The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1908-07-16
fine PLATFORM
BY THE PART

-. - ASheSuaeNi VI tIlS 7UuFuenS OF
TAXATION. the equalization of such
burdens. and the gradual reduction on
tangible property of taxation for
state purposes. Never did political
party promise with greater sincerely,
and never has political party full
iiiied Its promises with greater fideli-.
" Without; doing Injustice to any,
person or interest great strides have
been made toward equalization OF
taxation burdens. In 1904 the levy
for the taxes for state PURPOSES was
ID cents on the 800 of assessed
value The levy has been reduced
gradually until 1t is now but five
cents on the hundred dollars, and vet
more money has gone in the general
school fund than ever before. We
stand by and reiterate the platform of
1914. The new tax laws should be
perfected and strengthened from
time to time. Not only must no back
ward steps be taken in this great re-
form. but steady advance must be
made ito the end that more and more
shall taxes be levied on privileges
and luxuries and taken of Of necessi-
ties.
For Good Roads.
We favor comprehensive plan OF
building roads; plan that will se-
cure to the people dollars worth OF
benefit for each dollar spent. AS the
imp ortance of good roads throughout
the state is very great. I'VE com.
mend the start made in this direction
by the legislature of 1907, and we
earnestly recommend to the legisla-
ture further practical enactments.
For the Schools
IT Is source of great qualification
that within the last few years the
minimum term of our public schools
has been increased fifty per cent.
within the same period other distinct
advances have been made in our
system of public education. We
heartily favor the continuation OF
this good work, and all possible aid to.
the common schools, as well as the
generous support Of the other schools
of the state.
We commend the work of the state
board of agriculture and the acts of
the legislature in furnishing means to
encourage the pursuit of farming in
our state. We heartily favor con-
,tinuance of the policy Of encouraging
the development OF agriculture and
horticulture in our state.
New Laws Approved
We commend the work of the ses-
slons of the legislature during the
present administration, and the ses-
sions of 1905 and 1905 of the pre-
vious administration. In the main
and In a greater degree than usual
the laws enacted by these bodies
have been well considered and have
filed q public want. We especially
commend the excellent work OF the
called session of this year, which. mi
quantity and quality of legislation en-.
acted compared to the length of the
term, is seldom surpassed
West Virginia Republicans have
good reasons to be proud of the great
advances made by their state in the
last twelve years of Republican adj
.ministration. The growth and de-
Development of these dozen years are
greater than that of the entire twenty
five years Of preceding Dmocratic
rule. In this period of Republican
county and state offices has been
'apoiiSheu, tle SuHStitutiUu nus Deen
amended in needed and important
particulars many of our statutes
amended and revised and many need
ed and excellent new laws enacted.
Taxes on the property of the people
have been greatly reduced and. equal
lied.
\ Democracy Childish.
In all these good works and re-
forms candor compels US to say that
the action of the Democratic party
has been childish, reactionary and
unpatriotic. Nearly all the good
things accomplished in this state
since March 4, 1897, it has opposed.
1t has been the party of negation and
obstruction in West Virginia, as 1t.
has been in the nation. It's platform
tax question in 1904 was RI
diculous and unmeaning straddle-,
SO much so. indeed. that 1t was
scarcely ever referred to by its Gre
ators or newspapers. 1t has with
great regularity opposed that which.
was proposed by the majority, APP
parently because 1t was so proposed.
It has apparently considered nearly.
every important qeustion that has
come up in the legislature from tho
point of view of how they could make
the most party capital out Of It.
and pof 90 10 hnu thav nouIa bn.t