The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-01-09
THE PRICE OF THE WHISTLE.

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There are but three reasins for cx-
cessive tax rates, viz: too much gov
ornamental activity, extravaganza in
the administration OF public affairs,
or too little taxable property for the
maintenance OF the establishments
we have instituted Any proposal TO
reduce taxes must overcome one or
more of these obstacles II is inn
practical at the present time to do
away with any one of our units of
government or to increase the taxa
bic property of the state. Tn latter
will come to pass in time out il will
give no immediate relief The other
two reasons for high taxes are with
us and can be met at once, TO the
restriction of governmental activity
and to the practice OF rigid economy
the taxpayers must devote themselves
if tley are to see their taxes reduced
TO our mind high taxes in Idaho re-
suit from too much government as
much as they do from any nd~all ex-
travagance. The people must decide
whether or not the things they are
getting are worth the price they are
called upon to pay; as Benz. Frank
lin said whether or not they are pay
ing too much for their whistle. We |
will illustrate.
In order to overcome the rule OF
the politicians direct primary sys-
tenn was instituted in this state. This
system is costing the taxpayers of
Idaho not less than $50 600 per year
or rather 100000 every two years
Are we getting better government,
more honest and more efficient Off
GERS or more practical laws than we
got under the old system? II not the
people are paying too much for the
whistle and the next legislature
should do away with the costly sys
tenn. People cannot have direct pri-
maries at no cost to themselves. The
Tribune frankly confesses that it
does not consider the direct primary
worth the money,
BY constitutional amendment the
people of Idaho have authorized pro-
vision for the initiative, referendum
and recall, all of which will add to
the cost of government and necessar-
lily increase the tax rate. At the
same election they also increased the
membership of the state legislature,
which of course added to the expense
Of legislation, Is the whistle worth
he price?
Idaho has state sanitary commits
sion which costs upwards o. $4,000
Der year, For TINS $50, 600 we are :
to get pure food and honest
weight in our purchases, instruction
II warding off disease and better :
sanitary condition generally, Are $
'ur benefits commensurate with the '
ost? Would it be better for the in
Iividual to do these things2 One i,
hing should be borne in mind, while :
eckoning the tax receipt, and that is
he benefits which are derived. I
Idaho has an immigration commits y
Toner drawing a salary but with no ,
unds with which to attract attention ;.
o the state or to induce immigration.
he has pensions for widows, schools
Or farmers, teachers and others. Are :,
II OF these institutions really worth :
ne money? We have officers TO in :,
pect our mines, banks, insurance :
ompanies and even the sewers. :
The foregoing illustrations will give :.
II idea of governmental activity in
ne state OF Idaho They by no means
lelude everything, They are simply u
In this connection we again call at
,ntion TO the proposition that in
eckoning their taxes the people +
Mould keep in mind certain benefits Isl
icy derive from governmental ac- m
witty. For instance, il the pure food vi
lreau guarantees pure food an / hon IN
i measure the taxpayer every day of tn
5 life derives direct benefit from II
is bureau and his tax money is in wi
wise proportionate to these bene- tic
5. II school teachers are really II
aimed in their profession at our tn
rmal schools at a minimum of ex- pr
nse the children OF taxpayers are ca,
netitted in the schools. Ii banks on
made safer by state bank exami- lei,
rs the people do receive some ben IN,
: II pension of widows avoids ma
fering and keeps the family " 10
her society is surely benehtted. Liz,
Tribune does not maintain that tbr
Sc bureaus and officials are really pat
Hing their functions in every par am
lar but these functions must be mi
Sidered in the cost of the govern affa
Il SyS
! many instances We are AFRAID con
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