The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-05-03
Monday. May 3, 1915.
REDEDICATING OPPOSITION

The West Virginia Coal Association
completed Its organization by vesting
all governing power in an executive
committee. representing all the min
ing districts OF the State. The first
oficial act OF that committee was the
passage OF a resolution replying TO
the statement that the coal companies
were not paying their share of the
States taxes. declaring revenue In
addition TO that provided by the 1915
legislature was unnecessary for an
economical business administration. g"
This. Of course. is not a new conten-
ton on the part Of the coal operators:
II Is simply an endorsement of the
claims OF the lobby and the pernlc.ous
agents OF the coal interests. who sue
oeeded in blocking the equitable leg
tslative measures. which had passed
the House OF Delegates. in the Senate
through the coalition OF seven Re-
publican Senators with the Demo
Gratis.
This declaration is not only impu-
IDENTIFY assumptive. but II Is offensive
ly defiant of the attempt on the part
OF the majority Republican members
ship OF the House and supported by a
majority of the Republicans OF the
Senate. to effect a fairer distribution
OF the tax burden and provide the nee
essary sources of revenue TO meet the
nd a.
State. The pen grows weary in re-
futing the bald misrepresentation OF
the privileged interests. who. in this
instance, would have the people be-
leye that no additional revenues are
needed. and who. inferentlally. charge
extravaganza in the administration Of
tbe States affairs, for the purpose OF
diverting the attention OF the people
from their defaults. In not contribut-
ing their share of the expenses OF
STATE government
They Intentionally neglect to men
tien thS< 100000 of appropriations
were made ineffective through a lack
OF prospective revenue to meet the
Duty bill imposing a maintenance tax
on coal for the support OF the mine
Inspection department. and the Pierce
bill. levying a transportation tax on
natural gas of one-fifteenth OF a cent
per 1000 cubic feet over 25 miles.
through their opposition and conniv-
ance. deprived the State of that
amount OF revenue necessary for the
growing needs OF the educational
and other institutions OF the
State, the Gripping Of the edu-
cational system and the elimina.
tion of all road Improvement
contemplated by the State. To-day
West Virginia holds the humiliatlng
position OF standing last in the list OF
States in the matter of good roads
She has good educational institutions.
but they are denied expansion. they
are stunted in growth through the
greed Of the privileged interests who
refuse 60 pay for services and pro
lection rendered them by the State
10 Is these interests that as much as
tell the people OF West Virginia that
good roads are not necessary: that
the proper upkeep. the needed renew.
ais OF old. and the construction of
now buildings for the advancement of
the cause Of education. and which
have been neglected for the past six
years. are wholly imaginary. And II Is
these special and protected interests
that would relegate West Virginia 10
the tail Of the procession. and smoth.
or forever the spirit OF progress and
advancement. animating past and
present Republican State admlnistra
tons. and which IS the inspiration
that dominates all the progressive
and prospering States Of the Union