The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-02-16

TIE SlHSle Tax anu SOVtIHucut OWucI-
ship, but direct legislation as well.
She takes the value of land as fast
as it accrues and the revenues from
all public services and with them she
makes public fund with which she
pays all taxes against all property
held upon her lands. After paying
these taxes, it is her policy to spend
the balance of her revenues for the
benefit of her people.
Now, nobody knows so well as the
people themselves what they want 1t
is, therefore, her policy to give them
the freest possible expression of their
desires in the expenditures of the funds
thus raised.
All Of her revenues come from those
sources which in other communities
are usually made to enrich the individ-'
uals only Ordinarily, land rentals go
to the land lord, and the profits of the
water, transportation and light COM
to enrich stockholders and give power
to the captains of industry. With
FairhOpe it is different. None of these
funds go to individuals as their direct
profit. They all go into common fund
for the equal benefit of all.
1t is therefore logical that all
should have as nearly as possible an
equal say as to how these funds should
be distributed or used. Therefore, her
policy embraces the largest possible
use of the iniative and referendum.
Obviously, it would not be practical
for all to vote on the determination of
every question, but the action of the
executive council, which is charged
with the business of the corporation, is
in every particular, subject to review
by the whole membership. Upon the
petition of 10 per cent of the resident
members, any such action must be sub
mitted to a vote Of all the resident
members for ratification or repeal.
Likewise any desired action must be
submitted to a referendum.
II, for any cause, it is desirable to
replace with some one else any serv-
ant OF the people, either elected or
employed, the matter must upon pc
tition be submitted to vote of the
members
The members of the corporation are
such single takers only as satisfy the
executive council that they are such, |
and who pay into the treasury for the
land purchase fund, the sum of S100.
AS it is necessary that the policy of |
the corporation should not be dis
turbed by the introduction of an ele-
mont OnnOCnd tn tho ci1, nln
but single takers are admitted to mem
bership. All, of whatever shade of
opinion, are admitted to equal privi-
leges OF residence with the members,
and those who become members are
subjected to the additional burden of
paying $500. Thus there is the perfect
freedom to make use of all the advan-
tages which the corporation offers,
without the payment of membership
fee, and with no responsibility for
the management of the company, or,
as an alternative, become a member,
assume the burdens of responsibility !
and pay fee of 500, without addi-
tional privileges. All enjoy equal privi- |
leges, the members only bearing addi- |
tional burdens.
While the members only are partici- |
pants in the government of Fairhope |
corporation, as owners of the property, |
they are the representatives of all the |
residents, and are glad to know and do |
the will of all the people ir all respects
that conform to the principles, laid |
down in the constitution of their COM
pany. To this end the executive coun-
Gil made ruling to consider as man
datory upon them, referendum of |
any matter of action by the council, |
upon the petition of 10 per cent of the |
residents, whether members or not.
Another feature that is calculated to |
make the will of the people supreme
is provision Of the constitution that |
secures position upon the ballot for
reelection to every incumbent at the |
expiration of his term of office. He |
does not need to look to any party or |
clique for nomination. If he has
pleased his cOnrtituents, ne is entitled |
to chance for reelection. His first |
loyalty is to the whole people. This |
eliminates all partisan politics and
=. H. ~ - 4.