The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-15
The Chief Features
of Gouen1or S Message

OF OODc171Or S message
Governor Mann in his to the general assembly
of 1914 declares for equalization of taxes rather than
regation, and recommends:
The creation of commissions consisting of three
from each of the ten congressional districts in the
State, to and determine the value of all real and
tangible personal property and to report it's findings to
general commission consisting of from each of
the ten districts This commission of ten is to meet at
Richmond another convenient place with the State audi
tor ex-ofcio member The findings then to be
ported to the auditor and duplicates of the report filed with
the clerks of the circuit courts Within three months from
the filing of these copies ten taxpayers shall have the
right to appeal from the valuations such appeal to be tried
without other pleading than the application and the
filed by the States attorney From decision of the circuit
corporation court, which may affirm the commissions
report lower raise the values appeal to the Supreme
court be taken in thirty days. the appeal to be placed
the privilege docket for hearing and disposition at the
next term.
The creation of commission of three, consisting of
the auditor of public accounts commissioner excom
missioner of revenue and lawyer to revise and codfy
the State tax laws
The creation of joint committee of three from the
house and two from the senate to take charge of and pre-
pare bills to carry into effect recommendations made to
the legislature by the governor.
The creation of permanent tax commission, charged
with the duties OF equazng assessments and generally
supervising officers charged with assessing and collecting
taxes.
The lowering of the tax rate, if, after all valuations
have been made it sha appear to the auditor of public
that the Of the State at the rate Of tax
alton fixed by law will exceed by than $25OOOO which
is about the natural yearly increase on account OF
of real estate the auditor of public accounts the
auditor and treasurer shall constitute commission to
lower the of taxation having due regard to the amount
required by the constitution for public schools to
provide adequate the needs of the State but
exceed for general purposes by than $25OOO
the amount collected the previous year. unless to
meet the appropriations made by the general assembly
The lowering Of the tax ON bank deposits by the pas
sage of emergency act putting nominal tax on bank
deposits.
The passage of an act providing for the collection of
delinquent capitation taxes.
The increasing of the franchise tax of of one
cent receipts of water heat light and
companies to per cent
The levying of tax of not more than fifty cents
the hundred dollars all intangible and personal propery
thirty cents to to the county city and twenty cents
to the State.
The requiring of lobbyists who paid for their work
to pay of not less than $780, and requiring them
register their with the clerks of the senate and
house.
The governor recommends that all private and local
bills be disposed of in the first twenty days of the session.
that committees of the senate and house hold joint sessions
that the proceedings and votes Of committees
bill and amendment offered be recorded and kept for public
inspection, and that the time for offering bills be limited
by joint resolution to February 18th.
That all county officers be required to make annual set
Elements with their boards of supervisors each July Au
gust, within sixty days thereafter.
That reserve fund of 100000 be created and main
tanned by the State for in contingent emergencies
That farm home, to be known district home,
be established in each OF the ten congressional districts
State to take the place Of the present city and county
almshouses.
portion of the message deals with the progress of
the States finances The governor points out that during
the four years Of his administration the secretary of the
Commonwealth has collected 02351 against colec
tons amounting $2 2225 during the four years pre-
ceding The difference largely due to the effect of the
law taxing automobiles.
During the four years from 1910 to 1913 inclusive
there assessed through the State corporation
mission amounting to $5873 $685. increase Of
than 100000 the four from 1906 to 1902
inclusive.
Up to December L. 1919 bonds Of the State amounting
to 1923 1928 retired When the State entered it's
last a
hands Of the sinking fund commissioners The State
public debt is now $24, 1884, 66.23