Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1914-12-28
EX-GOVERNOR DlckERsoN mlslnFoRmED.

IN THE FIRST issue of the Nevada Democrat. its editor. Ex-Governor
Denver S. Sickerson comments on the state tax commission as follows:
1t looks like a concerted effort will be made to abolish the
tax commission, with Elo and Humboldt counties, If their news
papers are to be believed, leading the fight Blu: 1t is hardly prob
able that the proponents OF the old system of taxation will be
able 10 carry through their pet scheme. The average Nevadan
is not carried away by fads or fancies, but he a be depended
upon TO recognize what is to his interest and to fight vigorously
for those things that inure to his benefit The tax dodger
and those who have received special consideration from corr
PLEASANT assessors are lloyd in thei- denunciouon of the tax com
mission. but the little fellow VINO has been paying more than his
proportion of the taxes for these many years is perfectly salts
fed with the valuations fixed by the commission and If he knows
what is good for him he will go to bat 10 retain the commission
which has tried, and is trying, to give him a square deal.
The Independent holds Ex-Governor. Dickerson in high regard as a
his policies concerning state affairs he Is generally clear headed and
careful. but in this instance he will find little if any sympathy with those
the state.
tie fellow who has been paying more than his proportion of the taxes for
these many years is perfectly satisfied with the valuations fixed by the
commission" and that the denunciaton comes only from the big fellows
who are cIassed a tax dodgers. Had the editor investigated he would
not have rsked the respect and influence he holds by any such state
ment 1t is the small owner who is most uniushy dealt with by the %
mission and it is he who is ldudest in his denunciation. No one but the
railroad companies has reason to defend the commission Or desire its IN,
tnuaton. They alone have received benefit and injustice and injury
have been worked every other land holder in this county. both large
and small.
AS has been stated in these columns before the small owner is tn
one who cutlvates. This is necessary with him In order to make his
increases his assessment from six dollars to fortyhve dollars a acre
Therefore his industry is assessed It thirtynne dollars and his land at
six dollars.
The idea of cdiasstying lands al they are with no regard for pro
ducuveness o location is absurd, and under our present system justice
waited lands are worth twice IS much a others which have been cult
waited, yet they arc assessed sever times as high.
Here in Elko county cultivated lands are assessed OH a uniform cash
basis of seventyhve dollars per acre. We defy the commission tos show
one ranch in the county that is paying three per cent interest on such a
valuation. and the best can be purchased at a little more than half
that amount.
There has been a disposition in certain parts of the state where min
ing is tho principal industry to put the screws o the agricultural sec.
ions in the way of taxation This has been stood for until it has reached
a point where it is conhscatory and now a halt is demanded and If the
editor OF the Democrat will investigate he will learn that the demand is
general.
The Independent is ii favor Of equitable taxation but the tax commits
sion has made n % effort in this regard. It's sole object has been to raise
this must come. The agricultural interests are being ground to earth
and unless justice is given them they will fight back until they st IT.