The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1917-06-21
ROACH HEAD OF
STATE TAX BOARD.
State Prison Governors Also Named,
With Painter ~ Chief.

3! u
State Prison Governors Also Named.
With Painter ~ Chief.
4 Governor Gardner on Monday for
mally announced the makeup of the
Missouri State Tax Commission.
Former Secretary Of State Cornell
ius Roach Of Carthage drew the full
term and the Craftsmanship OF the
commission, which carries with it
$500 per annum more salary than the
two other places.
James H. Galeener, wealthy land
owner and farmer Of Sikeston, Scott
County, drew the four-year term, and
James Y. Player, former Comptroller
of the City of St. Louis, the two
year term. =
Roach and Player are Democrats
and Galeener is Republican. The
latter is not so widely known in pub
lie life in this state ,as the two 9TH
ers, but is man Of recognized busi-
ness ability. He is graduate Of the
University of Illinois.
In letter to each of the three
members of the commission advising
them of their selection, Governor
Gardner calls attention to the impof-
tance and the magnitude OF the task
that confronts them.
Following the notification of his
appointment as chairman of the
board Roach outlined in a statement
his plan of action in office. Part OF
his statement follows:
The great central purpose for call
ing the commission into legal exist
ance is to afford the means and au-
thority for distributing justly and
equitably the tax burden of the State.
county, and other local subdivisions.
The commission has power, how
ever, to inquire into all expenditure
of public funds made for any purpose
whatsoever. If public monies are
wasted, the commissions duty is to
turn the white light Of truth upon the
affected spot The commission,
through publicity. will thus make
economy in public expenditures com
pulsory.
There are millions of property OF
the invisible class escaping taxation,
not listed with the Assessor, and not
appearing on the tax books at any
value. Deliberately undervalueing Isl
far less heinous than giving no value
whatever.
The most difficult job for the COM
mission is to find hidden property and
put its value on the tax rolls That
kind will be urged to come out OF ITS
hiding. By surrendering gracefully
it will avoid penalties.
Another gigantic task for the COM
mission is the elimination of inequali-
ties. This requires a proper assess
ment. If the Assessor in the first
instance lives up to the plain require
ments of the law, shows no favorit-
ism, and exercises good judgment in
extending fair and proper valuations,
Inequalities will automatically dis
appear.
The path of duty for the commits
sion is as plain and straight as ray
of light Without veering to the
right or to the left, I shall adhere
to that path while my commission
has life.
Governor Gardner formally ap-
pointed the three members of the
Estate Prison Board" under the new
penitentiary code that became effect
;,,a a. midnight last night.
Warden William r. Painter drew
the chairmanship of the body and the
full term of six years. He will con-
tinue as Warden of the Penitentiary,
which, however, under the new law,
is merely a nominal office.
Former Warden Henry Andrae,
the Republican member, was allotted
the four-year term and J. Kelly Pool
j of Centralia drew the two-year term.
There is no distinction in the sal
aries of the members, each receiving
$4,000 per year and necessary travel
ing expenses.
Willard p. King of Clay County
will be elected secretary of the COM
mission and will also be chief clerk
OF the Penitentiary.
The commission will have its of
flee at the Penitentiary and will look
after the management Of three other
State institutions under its charge.
These are the Boys Reform School
at Boonville, the Industrial Home
for Incorrigibie Girls at Chillicothe
and the Industrial Home for lncor-
rigible Negro Girls at Upton.
Protect Your Wheat and oats.