Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-11-24

p 1neSe demands winch are considered
by some of the teachers as radical,
failed to produce anticipated fire
works, and were adopted as a part
of the coming years program of the
association with unanimity.
While DR.. J. NJ. Hamilton. new presi-
dent of the association, prefaced the
report of the finance committee with
the statement that he doubted the wis
dom of initiating tar laws at this time,
he made it clear to the assembly that
it the vote upon the resolution indicat-
ed that two-thirds or three -fourths Of
the association favored the plan, he
would support it whole hearted1y as the
executive of the organization.
The purpose Of the demanded taxes
upon inheritances, incomes and natural
resources, according to the proponents,
. IS to shift the burden of taxation from
the land of the state, and make It more
equitable. The plan in mind, it was
stated. is similar to that now existing
in California, where the state collects
a tax on incomes, inheritances and nat
ural resources, and redistributes this
money. it is claimed, to the schools Of
the state at the rate of $50 year for
each pupil. The sum of this money ap-
proximates one-third of the cost of the
schools of the state.
Superintendent C. G.. Manning. of
Lewistown, reported for the resolutions
committee. of which he was chairman.
The resolutions emphasize the idea ef
new state tax for educational pur-
poses and the necessity of either initiat-
ing these laws or securing them through
a new state constitution.
The resolutions re-affirm the assoc
cations purpose of not affiliating with
ANY group or class; urge teachers to
take the lead in the practice of econo~
my in school affairs; state the belief
that the county unit plan is the best
means of reducing tax burdens in many
districts; urge the revision of the teach
ers retirement fund law; oppose Pres
ldent Harding's plan for q welfare
urge the distribution of all
school moneys on the teacher pupil ba-
sis rather than the present census ba-
sis: indorse Near East relief; approve
the conference for the limitation OF
disarmament; and instruct the execu-
tive committee of the association, to
take steps to publish a journal Of edu-
cation that will be owned by the as
sociation.
Report on Finances
The report of the finance COMMITTEES
was submitted in the form of resolu-
ton signed by four members of the
committee. two of them qualified their
s. r. Logan Of Hardin,
and Superintendent f. 0. Randall Of
kalispell, favored the whole resolution.
Dean j. NJ. Hamilton. president elecr
of the teachers association, qualified
his signature to the report by the
statement: Il doubt the wisdom of iu-
itiating tax laws at this time" County
Jane Keeney Of Great
Falls qualified her signature with the
statement: Il favor parts and 2, bat
am not in favor of part 81 .
The resolution in full reads as fol-
lows:
BE it resolved, that we. the teach
ers of Montana in convention assem-
Dled. recognizing the crisis through :
which the schools are now passing, and
realizing that the future of
our country is safe only in the sue
cessful maintenance of our schools to-
day, do hereby set forth the following
for the consideration by
the people Of the state as a basis for
he solution of the financial problems
of our public schools.
Tn order to equalize educational
opportunity within the county, larger
units Of taxation and administration
AEc ueCcSsdEy.
Tax Recommendations
"2-That educational opportunities,
.ogether with the burdens of taxation.
shall be more equitably distributed
among the several counties, the state
should raise and distribute approx
mately one-third Of the cost Of educa-
ion in our public schools, similar to the
California plan. This money should be
.aised through graduated inheritancs
.ax, a graduated income tax and . 0x
on our natural resources.
"3-As measures of immediate relief
We favor the initiation Of laws embody-
ng the general tax policies included in d
the governors first annual message to
he Legislative assembly. the proceeds
# such taxes to so largely to the pub
ic schools. However, no adequate re-
lef from unjust and discriminatory
axation or from the cumbersome, un-,
vieldy and expensive form OF govern,
aent under which we now operate can,
e hoped for short of constitutional
Onvention.
eve pledge, our best efforts to tho, ]