The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1922-03-01
A STATE C o TAX.

The state of Illinois is now discussing a state
income tax, and there seems to be much in its
favor. The adoption of such a system of taxation
for state revenue can be of great benefit to al
commonwealth under proper administration pro-
visions.
- In discussing the income tax law, the Chicago
Tribune treats of it's possible application, and
what the effect of such a law may be. 1t is
worthy of being read. 1t says:
"The constitutional conventions adoption of
provisions authorizing a state income tax for
Illinois is one of the most important features of
its work to date. 1t appears to,be a move not only
in the interest of good government but of good
citizenship. Not so much can be said in favor of
an associated provision bestowing full power upon
the legislature to spend the proposed tax levy as
it sees fit.
However, the latter may be a matter of appli-
cation more than of principle, and though it will
properly come UP for serious consideration if
presented in its present form for public approval,
it can be safely laid aside for the moment. Argu-
ments such as those presented against it by Rufus
C. Dawes and Martin J. OBrien, that it would
enable the spending of 81 per cent of Cook county
taxes outside of Chicago, make certain that it will
not be put through without adequate considera-
ton. s
"The income tax feature may not be popular,
but it appears to be sound. If unpopular, it will
be because under it the present sport OF tax dodg-
ing is likely to become hard labor. With a maxi
mum exemption fixed at $500 it will mean that vir-
tually every voter in the state will become q tax
payer. Probably nothing more conducive to good
citizenship should be devised. If the voters have
thus brought home to them the cost of govern
ment they will accept a responsibility for that gov
eminent such as they have never before known.
Knowing that waste, extravaganza, inefficiency,
tor the maintenance of political machines through
the public pay roll will take dollars out OF their
pockets every year, the voters will be much more
likely to seek and elect capable. and honest Off
Gals and maintain in office those who conserve
the public veal. Good government is likely to
: RESULT 4: q
= "Also there is a matter. of justice to be consid'
: cred. Under our present system of taxation the
e lodging of taxes is morally coi2doaed, Rich ia,
o dodgers are assailed by demagogues and pool
ones are tacitly approved, particularly in the mat
! ter ofpersonal property taxation, which afford
sfthe easiest ground for lodging and the only basi
which most persons of small means can nov
be assessed. Being told SO often and so heated,
of the sins of the rich tax dodgers the poor salv
their consciences by comparison and dodge eve
- 90;
r more effectively. .m !,
re Under the income tax plan much of that zerro
bids fair to be corrected. The poor man will hav
ct TO pay-a little. He will then see to it that tn
le rich also pays. Tax lodging should be reduced
er4a minimum and the evils and ~injustices of elias
hatreds and class powers should be corresponding
IS, ~ reduced" = sue
he Should Montana by legislation, constitution
al amendment .or through a. constitutions conve
ltion obtain a practical workable income tax Ia
:s based upon equitable principles, q part of Il
ed troubles of the taxpayer can be nitigated.s 81