El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1920-03-02
Enforce TaxLaw
And Cut the Cost
Urges Thomson

Unfair and often the source OF ex-
tortion and graft Il must be thrown
Better Taxation
Taxation has been the great prob
lem OF government since n begin
ming OF time and likely always VIII
7 want the business affairs OF the
state run decently, but economically
I am no revoiutionisL II our present
tax laws were enforced our tax rate
would not now be so high The coun-
ties are paying toe much OF the state
taxes and land is paying about so
percent, which is more than its just
proportion the people get
ready for a new constitution, or Of a
mind TO amend the present one. am
in favor OF a constitutional provision
separating state and county taxes.
There win always be more or less in
equality under the present system,
some counties paving too much Of
the state taxes, and some not enough.
The thing that viii do most how
ever, 70 lessen taxation, IS to practice
cre economy, have fewer offices.
less travelling expenss, n smaller
appropriations. II elected. I promise
gardless Of its character, shall pay its
just share OF b taNes-but no more.
Education
7 an the friend OF every kind Of
education. The public schools, how
ever. r = very foundation and
ground work OF all educational pro-
gress. They must be looked after
first. We do not need more schools
50 much as we need better schools.
The school teachers are the worst
~underpaid class of people in Texas,
and their salaries must be raised.
This, however. IS q matter that must
be determined largely by the local
communities. and IL is for that rea-
son that I strongly favor the consti-
tutioual amendment 10 be voted on
next November, which I had a hand
in submitting TO the people, that Will
remove the 80 cent limit in indepen-
dent districts, and let the people vote
what they need. under proper lmita-
tons, for the erection of buildings
and the payment Of decent salaries
Consolidate schools
The average common school dis
trict, as Il now exists, is to be pitied-
I glory in the success OF the tndepen-
dent district schools, but as a rule
they n an the best land n their
neighborhood and leave the little one
teacher school TO suffer. Many Of
these common scho0l districts should
be consolidated and graded schools
established, with adequate provision
made for the transportation OF the
children from their homes 10 the
school house. Until our system IS
changed OF our constitution amended
so that all schools are on a parity. ]
expect 70 continue 70 40 as 1 nave
since 7 have been a member or the
legislature, and that IS 70 be very
liberal in my appropriations for rural
schools.
Il want to see the entire eduea-
fionaI system in Texas correlated
n cooperative, 80 that the hoy
or girl can advance step By step
from the country school 10 n
high school and from there 10
and through any one Of D
states higher Institutions There
e. too much duplication in the
work Of the higher Institutions Of
learning, and "a ought to be
stopped There Il also TOO much
Of the theoretical, and NOT enough
Of the practical
Agriculture
The farmer IS the hope OF the IA
ton He should be encouraged in
every way possible. ] want 10 see a
cooperative marketing system in
Texas. similar 10 the one that has
made California and her fruit, vese-
and nut growers famous the
world over. The farmer has TO deal
with too many middle men. who often
entitled. Good roads, cooperative
marketing associations automobile
delivery and enlargement OF the
parcel post system should be en-
ALAAAEa4 80 LMAL NAG farmers can
deal directly with the consumer. This
would enable him to get a better
price, as well as reduce the high cost
Of living 70 those who must buy. The
town and country man must coop
Land Tenanfry
There are too many homeless peo-
pie in Texas, Education n homes
the surest antidote 70 bolsherism.
M man with a home is usually a
and contented man ] have
been much Impressed, as well as graft
flied, with the success Of the federal
farm loan bank at Houston. Since its
operation il has loaned TO those buy
ing farm homes 80 million dollars.
and started on the successful venture
OF home owning 1900 men I pro-
to enact laws 70 help the tenant
help himself and I believe that is all
he wants.
The Labor Question
i am the friend Of the toiliuE
masses I think I know something
OF their h~ardships and needs. As q
member Of the legislature. 1 have sup
al just and fair measures
looking 10 the betterment OF condi-
o men and women who earn
their living by manual labor. I an a
firm believer in the right OF laborinE
people to organize and unionize for
their lawful advancement Organized
labor Is necessary 10 deal with or
ganized capital I believe in the prin-
Of collective bargaining. There
can be no question OF the right OF
organizations. regardless OF their
character, dealing through repre-