The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1910-06-22

2IS,s60; In 1908 they amounted to $l40,-
497 ,5s2, an increase OF only si,223,722,
when every observing man knows that
during these years this class of property
has doubled, II II has not trebled or
qusdrupled.
In 1870 the merchants Of the state re-
turned for taxation stocks valued at
$50, APO, ,S04; In 1908 their returns only
amounted to $50, ,407, 0s2, a decrease Of
i4,0l3,732.
In 1870 the manufactured product OF
Ohio was returned for taxation at a val
return was only s11,9s6,246 while tho
bureau of labor statistics reported the
total valuation of goods manufactured in
the state for the year 1907 at $i,lQ5.
ee46s8t. Of which the average monthly
output, namely, one-twelfth, should have
been returned for taxation.
The public service corporations have
an estimated valuation OF more than
$1,000, O0O,o 900, and yet they pay taxes on
not more than ,ls3, 600, 600 AS a result
the small home owner is bearing more
than his share Of the burden. The tax
rates In Ohio In the various taxing dis
tricts varies from less than 1 per cent to
more than per cent.
We are glad to know that during its
last session. through the persistence of
Governor Harmon, aided by the force OF
public opinion, law was passed cre-
ating tax commission whose special
duty II will be In part to see to II that
the owners OF all pubic utilities shall
make fun returns Of all their property.
requiring private corporations to report
fully their subscribed or issued and out
standing capital stock, and compelling
all tax officials to list property at It's
true value In money, and we are glad
to know that by the same means another
ant A.
10 mills, with the privilege Of increa sing
II under certain conditions to Is mills,
exclusive Of levy for sinking fund and
interest purposes. There can be no
doubt but that with reasonably correct
returns more money can be" raised for
public purposes on a valuation OF ~
mills than is now raised.
These are the principles for which
William J. Bryan has been fighting
throughout the nation, and Tom l..
Johnson In state and municipality, and
for which true Democracy stand every
where.
At the very outset Governor Harris
sought to embarrass Governor Harmon
by filling responsible Offices with Repuo-
licans who we're not In harmony with
the latter's administration, and they
were confirmed by a Republican senate.
Obstacles were thrown In the way of his
investigation of graft until the Repub-
ncans OF the general assembly were
driven by public clamor to concede his
position.
During this fight for better govern
ment and for lower and more equitable
taxes, where has the president stood ?
Was he In sympathy with Governor Har-
mons fight for honesty ir public office? /?
II so let him say 80. Does he believe in
the introduction of better business meth
DDS In our state inustitutions? II so let
him say 50, Does he believe that our
taxation system needs reformation? II
30 let him say So But instead Of giving
to Governor Harmon The moral support
he deserved, what has been his standf
II Ia not long ago that he held frequent
meetings In the White House at Wash
ington with his political followers for
the purpose OF bringing about the defeat
or Governor Harmon and the Democratic
state ticket. Is II not of more impor-
tance to the country at large thar the
present Republican administration should
look after Its present business than that
Il should devote its time and efforts to
defeat the re- election Of a Democratic
governor In Ohio7 Think of It the pres
ident Of the United States, during a time
when almost the entire people are crying
out for relief from the burdens OF taxa
tion, from the restrictions Of monopoly,
from the tyranny OF aggregated wealth,
giving his attention and efforts to mat.
ters purely political.
PUBLIC UTILITIES.
For several years the proprety OF a
public utilities commission has been
seriously discussed As many of them
are constantly devising ways and means
TO evade the operations Of the law, so II
becomes necessary TO keep them within
the law. This commission IL u SUCCESS
nd ~.
Is no reason why II should not be sue
cess In Ohio. Democracy recognizes the
Importance of all public utilities In our
complex system of government. They
are as essential to our existence and
well being as any other personal or In
diyidual enterprise. l do not doubt that
there are persons who would invade the
rights or the public utilities corporations
lust as some OF them have invaded the
rights OF the public. II Is not necessary
that either should harm the other. and
IL must not be permitted. Any measure
which shall be adopted must protect both
the public and the corporation. Any reg.
ulations adopted must give full scope 10
reasonable and legitimate enterprise
They must have reasonable freedom OF
action, but that does not mean unbridled
license To do as they please, when they
please. or how they please.
Wv hhcW TcBuldtlOHS can De
adopted by law which will benefit both
the public and the utilities without In.
turing either. A public utility corpora
ton ought not to object to the laws re-
curing II to get the approval Of the
commission for an issue OF stocks or
bonds. II the Issue Is for a proper pur-
pose II IL presumed that the permit win
be granted. Does any one say that the
commission might make a mistaken
Yes, II might. but II is not likely, sitting
as an impartial body. to commit one
haif OF the injustice to the public or to
inc company that has been committed
Dy unscrupulous speculators In over
issues OF watered stocks and bonds for
private purposes
INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM.
Frequently Y happens that the people
demand new laws Tor their relIsf ana
pledges are made Ia that behalf by party
pihuorms only 10 be efeated by brokan