Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1922-03-23

Tax REFORM STOP! we are now
witnessing a bitter tax reform
over the state of Oregon and even
nation wide. For all this we feel
heartily gratified; but, are our
most willing reformers on the
right track?
Mr.. Zoellner of Wolfe Creek has
in his article Of March IT, pictur-
ed very sympathetic appeal for
the farmer. We certainly appre-
ciate his efforts in behalf of our
most worthy farmers, but has he
expressed the sentiment of the ma
jority? His arguments are beauti-
full flowery appeals to the nom
thinker, but an outrage when civ
en- an intelligent investigation
Mr.. Zoellner forces a bitter at
tack on our higher education, or
as he calls it "Higher Bunk" He
says there Is danger of over do
ing our education, our sons and
daughters are only preparing for
white collars and unsoiled hands
What is society coming to when
our individuals begin to fear over
education? Are we going back to
the oxen and the old wooden
plow; or are we going to take
loyal democratic viewpoint and
boost the ultimate aim of society :?
The ultimate aim of society is
individual Personality" This is
developed fundamentally by edu-
cation, shall We permanently Grip
pie this force by cutting the nee
cessary expenses Of our state in
5titutlons?
Mr.. Zoellner has pointed out that
higher education is likely to un-
fit young people for the humble
callings of life. What an alb
surdity to try to force in the
heads Of our taxpayers. Is this
a period Of stagnation when we al
most deprive our people of the
right to develope higher ideals,
and more desires for the better
things in life? 1t Is these desires
that are tending to force society
forward and keep 1t from reach
ing dormant stage of perfect sat
isfaction.
Our dear friend criticizes the
large expenditures of our state in
stitutions and especially the 0.
A. G. He advises that we cut
the large salaries of Presidents
Kerr and Campbell. In regards
to the expenses at o. A. c., Will
only refer him to the figures of
the U. s. Bureau OF Education for
December, 1921, these figures
show that the cost of educating
a student at the Oregon Agricul-
tural College is ore half of the
average cost for all Land Grant
Colleges in the United States.
The average cost to the state per
student In 1921 was 1928 based
on 5000 students and they now
have 1915. The average annual
cost per student for all state col
lges in the United States is $519.
Does this not speak well for
the efficient we'll organized work
of President Kerr? o. A. G. now
ranks at the top with the few
best agricultural colleges in the
United States. This has only
come about by the good WORK of
Mr.. Kerr, yet many of our worthy
taxpayers would cut his salary
far below that of the presidents
OF many Of the small business cor
porations. 1t Is time that the
state could get many men for less
money but then quality would al
so be less.
Mr., Zoellner is not alone in his
attack on the state institutions. |
Our Eastern Oregon friend Mr.
Pierce, with his followers have
drastic slashes at o. A.
G. They have even vent 81 far
as to advise the repeating of the
tax for higher education.
But few of our taxpayers realize
how little repealling the tax will
effect their taxes. II we reduce
the income tax as advocated 25
per cent, 1t will only save the tax
peyers 70 cents on every 500
taxes they pay. In other words
Il his taxes are now 500 they
would then be $99.30 after the
reduction. Shall We cripple our
system and deprive
hundreds of boys and girls the ad
vantage of a college education
OR your seventy cents? The re-
luction can only mean reduced
enrolment, who shall be the un
Supposing lit was
7our boy or girl losing the
'hance of their life time, would
t then be worth seventy cents?
Mr.. Pierce has even advocated
,utting out the extension work,
county agents, experiment sta
ions, etc, at o. A. c. Can you
eature such a plan that would
ut the main connecting link be-