The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-05-18

considered in making new appropria-
tions at the last session and Will pc
needed. To these accounts are added
the sum Of 100000 to be transferred
July 1st to the general school fund, the
appropriations for the year ending
June 80, 1916, amounting to $1,934,S00.
the sum of 100000 to be transferred
to the general school fund next year,
and the appropriations for the year
ending June 80, 1917. amounting to
S1,945, ,150, with an additional 100000
to be transferred to the general schoo.
fund at the end of the fiscal year 1917,
making, total Of liabilities OF $685.,
06S.4O.
The revenues available, he said, are
the following: For the remainder OF
fiscal year ending June 80, 1915, $780,
600; for year ending June 80, 1916,
$2325, 900; for year ending June 80,
1917, $2,325,000 total, $4,900,000, leav-
ing an excess of liabilities over rev.
enues OF 81, Ass, ,06S.40. To this amount
should be added $173,000- in case ap.
preparations to aid high schools are to
be paid out of the general revenue in
stead Of the general school fund,
bringing the total to 81 ,661 ,068.40. II
part of the appropriations of the 915
legislature had not, ben vetoed there
should be added to this the sum OF
$7S6, ,60S09. The estimated general
revenue above includes ten per cent
state levy.
The: Governor furthe pointed out
that OF the, appropriate of 191 for
buildings and improY ents, at state
institutions the sum of $511.00O re-
mains unexpended, not because the
improvements are not needed, but be.
cause the money has not ben availa-
BILE. Such appropriations the Govern.
or terms commands" Of the legisla'
ture, and the work therefore should be
carried out.
Appropriations vetoed at the regular
session were so vetoed, says the mes
sage, because the revenues were not
sufficient.
AS to alleged extravaganza OF the
state departments, Governor Hatfield
took the view that there has been no
such waste, and suggests that the leg
Eislature examine carefully into the ex.
epnditures of the departments.
After declaring that he does not
wish to dictate the revenue measures
to be adopted, Governor Hatfield re-
iterated his former declaration in IA
vor Of constitutional amendment
permitting the classification of prop
erty for purposes of taxation. Quoting
! from figures compiled by the State
Tax Commissioner, he showed that
farm properties constitute 20 per cent
of the assessed valuation OF the state,
/ the real estate being assessed at $685.
600, 900 and the personal property at
$92. 100000, total, $360,000,000; coal
properties, including leaseholds, con.
! stitute 1874 per cent, the real estate
being assessed at S129, 100000 and the
personal property at S25,000,000; tim
| ber properties, 81 per cent, $39,000,-
600; oil and gas properties, 10.1 per
cent, the leasehold and PERSONAL prop
erty being assessed at $25, 100000, and
the public utility part at 100000, 600;
utility property other than that above,
III per cent, $212,000,000; municipal
property, 1874 per cent, real estate be-
ling 232,000,000 and personal property
1921, 100000. The total assessment is
$1,243, 900, 900 for 1914 For 1915 1t is
1875, ,966,000.
This shows that farm and city prop
erty pay 81. 4per cent OF all direct tax.
In this connection the Governor asks,
Is 1t any wonder that direct method
LOT taxation is preferred by some
classes of our industries?I
The classification of property would
have been included in the call for the
extraordinary session, says the mes
sage, except for the bitter opposition
to It from certain quarters and the Inn
portant other work before the session.
Cooperation from every class Of indus.
| try is asked fn. the adoption of revenue
measures. f5t
81 solicit a community OF coopera-
tion," says the Governor, from all,
and appeal to the patriotism of those
who are engaged In business in West
Virginia. as citizens, to give their sup.
port and Influence to the solution of
a. condition that must be solved either
now or In the very near. future! Every
class of industry should be willing to
bear Its equitable part of the taxation,
and there should be united effort to
that end"
Again the Governor says:
""The situation Is SO grave and !criti-
cal that we ought, as patriotic citizens
of the state, to meet it in a broad way,
without personalities or prejudices.
each prepared to give up something OF
his ideas In order to bridge over the
present condition" 4
In case measures. are enacted to
raise sufficient revenue, though the
Incoming revenue be not received sun;
!. Continued on page eIght:)