Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1907-03-28
EQUAL TAXATION.


1t is charged that railroads. in equal
izing their freight rates always equalize
upwards" Workmen, seeking to equalize
wages invariably pursue the same course.
A circular Of information, issued by
State Superintendent Baxter, Of the De-
partment Of Education, proves that the
Republican leaders had the same notion Of
equalization when they passed the Perkins
tax act year ago.
Mr.. Baxter shows that this year the State
will receive for school purposes just 81, las,
44y Sc more--a little more shan 33 per
cent.-than it received for the same pur-
pose last year, and that this increase is due
solely to the large amount of State rata
bles.
The main stem property Of the railroads
is taxed at the average rate of the taxing
districts Of the State, and none Of the
revenue thus derived goes to the schools,
except as hereinafter mentioned. The
second-class railroad property is assessed
locally, and its assessments have been in-
creased, but She greater portion of the in
creased school tax to be paid this year must
come out of the pockets Of the small prop
ersy owners. In other words, the equali-
cation falls heaviest on the poor man.
Mr.. Baxter says
s'Our rapid growth in population, the
general tendency toward higher educational
standards and the greater demand for well
equipped teachers, together with the neees-
sity of increasing their salaries, will make
a material and inevitable increase in our
rent expenses Therefore, to provide
against financial embarrassment and pos
sibIe detriment to our schools, it will be
necessary for boards of education and
boards of school estimate to assign the
items Of the years. budget a larger total
sum than was appropriated one year ago s
There will shortly be issued sheets show
ing the apportionment, made according to
law by the State Comptroller, Of monies to
the various school districts from the in
creased revenues derived from the railroads
under the Perkins act, but in spite Of this
new income, there must be raised by direct
taxation 81, 145, 449 56. Though the taxes
on main stem property will have been
levied and apportioned among the school
districts, none of this money will be avail
able until after the Court Of Errors and
Appeals shall have passed on the constitu-
tionality Of the Perkins act.
Ii has been claimed by Republican news
paper organs, with great deal Of pride,
that the increased tax on the railroads
would "wipe out the district school tax, !"
and in some cases provide boards Of edu-
cation with an embarrassment of school
funds.n Mr.. Baxter oharaeterizes these as
mot simply day dreams. but obstructive
and mischieyous decisions.
Ii is apparent that the Perkins act, far
from alternating the taxpayers burden, has
added thereto. Nor can the taxpayer hope
for relief until State supervision of the per-
Torrance of purely local function, is abol-
ished. There should be no State school
tax. Taxation for municipal purposes
whether for the support Of schools, or any
other municipal purpose, should be left to
the municipalities. When this goal shall
have been reached there will be no need for
State board, or for county boards, to
equalize taxation, and the money spent on
these boards will also be saved.
TRUE American.