The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1919-12-11
POINTS OUT
HIGH TAXES
J. 7. Nelson Of Morton County Says
State is Becoming Laughing
Stock
CLAIMS FARMERS THE GOATS

CLAIMS FARMERS THE GOATS
Speaker Presents Convincing Array
- of Figures
A good sized crowd was on hand
last Thursday afternoon at the Grand
theatre to greet ]. T. Nelson, speak
er for the I. v. A., who was scheduled
for an address at that time. Mr.. Nell
son Is farmer himself, residing in
Morton county, and for this reason
his statement bore more weight than
is usually attached to political
speeches. He apparently had no axe
to grind, but was concerned with get
ting his message to the people in the
hope that it might do something to-
ward defeating the program Of the
Nonpartisan league, many sparts Of
which are beginning to pail even on
some Of the members.
Mr.. Nelson is not finished speak
er, but delivered his address in . plain
manner, making no attempt to capti-
vate his audience by high sounding
phrases or glittering bursts Of elo-
quence.
Among other things, Mr.. Nelson de-
plored the tactics used by organiz-
ers in using sarcasm, insinuations,
ETC., in order to foster class hatred
and prejudice. He said that in his
opinion both the country and town
need each other; both must stand to-
gether in order to build up the state
and let the outside world know Of its
marvellous opportunities. The league
program has injured the states
credit and he added 1--WE are becom-
ing the laughing stock of the rest Of
the states in the union"
Referring to the taxes, which every
body now knows are higher than a
cats back, he showed that state taxes
have been raised 400 per cent in some
localities. Two and three hundred per
cent in others, and that while rail-
road and telegraph companies have
experienced only i rs per cent in
crease, farmers are the real goats
with upwards Of 800 per cent in
creases, the speaker claiming that in
ToWner county the increase in, state
taxes on farm property is 347 per
cent. ~. y. q. ..,s ~ III
Expsnses@of the; state ohices are
paxtly to blame for the big bosst. The
attorney generate Office, also that Of
the treasurer, auditor and tax com:
mission, have increased just about 100
per cent in each case.
The entirely unnecessary county
Office Of tax supervisor has been
created, making abous $75,0o extra
expense for the state annually. Mr..
Nelson also called attention to the
farce Of taxing the Standard Oil Com
pany, which 10 able 70 raise the price
Of it's products and recover even
more than their tax amounted to. The
moneys and credits tax has-not oper-
ated fairly, taxing The borrower and
not affecting the insurance companies
who loan millions Of dollars. The
three extra judges were not neces-
sary and Mr.. Nelson thinks they were
merely added OF give political berths
to favorites.
Brinton's newspaper farce and the
present investigation Of his methods
were given attention by the speak
er, who pointed out that many farmer
stockholders in newspapers have dis
covered that they hold minority of
voting stock, although they furnish
ed the entire financial backing them.
selves.
The speech was well received and
provided much food for thoughtful
voters. The present political machine
was roundly scored, although Mr.. Nell
son did not indulge in needless per-
sonalities. It was good, clean pre-
sentation Of convincing argument,
and undoubtedly made an impression
on those present at the meeting.
Peace Delegates Coming Home
Frank L. Polk, General Tasker H.