American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1914-02-26

must be reduced. but actual reduction
in arapidly growing and developing
state has been difficult of accomplish
ment. The question is one of limiting
governmental activities In certain direc-
tions and of resisting popular demands
for large appropriations for purposes of
public improvements
ECONOMY in public expenditures was
the dominant note in my message to
the legislature. l have insisted uponl
this in every proper manner at all times
Each office and department has been
required to submit quarterly reports
which show in many cases an actnal re-
duction over the same quarters in 1911,
and keeping within appropriations in s
manner as to practically eliminate de-
ficieucies This last is a matter the i'm
Dortance Of which cannot we'll be exag-
gerated, and it is all the more remark
able because of the fact that the estif
mates Of the departments were made
before railroad passes had been abol-
ished and in the belief that they would
be available during this administration
as heretofore.
'sAlthough the question of d reduc-
tion of taxes was thus forcibly pre-
sented to the Legislature, that body was
wholly without data upon which to act
in anything except the limitation of it's
own appropriations. Several bills were
presented with the view Of limiting the
tax levying power of subordinate units
of government, but these were rejected
because of supposed interference with
local discression, and the imposition of
y bar to local improvement and pro-
gress. 1t thus became evident to me
that the question could never be sat
isfactorily solved until the Legislature
could be shown just what share of the
burdens of government arises from each
of the units of government, from the
highest to tn lowest, throughout the
state. This data is included in a report
to the tax commission soon to be
made public, and the legislature will be
able therefrom to determine wherein the
power to levy taxes must be curtailed
if the people are to have the relief to
which they are entitled.
ST believe, therefore, that my efforts
in favor of economy and lower taxes
VIII be productive of results through
the general study of this question which
has been brought about. In the last
campaign 1 advocated a study of tax re-
ceipts and L shall continue to do sc
in the coming campaign Such study
together with a study Of the conclu-
sions of the tax commission, will show
clearly the limitations to which we mus
all agree in order to bring about a ma
terial reduction in our taxes, and the
members of the next legislature will be
governed accordingly. We shall also
be brought to see that we must be con-
sistent in our attitude toward this i'm
portant matter.
"We cannot expect to spend money
freely for the development Of our state
our counties, our cities and towns, oul
roads and schools, no matter whether
the money is appropriated by the legts-
lature, by boards Of commissioners OF
village trustees, or voted by the peo-
pie themselves, and yet expect to have
low taxes. By working together how
ever, we can and will secure results.
s'My position on other matters Of inn
portance will be made known later as
occasion may arise therefor.
believing that you appreciate hon
esty and fair dealing in public office
and a conscientious endeavor to do
everything possible for the upbuildins
Of our state, 1 await your verdict witt
confidence"