Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1915-02-26
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 70. 1915.
TAXATION.


state have been discussing the
subject of equalization of taxes,
and particularly during the last
two years the Legislature has
been besieged to put into force
some system that would better
equahze the burdens.
This agita ton eliminated last
session in the appointment of a
committee of ten. who sat for
about eight months devising
some plan suitable for Virginia
conditions, and made report to
the present special session of
the Legislature.
THE COMMISSION OF SEGREGATION
After arduous service for eight
months, the committee of ten
able and conscientious men re.
ported that they could not agree,
seven preferring a plan known
as the State Tax Commission
Plan" involving among other
things the creation of ney
bureau, with headquarters and
Offices in Richmond, Nth strong
Dowers TO fix and control in the coun-
ties and cities the Dalues of property,
ard inuollng Objectionable Interference
Nth local self government. The other
plan suggested was that known
as the segregation Plan" favor
ably reported by three members
of the committee, and with some
important notifications received
the approval of the Governor,
and bill embodying the views
Of this minority of the COM
mittee, with the notifications
recommended by the Chief Ex-
ecutive was presented, and is
known Familiarity as the Gov
ernor's Bill" This bill, with
some amendments, finally passed
both branches of the general as.
se:nbly, and received the sigma.
ture of the Governor. 1t is by
no means all that was desired by
its patrons and friends, but it is
distinct step in the direction
of complete segregation.
The purpose Of the Segrega.
tion Plan as of the Tax Com
mission Plan, was to equal 1e
the burdens of taxation. Certain
counties of the state have failed,
through their officials, to place
proper valuation upon their lands
and personally, with the result
that those counties and cities
with a reasonable and higher
valuation. were carrying more
than their fair share OF the bui-
dens of taxation. To illustrate,
Shenandoah County assessed its
horses on an average (omitting
cents) at $S4.O0 each; Grayson
County, $500; Scott, $500;
Stafford, $500.
Shenandoah assessed its hogs
at $500 each; Dickinson, S1.SO;
Buchanan, SIPS.
The assessment of the lands
in the counties and cities show
like differences and unfairness.
To correct this gross wrong
between different sections of the
state, and between citizens o.
the localities, the Legislature
was assembled, and the modified
Segregation Plan adopted.
The segregation plan con-
templates, as the word suggests,
a separ alton Of certain subjects
for state taxation, and others for
local taxation, SO that as far
as practicable the state may have
exclusively certain subjects. and
the localities certain other SUBJ
jects, with this plan completed,
out, it would be a matter
IF Indifference to the people oil
,ne section of the state what
values another section OF the
state might place upon their |
ands and personality.
1t was the purpose of the plar |
o provide that the counties anf |
titles and subordinate divisions.
o the exclusion of the state.
hould tax real estate and tangible per-
ondi property, and certain other
and the state Shout.
TX certain intangible personal properly
such as notes and bonds, &C.,, rolling
took of railroads insurance companies
o the exclusion of the countie
nd cities.
But any available plan OF |;
egregation that provided for tn,
elease to the counties and cite.
( all the state revenue derived |,
rom lands and tangible personal ID
roperty. disclosed > considera- !
IL l<na in the state reyenue. and ,