Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-02-12
SPECIAL LEGISLATION.

There is no doubt that the cattle and sheep
industries among the most important in the
state. There is also doubt that emergency
exists in these industries which requires careful
consideration. TO this theory the Journal heartily
subscribes.
on the other hand special class legislation is
one of the greatest dangers which besets America
In the past it has been a practice in New Mexico
INDUCED in with too little thought. To organize
an industry and send representatives Of that
ganzation before the legislature, has been to pro-
cure whatever has been demanded whether wis
dom and justice to all dictated such a course, or
not.
Men with political ambitions VIGOROUSLY
afraid of their shadows. The fear that they may
antagonize powerful influence, leads them to
acquiescence Very often that acquiescence stamps
them with weakness in the eyes of the public and
brings the defeat which they feared to their aspr-
atoms The crying need in public life is men
with the courage of their convictions. To do the
right thing will, in the end, contribute more TO
permanent than any other course. The
right thing is the expedent thing in the long run
In 1917 the initial payment for the purchase of
public lands reduced from ten per cent to
five per cent and the time for deferred payments
changed from thirty equal annual installments to
"any old time" within thirty years. This done
in response to the argument that the state would
benefit by getting these lands the tax rolls at
full values. 1t sounded plausible and the state
acquiesced
In 1919 pressure brought to bear upon the legis-
ature by organization reduced the assessment from
full valuation to a 40 per cent valuation. Others
were paying on full valuation in spite of out
standing mortgages against their land This was
distinctly class legislation and was probably uncon-
stitutional but attacked it.
Now in 1921, taking advantage of a sympathetic
public, the step is being taken and this assess
ed valuation is being reduced to per cent instead
of 40 per cent
Presumably, two years from attack will
be made upon the payment of the per cent inter-
est to the state upon the deferred payments.
Perhaps four years from we will have pro-
crossed to point where the Legislature will be
asked to buy the feed for these worthy gentle
men,
Loss of revenues to the state is by no means
the least of the damage resulting from this course
by the legislature. Glass legislation is breeder of
discomfort and bolshevism. People grow angry at
government which loads the burdens of taxation
back upon them in order to favor special few.
Their grievance is just one and those too coward
~ to resist it unworthy misrepresentation of the
whole people.
The rancher stockman who owns his own
land is suffering from the present conditions Of the
market just is the purchaser lessee of school
lands To grant special financial favors to the pub
lie lessee is to decrease the rental selling value
of the property of the bona fide of other
lands
1t is all wrong, but good stiff organization
is putting it across.h The little tax payer, pays
the freight"
The Journal warns legislator and lobbyist alike
that such conduct ultimately will bring its own
harvest of discredit and ruin.
In the end the few viii find it Improbable to
have benefited at the expense of the many.
Both republican and democratic members of the
legislature have been offenders in this respect Our
comment is therefore without political significance,
Individuals must bear the burden of the records
they making.
Other class legislation is in sight VIII public
opinion stand it?