The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1919-04-04
Chairman Thompson to Tax AS
SCISSORS and Land Owners,

ors. II appears that there Is some
misunderstanding as to how the
blank for the assessment of personal
property should be used in listing
certain classes of personal property.
This letter is written for the purpose
of furnishing information for your
benefit in making these assess
ments.
If the taxpayer make affidavit
that his household furniture is
worth no more than $3.50. and you
believe that it is true statement,
you should not list any of the several
items hereunder, appearing on the
tax list. Only one column appears
on the personal roll for it. At least
seventy per cent. of the tax payers
have less than $3.50 of household
furniture. and are exempt from as
sessment for same. Surely, none
except hotels or roOming places
have more than $3.50 invested in
beds and bedding. and it would be
unfair to other Taxpayers for such
to escape their portion of the tax
burden. All household furniture in
excess Of $3.50 has always been sub
ject to taxation. There is no new
burden imposed by the itemization;
it carries the law. which has been in
effect since the creation of the state.
There are many luxuries in the
households of the rich or well-to-do,
which have not heretofore appeared
on the tax list blanks (although al
ways taxable); such as cut glass.
art squares. mahogany or other ex-
pensive and handsome furniture
There are art squares in some cities,
which cost more than $400 each.
Unfortunately. Mississippi has not
many whose homes are adorned
with such luxuries; but the fortu-
nate should be glad to pay their
portions to the State government
which educates the youth, pensions
the Confederate soldier, heals the
poor. when afflicted or crippled. and
cures or cares for the insane; but
she canrot do so without money
The money cannot be raised except
by taxation. Every citizen honest
ly owes his portion of the expense
Of the State government. This por-
tion is measur ed by the value of all
taxable property owned by the citi-
zen. 1t is therefore your duty to
see that all property is assessed and
valued according to law.
Much machinery has been escap-
ing taxation; this has been occa-
stoned by the omission Of the names
of the various kinds of it from the
tax assessment blanks. Only one
column appears on the roll for this,
but the itemization will add much
to the rolls.
Diamonds, iewelry, cut glass, art
squares, rugs. automobiles, solvent
credits, merchandise and many
kinds of property other than the
above are escaping their portion of
the tax burden either by not being
listed or being undervalued. 1t is
your duty to see that property of all
kinds il assessed for its value; and.
if not reported or if undervalued to
report the tax-dodger to the super
visors and district attorney. 1t is
your moral duty, too. to the tax
payers. who have rendered honest
returns because the burden that
should be borne by the untaxed
property will be borne by other
property. by old Beck" by Old
Muley," by the farm land and by
the widows humble cottage be-
cause the things cannot be hidden
from the assessors eye.
Do not listen to the walls of the
tax-dodger. who tries to blGff you
out of doing your sworn duty, by
threats to tear down your political
play house." Fear not the politi-
clan, who is trying to ride into of
flee, not on his merits, but by max
ing foolish promises to abolish tax
alton; such promises. always. result
in an increase in taxation.
Yours very truly,
ID. l.. THOMPSON.
Chairman of the State Tax Com
mission.
To Land Owners:
The first of April is date of expi-
ration of the period of redemptiOn of