The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-01-18

ased at one period as compared with
previous years. Both Of these states
have created tax commissions, with the
result that the valuations have been
the levies reduced and more
uniform and equitable assessments
have been made.
The state Of Ohio, by means of
tax commission and limiting the max
mum levies, has also remedied evils
similar to those developing Idaho.
"The state of Idaho should profit by
the experience of the older common
wealths, and in this era of universal
education and public discussion and
the great activities CT the printing
press, with rapid communication there
should be no need of investigation ex-
tending over a long period, as data
affecting every branch of the question
is at your command, and this legisla-
tive assembly should take it upon it.
self to enact legislation Of permanent
character and place Idaho in line with
her sister states of the republic.
Scores Those Who Differ
81 do not think it out of place to
call your attention to the duty of. dismis
sing from your consideration all ques-
, tions of mere partisan advantage and
to state the people are in no mood for
petty partisanship., The people ex-
| o1.
and from myself at this particular time
the best service of which we are cap
able without regard to what the eff
feet may be on persons or parties.
They have the right to expect each
and every of us to rise to the full
measure of patriotic citizenship and do
our whole duty as God gives us the
light to see that duty.
) "The unfounded abuse of the ignor-
ant who cannot comprehend, and the
vicious who do not desire the enforce
! ment of law; the untruthful utterances
and biased statements of partisan
) newspapers, so intent on party advant-
age as to be willing to sacrifice the
best interests of the state if by SO
doing they might possibly injure a
political opponent; the deceptive ut
| terances of small fray politicians.
prompted by self interest, to fall in
: line with supposed public sentiment
and willing to array the people Of the
commonwealth against each other if
%bo
of the class most numerous in it's vot-
t ing power, should alike be disregarded
by the high-minded officers entrusted
S with important duties whose strict per-
: formance will alone satisfy the law and
e insure the public veal.
II can conceive of no legislative as
sembly that could be better prepared
than are you to enact revenue laws
r that will be just and equitable and that
4 will be in accordance with the progress.
: sve spirit of the age. Each and every
+ OF you have had the benefit of the ex-.
!. perience of full legislative session.
!. many OF you have served in legs-
) lative capacity for several terms, you
i will be aided in your deliberations by
$ the reports and bills prepared by a
4 commission composed of two Of the
: leading lawyers of the state and have
purposely kept the matter for your con
Y sheraton limited to the one vital SUBJ
v Ject so that all your attention can be
n given to it.
l. Il am fully aware that agencies are
n at work urging delay, and seeking to
" make this legislative assembly doubt its
n own wisdom and patriotism, but | most
1t sincerely believe that you will not give
ne heed to those who plainly show they
+ nave Interior objects in view and have
b resorted to the threadbare tactics of
d the lobbyist, who, being unable to ad-
vance his own cause by legislative ar
+ gument seeks to hinder progress by
proposing indefinite and remote rem
IN edies.
Sc The time fer action is now. and the
0t people OF Idaho look to this special SEES
IS sion of the legislature for the enact
lie ment OF remedial legislation. and I
X nave implicit confidence you will ap-
X proach the subject in the same spirit
In which it is presented, absolutely fire.
It from partisanship and with the sole
g ana single purpose of serving the peo-
he pie OF Idaho faithfully and we'll
q Respectfully submitted.
e. JAMES H. HAWLEY,
eI Governor.