Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1905-12-01
APT SUGGESTIONS
In Regard to that "Vexed Question Taxa.
ton.
BY BYRON MILLETT.

BY BYRON MILLETT.
The sessions OF the Thurston County
Taxpayers League present splendid
opportunity for the education of the
people of Olympia and vicinity on the
very important subject of taxation.
We have for the greater portion OF the
time here at the capital city the men,
bers of the State Tax Commission, to.
gether with the Governor. also the
States judicial and administrative Of
ficers. The three members of the Tax
Commission have appeared before the
league and made addresses, evincing
an earnest desire on the part of these
gentlemen to throw all the light posi-.
BILE on our revenue system from their
standpoint. Undoubtedly this com.
mission is giving the matter of taxa.
ton much study. and will doubtless be
in position when the next Legislature
shall convene to make many valuable
suggestions regarding the amendments
and changes necessary to be made in
the matter Of the improvement OF
existing legislation on this vexed sub
ject. If our citizens show Q proper
interest in the proceedings of our Tax
League, they can keep themselves ad.
vised, assist our officials with their ad.
vice before definite action shall have
been taken on important matters af
fecting their interests. If this policy
is pursued, it will prove much more
effective and satisfactory than stand.
ing on the street corners growing
about something that might never
have happened had there been a move
made in the right direction at the
proper time.
Since the recent revival of the Tax
League, there has not been much dis.
cussion about the reduction Of public
expenses, thereby eliminating the most
potent incentive for high taxation.
If interest continues in these meet.
ings, this important feature is apt to
have an airing in its proper order.
Mr.. Geo. A. Mottman said in his
communication to the league, when
valuations and tax levies are high
there are greater incentives for extrav-
agance in the administration of public
Offices; it logically follows when these
levies are moderate the reverse is the
tendency. The matter of percentage
or full valuation have been canvassed
and discussed by each member of the
commission pro and con, and the solu.
ton Of tho proposition seems to be as
hazy as ever. It will remain in this
condition while tax levies are high in
spite OF any efforts the Tax Commits
sion may be able to put forth. How
are our officials going TO change effects
and not remove Abe causef Az long
as there remain strong incentives for
tax-dodging we will have dodgers and
moro of them. Pure water cannot
flow from q polluted spring. We must
strike At the root of the evil; admins.
ter governmental affairs economically,
and reduce public expenditures to a
minimum.
Mr.. hoffman informed your CORE.
spondent at the time he submitted his
communication to the league, that
after the holidays, if agreeable, he
will consent to serve on committee
for the purpose of investigating county
and municipal expenses and thought
that such committee might be able to
offer some valuable suggestions in
that behalf. He thought the matters
of court and road expenses, particularly
the latter, ought to be carefully can.
vassed with q view OF obtaining sub.
stantisl relief in these departments.
as we'll as in other directions. which
might become apparent on investiga-
ton.
When Mr.. Rockwell first addressed
the league, he instanced q stranger
coming into community with money
to invest, say $4,000, is shown tho
lay of the land; the productivity of
the soil and our beautiful climate are
forcibly explained to the would.be
investor, who answers this is q splen.
did showing, remarks. by the way.
what is your rate Of taxation? IL told
that it il 81 per cent. to 4 per cent !;
whereupon Mr.. stranger takes out his
watch, looks at the dial, asks the time
Of tho departure of the next train out
of town. All explanations about low
valuations don't 60, when the matter
of the high rate OF the tax levy stands
out so prominently. OF course, in
many cases, we never learn about the
lost chances Of selling property from
such causes, the stranger keeps mum,
holds on to his money and goes his
way. It sometimes happens, 1 am
afraid too frequently, after man has
made his investments the officials
cinch him with high tax and local
assessment levies, and lie in q position
where he cannot help himself; but
before he has made his purchase. he
cannot be coerced into buying prop.
erty. is in position to fold his tent
and take his departure. The officials
have lost the nnnoriuniiu 10 ninah