The log cabin Democrat., 1922-02-07
SUGGESTS CONTINUING
 THE SALES TAX PLAN
Prof. Guy A. Simmons Believes it the Fairest and Most Practicable
 Means of Aiding School.
Editor Log Cabin Democrat:

Editor Log Cabin Democrat:
 While some blame one and others another for the failure of the sales tax plan, we are inclined to think that it is as Rev. c. M. Reyes said in his sermon Sunday: "We all did it. Every citizen of Conway is to blame, some more and some less, for we all had a part in it. But recrimina- tion and censure of each other will not help the school Now is the time for each to recognize his share in the failure and to cooperate zealously for the continuance of the school. The heartiest cooperation of all is neces sary if we are to avert the calamity now confronting Conway, more ser ious calamity than some seem to think, for the Athens of Arkansas has her reputation at stake as well as her children to educate. Failure to CO., operate as we'll as tax-dodging will prove boomerang to both.
 Some of us are not yet convinced that the sales-tax plan has failed. We feel rather that we citizens have failed to work 1t. The first few months the plan worked so easily that we thought it would run itself and we concerned ourselves no further about it, except to pay the few cents added to our bills. In the meantime a very undemocratic opposition, a small minority reported as about 15 per cent of our citizens, have been worrying our merchants, it seems, by grumbling and refusing to pay the tax. This on top of the general if nancial depression caused some of them to think that they were not be- ing supported according to the terms of the agreement, and constantly they became less and less jealous in car rying out their part of the plan, and we on our part did nothing to help, but even forgot to pay the tax'' whenever it was not mentioned. Thus the plan has suffered at the hands of it's friends.
 Many of us still believe that the sales-tax plan is the fairest, most eff fective and satisfactory of any plan yet proposed. The fact that We have tried it will make it easier to continue operating than any new, untried plan can be. It is attractive too because of the very small burden it places on each of us,-about $1 month, if as much as $l00 month is spent on taxable merchandise,-ma of us spend less. Think of it, one penny for each dollar we spend will keep our schools going. A cheaper plan can hardly be found. Tuition would cost from $3 to $5 per pupil each month Parents having three or four children in school would have to pay from BIO to $15 month for tuition. Certainly none of these can reasonably oppose the sales-tax plan.
 In view of these facts and the fact that no other practical plan has yet been proposed, l suggest that steps be taken to secure the active united cooperation of all loyal citizens, es- pecially of us who signed the agree ment (for that pledge is still binding), in making the sales-tax a success; i; that We let our merchants know in no unmistakeable terms that we are loy- ally supporting them and expect them to collect the tax even to the extent of refusing to sell to those who ob- ject to paying it,-as at least one ioy- al y,,orchapt iid The hurden of the plan is on our merchants after all; our part is to pay and to make the collection of the tax a pleasure II possible, instead of disagreeable du- ty. Perhaps it would be well to as certain by a canvass whether after trial a majority of us still desire t( continue the sales-taX plan. In this canvass the names of opponents alsr ought to be taken, their reasons foI opposition and the number of chil dren each has in school. Perhaps satisfactory tuition plan can be work ed out for them Such canvass cal be made in few days. If major ity still favor the plan, it can be SC to work at once and our schools nee not be closed at all Most any nel plan will need more or less time fo acquaintance and adoption which q this season will mean loss hoth { our children and to the reputation c our city
 C. A. Simmons.
 Co,,xr,n,- L9ah q 1000