Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-15

5000 per mile $50, 800 per mile full value
Does any sane man believe that these
properties were worth respectively SIS ga
and $500 per mile?
II Is a fact that no grain in the hands
OF the farmer was assessed prior to the
year 1904. and not over 90 per cent OF the
live stock of this State ever reaches the
assessment rolls. II the lands in Butler
County are worth $50 per acre, then the
assessed valuation for 1904 and 1905 OF SeaN
or full value OF $3.50 per acre. Is only 77lS
per cent of the full value
II every property owner had paid his
taxes as punctually as the Burlington
Road. there would today be no need of a
scavenger Law. The Burlington Road has
paid annually to the State of Nebraska
for the use OF the State, and her NUM-
cipal corporations, numerous sums OF
money aggregating nearly 10000 per an
mum for several years last past. In 1903
It paid into the different treasures of the
State of Nebraska s5SO,ooO. In 1904. II IL
shall be adjudged that 1t must pay the
entire tax levied. it shall be required to
pay about $4,000. and a greater sum for
1906.
The Constitution affords to every citizen
the right TO appeal TO the Courts to REM
Butler County will wage no war against
the Burlington Road on the ground that
that company is attempting to have its
legal rights measured by lawful tribunals.
Deny this right to the Burlington Com
pany. and II will strike home at the rights
of every citizen. In order, therefore, to
subserve this right individually, It must
be freely conceded to the corporation.
II 10 hoped that the suit in question will
be decided by the courts with all possible
speed, and the decision in that case will
necessarily carry with II the question of
the validity of the taxes for 1905,
If the assessment is sustained and the
taxes decreed to be due from the Burling-
ton Company. they will be promptly paid.
The payment OF all personal taxes from
private persons and corporations other
than railroads under the laws OK this
State become due on February first. The
law. II now stands, in relation to the
payment Of personal taxes. makes one
rule for railroad companies and another
rule for other corporations and individuals.
The railroads are required to pay their
taxes on or before December LIST in the
year In which they are levied oil other
corporations and citizens are not required
to pay their personal taxes before the
first day OF February OF the ensuing year.
Another unjust discrimination against the
railroads OF the State. and one that is
clearly unconstitutional and one of the
reasons for bringing the suit at the time
1t was commenced in 1904 and also one of
the causes for bringing the suit as to the
taxes of 1906 at this time.
The facts herein set forth cannot be con-
troverted and the figures given, while
they apply more particularly to Butler.
also apply in measured degree to all other
Counties in the State.
Ny employment by the Railroad COM
pels me to explore and to know them. but
the professional relation that bear does
not require that I should be guilty OF
mis-statement or Misrepresentation, either
to the Courts. of which am a sworn off,
Ger. or at that higher and more august
tribunal-the bar of public opinion.
Tho people of Nebraska are entitled to
know the truth, and Il is my privilege to
give 1t, knowing. as do. that It is mighty
and will prevail.
CHARLES F. MANDERSoN.