The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-06
a oUEsrIoNABLE SCHEME.


In an issue of the Christian Ad-
! vocate, there appeared. under the
caption "a Good Investment" the
following;
Combining business and benevo-
lence. The Baker university annuity
bonds afford an ideal opportunity for
those who wish to give their property
to the church. but who wish the in
come from it for life. To illustrate:
Here is man and wife having a farm
worth eight thousand dollars; they
cannot tend to it themselves and after
taxes are paid it scarcely nets them
two per cent. Since Baker university
may hold these funds free from
taxation, and since their financial Off
GERS serve without compensation, they
can receive net from five to seven per
cent on this eight thousand dollars;
Baker university bonds, they may
have a net income of from four hum
dred to five hundred and sixty dol
lars depending upon age of investors)
payable in quarterly, semi-annual or
annual installments. This provides an
assured income for life with no legal
expenses in settling up the estate and
no failure of the property to go where
points to consider: First, safety; sec
ond, regular and prompt payment;
third, no change of securities; fourth,
no taxes: fifth no agents commissions;
sixth, the net return to the investor
of a good fair rate of interest; seventh
the best colleges in the church, de-
voted to giving to the world and the
church the pUrest types of Christian
manhood and womanhood. For fur
Their particulars, address President
Murlin. Baldwin, Kansas"
Extended comment on this notice
or indirect appeal for funds is hardly
necessary. Every person who reads
it will probably instantly form the
opinion that it is a case of misdirected
energy, at least. Unless the matter
appeared in cold type, as it does. it
would be difficult to believe that any
Individual or set of them. particularly
those who pose as Christian gentle
men, would be guilty of fathering a
scheme which would encourage the
lodging of taxes by the holders of
property in Kansas, or in any
other state for that matter. One of
the requisite duties of citizenship
and the ownership of property is the |
payment of taxes, with the proper !
exceptions which are generally ac-
corded to benevolent religious and
institutions. How can
property owners expect the protection
many benefits that accrue to it !
through state aid unless they pay
their just share of taxes?
In excepting the property of edu-
cational benevolent and religious
from taxation it was I'M
doubtedly never conceived that such
institutions would go out in the
market as Baker university is doing
estate, regardless of the fact as to
whether it is located within one or
one hundred miles from the institu-
ton and with no apparent intention
that it is to be used for the purpose
Of the university except to provide it
With funds. on the plea that it will
De profitable investment to turn this
zeal estate into Baker university
bonds because no taxes will have to
De paid either on the real estate or
On the bonds. AssuredIy this is sa
God investment but is it not also a
ernicious one?
If educational and religious in
'titutions can traffic in land in this
manner and free untold quantities of
t from bearing its just share of
axation, an imperative duty con-
ronts the coming legislature. It
mould amend the old clause in the {
ak law regarding the exemptions of l
property of benevolent, religious and
institutions, so that only {
UGH property belonging to organiza-
ions of this kind, as is located on the
ties where they are established and {
Which are needed for the building and s
ther actual uses. shall be exempted
rom taxation. That is undoubtedly
he intent of the present tax law on :
he subject. And it should be made i
n explicit fact =