Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1916-01-07
PENAL FARM NOT WANTED IN PLUM
 BAYOU VICINITY
lContlnued from Page D
taxes for levees. drainage districts,

taxes for levees, drainage dlstrlcts, etc.
 Because of the absence from Little Rock of all the members of the peni- tcntiary commission, no affirmation or denial could be obtained there yes- terday of the report of contemplal- |ei purchase of lands in the northern end of Jefferson county for a state farm. It was stated the members of tie commission were inspecting some lands in Lo1roke county, which had be en rendered the commission for a convict farm.
 MT. Core Is Indignant. When MT. Core was informed that owners of other property were mak- ing objection to the purchase of his and other property :. in the Plum Bayou section, for state convict farm, he wanted to know what right anybody has to the sale of his lands by himself.
 What right has anybody to object tn me selling my plantation, if want to do sop he asked. Any time II want anybody to sell my land for me, I'll go to them and tell them about it. I will say also that when Fever the deeds are recorded in the clerks office at the courthouse any, body can learn all about the sale"
 Property Owners Object.
 Owners of property in the northern |eId Of the county appear to have learned several days ago that there was some sort of 8 deal proposed, whereby the state penitentiary com mission would purchase MT. Cores |piace of several thousand acres, the cid Greer place, also of several thous- and acres, which adjoip the Core place, and probably one or two other and smaller places.
 It appears some of the property icv ners fear the establishment of a convict farm in that section will make 1t somewhat undesirable place in which to live. These people have Eheard reports that in the vicinity of tLe Cufnmins farm cattle often disap- pears and other depredations of a somewhat minor nature are commit |t.d, with no means of redress. These people say. the same conditions will prevail around the new convict farm, Iii 1t Is established.
 The most serious grounds for the Iccmplaint of the objecting property fcwners appears to be based on the matter of taxation. It is statsd that one large owner of land in that sec It;on has obtained legal advice to the effect that the purchase by the state lc2 10000 or 12,O00 acres of land in ltEat section would immediately ex- tempt that land from taxation. Re- moving from taxation 10000 or 12,OO0 acres, of a valuation, in all probabil- fly ef about $200,O0O or more, would III: an that other property owners |swodld have to make mp the equiva- |slentsin taxes, especially in the levee |ldistrict,, drainage <. district. bridge, ard other taxes. Tn the Plum Bayou section, the levee and drainage taxes, |especially are rather high. Tn the az gregate, it is said this tax question would become g serious matter for the other property owners.
 May Affect New Road. The purchase by the state of these lands and their exemption from |;taxss. it Is said by some of the ob-
 
 than likely have an unfavorable ef- feet upon the matter of the new road to the northern end of the coun- ty. from tho north end of the new free bridge.
 The arrangements for the building lief this new road have not yet been completed. although they are virtu- ally perfected. The fear is now ex- pressed that if the panitentiary com mission makes the purchase ol a large tract. as has been reported as contemplated. the plans for the new read will fall through.
 Not Opposing MT. Core. Some of these objecting property owners made it plain last night that Itle objection to the establishment of ' convict farm in that section of the county. is only because of the in pleasant conditions that will exist 1 whereabouts and of the difference 1t will make in the tax situation. All of them explained that they