The courier-index. (Marianna, Ark.) 1917-current, 1919-11-21
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3 LITTLE ROCK LETTER {
By CLIO HARPER
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Little Rock, Nov. 19.-Arkansas
II a three-billion dollar state.
To those who have been accus-
toned to accept without analysis
the annual reports Of the county
assessors, that may seem to be an
extreme statement.
But it is statement that is SUBJ
ject to verification.
The assessors books will this
year show total of about $780,
600, 900 assessed.
For several years systematic
effort has been made to have the
assessments of the state reduced to
a so per cent basis-but 1T is one
of the most difficult reforms ever
undertaken. There are still many
counties that are considerably un-
der that mark, and only two that
are above it-Prairie and Poinsett.
Last year the assessment was
1854, 100000, and it was only few
years ago that the total was less
than 100000.
If the assessment were increased
all over the state to so per cent, 1T
would indicate an assessed value OF
more than two billions.
1t is a recognized fact that un-
der the best possible system of as
sessment, there is at least one-third
of the property that does not get on
the tax books.
That being true, it follows that
another billion must be added,
which would make three billion dol
lars as the real value of the prop
erty of the state.
The United States census, which
is to be taken next year, should
reflect something like this amount.
If the property of the state were
assessed at three billion dollars, its
actual value, the tax rate could be
divided by five.
The present rate in the cities is
about 33 mills, or above 8 per cent,
and in the towns il is not much less.
This does not include the heavy
rates for road districts and other
improvements.
Yet, even with this heavy rate,
the assessments are so low that the
taxes are not so heavy here as they
are in some other places.
s*%"**
The Arkansas state farm for women
is an accomplished fact, and is
providing a means af taking care OF
the criminally disposed women OF
the state.
The board received from the di
UlCfnn nf the fntf,t ftar11
raised for the women's farm anc
girls school the sum of $48,312.43
The board has bought a farm Of
185 acres with a 12-room house
The living and dining rooms are
very large, with hard wood floors
There are eight bedrooms, FIVE Of
them very large, that will accommo
date from four to FIVE each, dormi
tory style. There is a large batl
room being fitted with two showers
one tub, two lavatories, and othe
conveniences. A hot air heatins
plant and lighting system are be
ing installed.
With the farm was included
Ford car in good condition, larg,
number of farming implements, TIVE
dozen hens, besides several head O.
hogs and cattle, pair of mules, 81
tons of hay, 200 bushels of corn,
field of turnips and other farm ma
terial. The consideration was $14,
500.
The farm is located 21 mile,
northeast of Little Rock and five
miles from Jacksonville, in Pulaski
county. 1t is upland and will pro,
duce three-fourths of a bale of cot.
ton to the acre, besides corn, pea
nuts, sweet potatoes, hay and fruit.
1t is proposed to have large acre
age in truck garden.
1t is the purpose of the board to
open the institution at the earliest
possible moment. Arrangements