The Bowbells tribune. [volume] (Bowbells, Ward Co., N.D.) 1899-1969, 1920-05-21
sODERQu|sT SHOWS
HIMSELF IN TRUE LIGHT

At the Nonpartisan convention at
Flaxton, one Of the delegates had a
copy of, the Buffalo Lake (Minn.)
News of Feb 27, in which appeared
an article from the pen Of j. A. So
derquist, Of Columbus After the
communication had been read, it
was decided to have it published in
full in the Bowbells Tribune and
also to have extra copies printed in
circular form for distribution in
Burke county.
1t was also decided that no COM
ment was necessary as the voters
are intelligent enough to form
their own conclusion
The article shows up the brazen
| hypocr1cy of its author, who, at
| times, and especially when he held
Commissioner of Burke county,
Drofessed to be in accord with the
| League Program.
OF course. it's author wrote the
| article for Minnesota farmers and
little thought that it would find it's
way back to North Dakota and
Burke county.
But the convention decided that
what is good for Minnesota farmers
is also good for North Dakota farm
ers and, at no expense to Mr.. Soder-
qulst, it will be given general pub
licity at home. (for which it's
author should be very gratefully
The article is printed in full be-
low. Read it carefully. 1t shows
to what depths Of prevarication and
deceit and SANDER an l. v. A. of
Mr.. Soderquist's typo will resort i'll
order to create adverse sentiment
and prejudice against the League
Program.
That his statements are false and
in many instances contradictory,
will readily be seen by the reader.
The letter is Drofusely adorned
with such pet I. ". A. phrases as
"Free Love" "Bolsheviki", Long
haired Socialists, "Townley Boil
sheviki Bunch, and chat the
League papers are against the
T. aiding of the declaration of Indc-
pendence" in the schools
But to get the full benefit Of the
I. V. A. APOSTLES Epistle to the
Minnesota farmers, you must. read
it in full -.
The following letter from Mr.. J.
A. Soderquist of Columbus, N. D.,
is Illuminating and instructive on
the Townley rule in that state.
Mr.. Soderfuist is former we'll
known citizen Of Renvil1e county
and was at one time a candidate
; for county auditor here. His for
mer friends will find the letter of
much interest.
Columbus, N. D., Jan. 81.
Dear Sir:
You no doubt have heard and
read Il great deal about this years
high taxes in N. Dak The Townley
Press all over the State has been
trying to explain the reason for
these high taxes, but in every in
stance the explanations have been
misleading, as thew have avoided
the real cause, and have tried to
put the blame on county and local
levies. they avoid making compara-
tive statements. comparing this
"ear's taxes with former years,
they have a good reason for doing
this, for the reason, that a few
years ago. the NJ P. organizers
were telling the farmers that they
were burdened with about so per
cent of all taxes, and if they would
get in power, this would be cor
rected, now after they got in power,
the farm owners are made to pay
10 per cent Of all taxes, you can,
readily see that there is good rea-
son for them trying to avoid the
real issue. II . ~.
The fact is that in place of the
term high taxes, it should be "The
Farmers high taxes"
You will remember l was appoint
ed County Tax Supervisor of this
,fxy - nd hEI etn
to study taxes and taxation. I have
come to the conclusion that the NJ.
Oak. tax laws as enacted by the
so called Farmers Legislature is a
detriment to our farmers, and that
under this system of taxation the
farmers are made to pay more then
their just share of all taxes.
In order that may be able to
prove this assertion. will give you
some figures, and wish to say
that these figures are authentic
and can be verified by our county
records. -, .--ss,5
In the first place, !: will give you
comparative; statement Of our
State, County. Township an d
School Taxes for the years 1918
and 1919, for Burke County 5i a
# Total State Taxes, 1918, S$23,-
t422.4s;; 1919 se7,516.50. Increase
&188 per cent. E 4 fss
1860; 1919, $132,405.72. ms
crease Is per cent. 4. 81 ,ss' "A
Total Township Taxes, 1918 $50,-f.
603.26: 1919, $62,279.0 05: Increase
% per. cent. 5SS Ss2s 81
Total School Taxes, 1918 $129,-S:
446:s1; 1919. s157, ,6s3:5s u: .Ir-.,.
crease 81. 80 per cent. 81
You will please note that the i1-s
crease III the State taxes is nearly
one half Of: the total increase, the
Townley bunch are afraid ito show
these figures. they are ,and always
have been trying to keep the FARM
Sers in the dark as for instance, at
the time of the 9l9 Legislatures
one OF the: League Senator's thought
the Townley gang went too far, ask
ed Townley what no should say to-
his people when he s came home.
Townrey answered. lie ato; them lte.s &