The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1912-04-11
Citizens Protective League Dis.
iinct from the Organization
Of Local Tax Payers in
Paving District
PURPOSE Is TO PUSH
TAXATION REFORMS
Seek Economy Through Reduc-
ton Of Offices Committee
Appointed TO Report on
City and Co. Govt

AT the meeting at the city hail last
night, called for the purpose Of perfect.
ing the organization of the local
branch Of the Citizens Protective
League devoted to a campaign for re-
ductiou of taxes, It developed that this
movement has been confused with the
Chickasha Taxpayers League, which
has been organized solely far the pur-
pose Of seeking relief in regard to paw.
ing and grading taxes. II was brought
out at this meeting that there is no
connection whatever between the two
organizations, the one being Of an en-
tirely local character, and the other
q statewide movement aiming at re-
form in laws governing taxation ana
assessment to the end that all taxes
may be lowered.
Another point emphasized was that
while It costs money to join the Chick
asha league, it costs nothing at all to
affiliate with the Citizens Protective
League, all the expense connected with
It being borne by a few individuals
who are pushing the movement.
AT last nights meeting permanent
officers were chosen for the Grady
county branch ot the Citizens Protec-
tive League, Dennis O'Brien being
named as president an4 L. J. McCrack.
en- as secretary. The remaining Off
GERS win be elected at the next meet
ing. It was announced that i45 appli-
cations for membership in the league
had been received.
On motion ofE. L. Persons a com
mittee of three was appointed to inves-
tigate and report on city and county
government, the committee being com
posed Of James Pettyiohn and Ed &.
Johns No doubt the public is misin-
formed in regard to many things con
nected with city and local govern
ment," said Mr. Persons. III every
thing is all right. we want to know
it and if there are evils that need cor
recting. we want to know that. I be-
lieye these things should be investi-
gated and publicly discussed"
Among those who discussed the Citi.
zens' Protective movement were Mr..
OBrien. Mr.. Johns and Mayor Burton.
Mr.. o'Brien explained the purposes OF
the league as a non-partisan organiza-
ton. we are not making any fight
on any officer local or state. said he
but We are seeking to reform the sys.
tenn and the laws which make taxes too
high Specifically the league stands
for economy in the expenditure OF
money raised by taxation. reduction in
the number of county officers. better
systems Of accounting and laws for
the prosecution Of embezzlers or pub
lie funds, and the amendment of pres.
ent tax laws whenever necessary"
Mr. Johns said he was thoroughly In
sympathy with the movement. "The
commissioners Of Grady county have
tried to keep down tax leyles as low
as possible but there are some things
over which they have no control said
he. "The laws permit too many dep
uties. We don't believe a superior
court is necessary il THIS county, but
The legislature said We must have Il.
For the purpose Of reducing court costs
We have made an arrangement where
by the sheriff is to allow the federal
Off icers to deal with bootlegging cases
whenever possible believe II we
get zoe or 700 members Of this league,
we can demand that our candidates Sor
legislature go on record Tor the things
we want" f.gm
Mayor Burton also stated that he
was in hearty accord with the purposes
Of the league. Il have always been
and am now IN favor Of cutting city
/ expenses to the limit and in this be.
lieye we have succeeded We shall
continue 70 work IN the same dlrec.
ton Discussing city affairs. the
mayor said the city was now getting
along with a police force Of tive men.
whereas a year ago It had eleven men
on the force. The chief and one pa.