The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-09-27

by the legislature and not by Governor
Stubbs. He well knows that there was
no law in reference to reduction of pas
Senger rates but that the two cent fare
was obtained through an order made
by the board of railroad commissioners
during Governor Hoch's administration.
Takes Credit From Railroad Board.
The governor will further remember
that the law reducing freight rates was
based upon a recommendation made by
the board of railroad commissioners
who We're in office before the governor
was elected, and the law was enacted
upon their request and not upon tina.
Of the governor.
False Charges.
The governor also wrongfully charges
impression that the present legislature
and the administration have caused
enormous increases in the expenses of
the state government for this year.
This charge is absolutely false. l
stated in a public speech at Eskridge,
Kansas, what had been published in
the newspapers and not denied, that
the state taxes had been largely in
creased.
The day after this statement was
attempted to answer it and received
letter from Geo. D. West of Eskridge,
asking me to give him the facts in refer
ence to the increase in the state taxes.
L at once wrote MIN referring MIN 10
the county clerk of his county and also
sent him a clipping from the Douglass
Tribune printed in Butler county, Kan
sas, showing that the state taxes in
Butler county had been greatly in
creased for this year over that of last
year.
A few days later when I received the
official figures in reference to the taxes
wrote Mr.. West and gave him the
exact amount of state taxes for his
county for the year 1908 and for the
year 1909, showing an increase for 1909
over 1908 of about $4,000.
These are the only letters I have
written and they have been in response
to letters received by me. 1 have al
ways made it a point to answer all let
ters received by me and answered these
as I do all others.
Explanations Do Not Agree.
1 heard the governor attempt to ex-
plain the increase in state taxes in a
there does not correspond with his ex-
PLANTATION in this mornings Capital. |
There he claimed that the last admins |
tration had secured some 100000 from |
the national government, which he had l.,
not received the benefit of. Now the |
truth of it is, the state did receive
about $500,000 from the national govern |
ment. This was secured by Mr.. Nichoi- |
son, the state agent, with th4 aid OF
the Kansas delegation in congress but |
in during Mr.. Hoch's term and about |
100000 of it was paid in since Mr.. |
Stubbs has become governor.
Dodged the Issue.
The governor lodges the issue when
le refers to county and township |
evieS: local conditions govern these |
evies. and the fact is that in many |
ounties the levy for county and town
hip purposes have not been increased.
The. fact is. which he cannot deny, the
tate taxes have been increased and
his is what he should explain.
"Why Did He Single Me Out?"
I cannot understand why Governor
,tubbs should single me out and only
MENTION my name in his reply to the
hargeS made in the Douglas Tribune
nd many other Kansas newspapers,
ecause I have, perhaps, said less on
his subject than any other public man,
aving been content to let the state Of
GERS look after the affairs of state
5hile I have been giving most of my
ttention to national affairs, and in my
peeches have not talked state politics
ut have confined myself to a speech
yhich was appropriate to the occasion.
JIaims Credit for other Peoples Acts.
1 have not opposed reforms and my
ecord will show that I have worked
Or reforms not only in Kansas but in
he nation and / am in favor Of all
racticable reforms but I am opposed
} a man who is constantly taking to
imself credit that belongs to others,
man who is constantly claiming that
G is doing certain things for the state
nd the people. when as a matter OF
act he has done nothing of the kind
No one is prouder of the great insti-
1tions of Kansas than 1 am and as
lxpayer am perfectly willing to pay
~ share to maintain these institu-
ons and shall not complain and have
OF complained Of the amount of taxes.
Proof of the Pudding.
The taxpayers will discover in No
ember that their taxes for state pur-
oses are larger than they were last
ear and It is for the governor to show
lat this increase is necessary.
The question is no. whether the state
lxes in Kansas are lower or higher
ian state taxes in other states, bu-
neither they are higher than they
aould be.
CHARLES CURTIS.