The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1912-12-20

by making 1t safe, instead Of encour-
aging dishonest debtors.
The extension OF our agricultural
areas is the mort important work
along the lines of development. If
rigation in the south and the cleAr-
ing OF logged-off lands In the north
are the concrete problems with which
we have to deal.
There IL a general demand for re-
duction in the burdens of taxation.
This cannot be met by change OF
the basis OF valuation from 1000 to
1870 and back again, nor by the cre-
alton OF expensive tax commissions.
The axiom that governs taxation is
best expressed by the old adage,
"They who dance must pay the fid-
der" No amount OF agitation or
extra sessions or official Mysteries
can get way from that old principle.
There are only. two ways Of reduce
ing the burden Of the fiddler namely
/. Dance less.
p. Get more people to dance. !.
In other words, economic to re-
duce the cost of government. Be
gin at home. After all, the state
uses only a small part of the taxes
we pay. We spend too much mon
ey in county, municipal and school
district government, and most of the
time we do not get the worth Of our
money. ! am perfectly aware that
this idea is not popular, but let US
be honest with ourselves. Our whole
system is too elaborate.
The more highly a country Is de-
veloped, the less the burden of tax
alton. The nearer people are to-
gether, the less the per capita ex-
pense of roads, schools and all the
other items that make civilization.
If development will reduce taxa
ton, then taxation should be SO inn
posed as to foster development. Pol
icies of speculation and land mono
poly should be discouraged, while
every encouragement should be given
the man who is struggling to make
two blades grow where one grew be-
fore. Laws should aim at policies,
not people; it isn't the amount of
wealth a man has, it is the use he
makes of it, that determines whether
or not he is a desirable citizen.
The public utilities of the state
should be supervised by non-part-
isan commission. The laborer in
our factories, mills, and mines should
be protected by modern employers
liability laws. There should be no
corporation batting" but undue poll
tical activity on the part of privilege
seek 'ng interests should be frowned
upon.
| am of the opinion that state
should no longer be sold in large
blocks, but should. whenever practi-
cable, be disposed of only to actual
settlers. I do not share the feeling
that there is any great need of haste
in getting rid of our land, unless it
is under the conditions suggested.
also think that state funds should be
loaned, as far as possible, solely for
the purpose of developing the, proper
ty encountered,
The principle of the direct primary
law should be maintained, but there
is need of modification of some of
its provisions.
The right to participate more fully
in their own government should be
extended to our people as rapidly as
they show tendency to make use of
the privileges given them by law.
am willing to trust myself with the
people of Idaho. They know what
they want. If they make mistakes,
they will not break the record of the
old convention days. II they make
mistakes they will pay the bill.
Finally, every man Is entitled to a
square deal; let us try to give 1t to
him. But let's put rocks in the road
of the man who wants more.
Very truly,