Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1923-02-02

farm land, making an actual differ
ence of $40 per acre.
We have compared land values and
increases, now let us compare the tax
rate in the two counties. Rockin chan
has tax rate of from S1.4O to S1.S8
and Augusta tax rate of from sl.95
to 255.
Mr. Elliot will no doubt beinterested
in the great agricultural and stock
raising county of Russell. which has
issued $541, 450 in bonds and has the
following land values per acre with
out buildings:
1910 1902
1920 $500
A much less percentage of increase
in values than Rockingham vet with
tax rate of from $297 to 1872.
And wise County, which has issued
$1,SS5, 149 in bonds, with a tax rate
of from 1925 to $4.30, and has the
following land values exclusive of
aildings:
1910 22.79
1920 1888
Note.-These statistics are taken
from the U. S. agricultural census and
are supposed to represent true values
and have nothing to do with assessed
values.
Many other comparisons could be
cited, except for lack of space.
Mr.. Elliot criticiseS those who do
not favor his bonding program he
cause he claims they have not a def
mite policy. What is his policy? He
talks OF moderate bond issue of S12.-
100000 with a one-cent gasoline tax
for 81 years to pay interest and sink
ing fund. Does he propose to repay
the counties advancing money under
the Robertson Act out of this SIP
000,0OO? If so, this fund will be re-
duced by over 100000 at the start2
Does he agree with Chairman Shirley
that S75,000000 is required to com
plete the system? If so, how will he
finance the additional $4,000. 600? I'll
by the gasoline tax, then at least
four or five-cent tax will be neces-
sary. If by combination of a two or
three-cent tax and the mill tax for 81
years, how will he meet the federal
aid, which must be met not with bonds
but with taxes. Does he agree with
Mr., Kline, of the Automobile Deal
ers Association, that more than a one
cent tax is unjust. If so, from what
source will he get the revenue to pay
interest and sinking fund on the $75,-
100000 Chairman Shirley says will
be necessary to complete the system?
If Mr.. Elliott wants $50,000,0 900, he
can get this in six or seven years from
the 3-cent gasoline tax plus present
revenue, assuming a moderate in
crease in gasoline and mill tax. If he
wants $75,0OO,000 he can get this in
ten years, assuming a reasonable in
crease. The interest on bonds will be
saved and put on the roads.
note that Mr.. Elliot proposes in tbs
future to hew to the line with a fine
indifference as to where the chips may
fall. That is all right, but l would
like to know who is paying for the
hewing. Just at this time the Vir-
ginia public would be interested in
a published list of contributors to the
different organizations who appear SO
well financed in their efforts to i'm
pose bonds on Virginia taxpayers
What is the purpose of the Virginia
Contractors Association recently or
ganized and reported to be paying its
president $4,000 annually?
OF course, l am impressed with the
threat of what Mr.. Elliot as the head
of $4,000 influential citizens proposes
to do to people who do not agree with
him on the bond issue. It is a for
midable host and no doubt Mr. Ell
lott is determined and capable lead
er. Nevertheless. I and other gentle
men who are opposed to the bond is
sue being convinced that we are en-
titled to the right of free speech and
free opinion must meet the onslaught
as best we can If Mr.. Elliott has the
power to punish us we will meet our
fate with resignation, but at any rate
we will not take it lying down.