The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-01-15
AEEreEnting
S21O,G3p.OO
Recommends Reserve Fund.

recommends Reserve Fund.
Under the active administration of
our Auditor. | anticipate for the State
larger revenue during 1914 than for
any previous year OF its history. but
earnestly renew my recommendation
FOR the accumulation ana preservation
OF surplus OF 100000 TO meet amy
contingency which may arise in our
state II ono or more OF our great in
sttutions should be destroyed by fire
or II conditions, which happily are not
lkeiy TO exist. should require the call
ing out OF the military arm OF the
government for the enforcement OF the
law we should have the money in our
treasury with which to restore our
buildings ana pay our soldiers.
Problem OF Taxation.
The people OF Virginia demand |
think wisely. the passage of such laws
Tor the taxation of real and personal
property. whether tangible or intan-
sibie' which will compel each citizen
10 contribute his or her share of the
money needed by the State for the pro-
lection of the rights of persons and
property, for the care of the unfor-
Inmates who are unable to care for
themselves and which will make Vir-
Sinia progressive and put it abreast Of
the states having the wisest laws on
this important subject
Having been member OF the tax
commission under the act approved
March -. 1910. and having given a
great deal OF thought 10 the subject
before and since the report of the com
mission 10 the General Assembly OF
1912, desire TO submit certain sug
gestions and recommendations for your
consideration, and i trust, for your
approval:
approached this subject in 1910 with
the conviction that there must be either
segregation or an equalization OF as
Z G,AS In "a
cities OF the State, and | then strong
iy favored segregation. This. of course
would have made equalization unneces-
sary, but would not have done away
with the necessity for a fair assess
inent OF the property of our citizens,
as such valuation largely determines
the wealth and the relative influence
and Importance OF our State.
Az TO Segregation OF Taxes.
Alter n careful examination of the
resources of the State and its political
subdivisions, while II member of the
tax commission and since il ceased to
| exist, and specially in tho light OF "A
plan submitted by the fiscal officer OF
the State, as much interested in and
just as DESTROYS OF reaching a proper
| solution of the tax problem as am the
conclusion has been reached that no
plan of segregation is workable which
makes the income OF the State or any
/
! a per centum tax to be paid by coun-
ties and cities on property the valua-
ton of which is wholly under the pow
/ er and control of the counties and
| cities Such q plan. even with an hon
est desire OH the part of the cities and
counties which |. of course, assume
could not result in an equal assess
mcnt, as there would be no controlling
/ or supervising tribunal familiar with
general conditions and charged with
the duty of equalization. And as It
seems to be admitted that the plan
above mentioned would require this
per centum, my contention. il correct
would seem to dispose of it,
! The fundamental principle of taxa
ton is equality 1t should not be said
that each citizen must bear his share of
the public burden. but that each should
contribute his share to the expense OF
government, which, If properly admin
istered. is not a burden, but Il protec-
ton, a benefit and blessing
recommends Equalization board
TO secure therefore, this fundamen-
tai, fair and equal valuation which
snail at once fix the amount of the
citizen's contribution to the govern
ment and determine the wealth and
largely the influence and power of the
State. | recommend that three discreet
men be appointed from each congress
sional district to assess and determine
the average value Of the real and tam
I ible personal estate in the severit.