The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1916-05-18
rAxIEss DAVIS IN B1.AcKroor.

ID. w. Davis, Of American Falls, the
farmer banker candidate for governor
of Idaho on the Republican ticket, was
in Blackfoot several days ago, looking
after his political fences, which he earn
estly asserted were in excellent shape.
While here he was accompanied by
County Commissioner Fugate, of Aber-
deem, an old friend and neighbOr of
Mr.. Davis, and who he contends is the
best man in the race and should be
elected. While here he explained to us
that his proposition to make Idaho
practically taxless State was simply a
business undertaking to sell the re-
sources of the State at their just value,
and to conduct the business Of the State
in an economical and business-like man.
ner, and to strictly ignore the expen-
sive, dishonest and wasteful practice of
creating excessive salaries for profess
siOnal politicians and tax eaters which
have existed in the past. The only
objection Mr.. Davis political oppo-
nents are making to his campaign is
that his theory of a taxless State is
either dream or a pretext for getting
votes, but those personally acquainted
with him have never known him to be
dreamer or private or political inn
poster. Even Captain Davis, his most
unfair and bitter opponent, who has en-
'deavored to misrepresent and belittle
him in public, has written him personal
letters of congratulation on his taxless
ideas. That Mr.. Davis is shrewd
successful and strictly honorable man
who would not knowingly sacrifice his
veracity for public office will be cheer
fully admitted by all who are person
ally acquainted with him, and all his
friends and acquaintance are willing
to give him chance to practically dem
onstrate how Idaho can become tax
less State, as they believe he will ac-
complish his worthy ambition if it is
at all possible. We believe if Idaho is
never to be an absolutely taxless State,
it would be at least as near so
under his astute administration as
under the administration of any man
we know of, as we personally know
him for the past seven or eight years
as an honorable citizen, and shrewd,
economical and successful business man,
and not as professional politician or
tax-eater, who are the prime causes of
the present high tax levies of Idaho,
where horde Of both Democratic and
Republican politicians seem to think
that the State should be politically ma
nipulated to please and enrich them
selves and friends. AS long as this con-
dition exists tax eaters will increase and
prosper while the taxpayers will de-
crease and suffer. Although Mr.. Davis
has taken a prominent part in the af-
fairs of the State, and has been elected
to the State senate, he is not profess
ional politician who depends on the pub
lie trough for living, but is success
full and honorable farmer, banker and
townbuilder, and we believe that if he
is elected he will be a successful COVER
nor for the tax-ridden citizens Of Idaho,
regardless of party, creed or place of
residence. We have long ago observed
that man whose private life is above
reproach, morally and commercially,
makes worthy public servant, and one
who will care for the welfare of his
constituents with the same business a.
bility as he has exercised for his person
al benefit