Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-01-24
SCIENTIFIC TAXATION.

iA All thoughtful citizens should read with espec-
ical care the article from the pen of Mr., Clinton
p. Anderson, Santa Fe correspondents published
this morning. Mr., Anderson paints vivid picture
of the tax situation in New Mexico
Nothing is transparent the lack of sys-
tenn which has characterized taxation legislation in
this state in the past. Each organized special inter-
est has before the legislature with its own
interests stake and has sought to wiring from that
body the legislation which it wishes. Herein
s'shown the most perniciOus phase of lobbying.
Without accusing any one of actual dishonesty, 1t
be readily that large, overwhelming lob
bies succeed in emphasizing their problem out of
all proportion, with the resultant op-sided egsla-
ton.
The present situation also lends emphasis to the
deplorable lack of ability in the management of
the land office in the respect that exact data can
not be furnished upon which to base intelligent
legislation the necessary relief of the livestock
interests.
Some must bear the burden of taxation in
New Mexico There is way to escape this. The
state cannot go backward. Our standards must be
maintained in education. We must make steady.
even if slower progress in building permanent
roads. The executive and judicial machinery must
be kept in operation. For all this some pays
While it is true that there is such thing as
really scientific tax system it is also true that
some approximate much more nearly to being scien-
tific than others, But nothing even remotely APP
preaching an equitable distribution of tax burdens
be had without looking at the problem
whole. We must cease attempt to settle the
mine tax, or the livestock tax, or the income tax
as a separate problem and face the whole taxation
system problem with varying and, perhaps
conflicting angles. Only in this way
anywhere near working out something which will
even approach justice or meet our financial de-
mands.
The tendency to postpone revenue measures
til toward the close of the session. should meet the
instant disapprova of the public. Not only will it
enable filibuster to defeat legislation but the
legislature base intelligent appropriations only
upon fairly accurate information to the probable
revenues. Therefore the taxation problem should
have early attention.
The Special Revenue Commission has foreseen
as no else has, the problems confronting the
state. Much of the data needed by the egsla-
ture, supplied by this body. 1t has a rather
definite tentative plan as to what should be done
This commission appointed by a republican
administration to make this survey. The majority
should recognize its report as their baby and treat
it kindly.
An emergency of the most serious kind con-
fronts the legislature Politics should be adjourned;
special interests should be curbed and the legisa-
ture should go to work right now, earnestly and
intelligently provide adequate and we-balanced
revenue system.
Economy of a stern type is indicated. But the
people will not tolerate solving this situation by an
economy which ruins essential institutions. Both
economy and enlarged and well-rounded revenue
system must be worked out. Nothing else will
serve
only, equitable plan can be defended later
before the people No one need fear that tax pay
ers will protest against carrying their just burdens
But the burdens must be just, with none escaping
his share or reputation will follow.