perpetual and increasing revenue.
With the number Of State inStitu-
tions referred to requiring regular and
increasing annual support. and with
new ones proposed, with our system Of
building and maintaining State roads,
and no prospect of new sources OF
revenue, it is self-evident that our
State policy on all lines should be con-
servatiye and economical, and so man.