The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1906-06-12
GOVERNORS POLICY
CHIEF OBJECT WILL BE TO
LOWER STATE TAX.
Says Employees of State Institutions
Will Not Be Removed Except
for Good Cause.

RbuuCblOu VI 6bdbo LdACS WALL w OhO
of the chief obje cts of Governor
Chamberlain administration during
the next four years. In a statement
given out today the governor declares
that it will be his earnest purpose, as
it has been ever since his inaugura-
tion, to lessen the burdens of taxation,
and he affirms his faith in the prinei-
pies of the initiative and referendum.
The governor outlines the policy he
will pursue during his second term in
relation to state school lands, irriga-
tion and other important issues.
Governor Chamberlain says: "My
election is in no way attributable to
my personality, nor was it intended
as a compliment to me as an individ-
uaI. The sentiment is growing that
better results from a business stand
point can be obtained by having some
difference in the political complexion
of the executive. legislative and judi
cial branches of the state government.
firmly believe that if the people of
Oregon had concluded to elect re-
publican governor they would have
elected democratic legislature. That
this is true, it will be remembered
that in Ohio, where the republican
majority is overwhelming the people
elected democratic governor.
Another factor was the intense 10y
atty of my friends all over the state,
and in nearly every place visited by
me during my campaign 1 found men
of every political complexion active
ly, though quietly, at work to accom-
plish my reelection. To all these |
feel deeply grateful, and will en-
deavor in the next four years to do my
part in so administering the affairs
of the state as to cause no regret to
those friends who have been instru-
mental, irrespective of party, in ac-
complishing my election.
In reference to the policy to be
pursued by me, can only say that |
will endeavor in the next four years,
as in the past, to reduce the taxes of
several counties by economizing
in the administration of the affairs of
every department and by more equally
and equitably distinguishing the
burden of taxation and suggesting to
tho legislature the bringing within
the taxpaying class properties. pers-
ons and corporations who have hereto
fore practically escaped taxation.
This can be done without any question
- ~ fnn
revenues for state purposes ought to
be, and can be, raised without appor-
tioning any part of it against any
counties in the state. This is now
being done in some Of the eastern
states, and that, too, without impos-
ing unjust burdens on any class of
citizens. To show that it can be done,
it need only to- be remembered that
during the three years Of my admins
tration there has been raised approxi-
mately $3.50, 900 from the taxation of
the gross earnings of insurance COM
panies, the license fees and taxation
of corporations and from inheritance
taxes, whilst during the four years
immediately preceding my admins
tration and before the adoption of the
two later methods of raising revenue
for the state purpose by the legislature
of 1908 there was only collected ap-
proximately $240,000 for state puI-
poses. am satisfied that the adop-
tion of the initiative measures for
taxing certain public service corpor-
ations on their gross earnings, as was
recommended by me in my message to
the legislature in 1908 and again in
1905, will result in practically elimin-
ating the necessity of apportioning
taxes against the several counties for
state purposes. Such laws will not
impose burdens upon any class of our
citizens, but will reach properties
which have heretofore virtually es-
capped taxation.
''In addition to my efforts along
these lines, intend to continue to safe
guard tho school lands of the state
aud endeavor in the future as in the
past, to undertake to realize for them
something near their actual worth
instead of having them sold at the
minimum price fixed by statutes.
Such policy will greatly increase the
irreducible school fund, and am sat
isied | will have the hearty cooper
alton of the other members of the
board.
''The present state institutions are
all we'll otficered, we'll managed ant
supplied with efficient corps of assist
ants, and useless conditions arise
which necessitate changes am of the
opinion there ought to be practically
no changes in the state institutions
and believe in adopting the policy Of
efficiency and fidelity to duty as th'
standard of retention or promotion
rather than allegiance to party or any
other consideration.
II expect during the next four year.
to visit every section in the state t
come in contact with the people in
touch with their demand and needs
1t is impossible for the executive Of
this state to know these needs with
out knowing the people, their sur
roundings aud circumstances. | have
derived much benefit during the pas
four years from the personal visits &
every county in the state except two
nr fhraa and 1 shall cnntinua the rOl