The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1911-03-31
THE PEOPLE BE DAMNED"

IHE PEOPLE BE DAMNED"
The state board of equalization met
at Boise Saturday for the purpose of
considering the resolution offered by
State Auditor S. D. Taylor recinding
its former action in demanding that
property be assessed at its full cash
value. The result of the meeting
was that Auditor Taylor's resolution
was defeated by a vote of three to
one. Governor Hawley stated that
he didn't give damn what the bust
ness men of Idaho thought about the
matter, and that he didn't propose
changing his position. Attorney
General McDougal and the secretary
of state concurred in the sentiments
expressed by the governor. 1t is
we'll that the people of Idaho know
exactly where they stand in the opin-
ion of this precious trio. Other than
that he didn't give damn what the
people thought, the chief argument of
Hawley was that the recession would
make the board look ridiculous. 1t is
too bad that the governor should feel
so tender about the appearance Of
things while not giving damn what
the people thought
At the meeting Saturday Mr.. Taylor
| gave his reasons why the board should
recind its action of the former meet
ing. The reasons given why proper
ty should not be assessed at its full
valuation are as follows:
/. Because it will raise almost 81
100000 more than is ne 'e5sary for the
general interest and sinking fund.
2. Because it would raile a vast
sum grta.tr than is needed for the
common schools.
3. Because the prling up ct 'hjss
asst an ourl in the treasury would
likely lead to 2 lavish expenditure OF
| funds, thus in.l easinG The burdens ri
the taxpayer.
4. Because this money could not
be expended; it could only be loaned
out to banks at 3H per cent interest,
to be, in turn, loaned out to those
same taxpayers at from 10 to IL per
cent interest.
S. Because it would mean loss OF
from $4,000 to 100000 in taxes to
| Shoshone county, on account OF the
mines being taxed on their net pro-
| fit.
6. Because of the fact that the as
SCISSORS must collect on certain per-
sonal property at time of assessment,
and at present rate, would virtually
mean the confscation of the property.
In some localities the rate is over o
per cent, and an increase OF tour.toid
would be equivalent to tax OF Z4 per
cent on present values.
| 7. Because the farmers of the state
| will suffer the greatest proportionate
raise under present conditions.
&. Because the consequences OF this
sudden change to full cash valuation
has not been fully investigated, and
the consequence cannot be determined
with that certainty which should gov
ern in matters of such vast import
ance to the people of the state.
9 Because under the present cha
otto condition of laws passed for low
valuations and high valuations in as
sessments, it isnot practicable to
change our present system OF valua-
ton at this time.
10 Because of the above object
ions. and those arising almost daily
as the subject is further investigated,
the policy sought to be established
will be found to be so burdensome
land obnoxious that this most import
ant reform will be set back tor years
to come. A,..
TAYLOR are amply sufficient to justify
reasonable men in changing their po-
sition. With the exception of Au-
ditor Taylor, reasonable men do not
seem to frequent the Idaho state CAPT
toll. Pulled up in their own coneeit'
public officials sometimes try to over
ride sense, reason and justice, 1t re-
mains to be seen whether the county
assessors will tamely submit to the
dictates of Hawley, McDougall and
Clifford.
As we understand it, the state board
of equalization may raise valuations
fifteen per cent. If the county as
SCISSOR of Canyon county assesses al
fifty per cent, or to S7H of the actual
valuation, what will Mr.. Hawley dc
about itf We would like to see the
statute authorizing Mr.. Hawley to re.
move assessors because they did moi
assess at the values he thinks right
Governors cannot dismiss public Off
Gals at will.
There is no question but that th'
principle of assessing at approximate
~ the cash value is right. Strang'
as 1t may seem, the cash value is no
| - t. t,t