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Show Friday. July THE OGDEN POST amendments. $fany of the answers, it will be observed, suggest wsys in which the proposed laws may be It will dodged or openly violated. also be seen, if the Taxpayer tells the truth about tax dodgers, that the present law is being violated and dodged, but does not suggest that fact is reason why the law should be changed to get this form of wealth on the tax rolls. The entire argument of the Taxpolicy, payer is one of expediency and able to and, so far as the writer is discover, is in the interest of the tax dodger. The one point for the present taxpayer to consider, and by taxpayer we mean the owners of all forms of real estate, utility companies, corporations, mines, personal property and all forms of wealth on which taxes are now paid, is he willing to continue paying the expense of schools and government which the owner o:! THE OGDENEditorPOST W. P. EPPERSON, Member Utah State Press Association. Iublii'hrd rach Friday by The Ogden Post Printing and Publishing 417 Eccles building. matter October 17, 1927, at the postoffice at Entered aa second-clas- s Ogden, Utah, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription 32.00 per Year Price...,., Telephone 365 EDITORIAL Relieve It or Not Those active in local politics had their interest whetted to a keen edge last Sunday morning when the local daily announced that Frank Francis had returned to its staff. Comment about town has been ouite interest ing, even though for the most part of a speculative nature. Some of those who prognosticate on local politics opine that the Gold Dust Twins are getting ready to give the city and county another dose of Others say politics. that the twins have loBt so much pres tige lately that they have been com pel led to readopt the old tried and true policies as were reflected in Mr. Francis editorials. Then there is a third element that holds that Mr. Francis has never in reality severed his connection with the Standard, despite the high-power- ed to the effect that Jublished reports Mining and the State the amendments are explained, but does not suggest or recommend either adoption or rejection; but.it does explain how, in its estimation, the results of adopting certain amendments which it evidently opposes, may be dodged by those who are now exempt from taxation. As an example, in the last number of the Utah Taxpayer, the official organ of the association, a number of questions are asked and answered: Q. What property comes under the name of intangibles? Mortgages, credits, bonds, stocks, securities, notes, bank deposits, moneys. Q. How much intangible wealth does Utah have? A. That is wholly a matter of speculation and usually varies from year to year. Q. What is the estimate of the revenue that will come from the tax on intangibles? A. No reliable estimate can be had, because there is no definite knowledge as to how much intangible wealth is held in the state or how much of the intangibles will be declared and put on the tax rolls. Q. How is the assessor gding to locate the intangibles for taxation purposes? A. That will depend upon the willingness of the holder of intangible property to declare it and upon the ability of assessor to locate it Q. Can the assessor procure the names of the owners of securities in Utah corporations and institutions? "A. No doubt the legislature will provide that the books of these institutions shall be subject to inspection in which case the assessor can determine the names of stock holders and the owners of Utah securities. home-ownin- g, one-thi- over-regulat- rd over-taxe- ed self-relian- ce Taxpayer Amendment so-call- intangible property is now escaping? It is evident that much of the wealth of Utah which is declared intangible is more tangible that tha; which is declared tangible. This is evidenced by the fact that money, notes and solvent credits, which are declared intangible, are worth 100 cents on the dollar plus. Real estate, corporate property, public utilities, mines, personal property and other forms of wealth is of unknown value and fluctuate in price at all times and is declared tangible. In the last analysis the voters of Utah should consider whether they will vote in the interest of the taxpayer or the tax dodger. UA. It is interesting to consider the effect of the mining industry on other industries in our western states. In one state the mining payroll i d of the states total. The supplies purchased by the industry for company use average $50,000 a day. The industry is the largest home market for all other products and services within the state and does not compete with any of them. The employes of the industry spend, annually, $15,575,000 for food, $0,400,-00- 0 for rent and homes and $4,750,-00- 0 for clothing. A large part of them are solid, taxpaying citizens of the state. In addition the inwho Q. Can it be discovered dustry affords seasonal employment among the Utah citizens own securto a great many. At times ities in corporations outside of Utah? of the employes are from the state's "A. That wUl be difficult farming communities. Q. If Utah securities are taxed The progress of the mining industry land Mcuritiek outside of the state are and the progress of such a state are not taxed, what effect will that have Inseparable. It might be said that its upon Utah Industries? whole future is dependent on the inA. That will depend upon the man dustry, as the principal purchaser, tax- who has money to invest. He must payer and employer. There Is an ob- decide whether or not he will invest vious moral in this for those who have in securities that are taxed or securunthinkingly advocated that mining be ities that are not taxed. If he de d and for the cides against accepting taxed benefit of other industries. ities, that may discourage the purchase of Utah intangibles, such as bonds, stocks and mortgages on Utah Discontent property. Money goes where Why be discontented? It is the it can get the bestalways returns consistent want of and the lack of with safety. will power. Q. Must all money in banks be Have confidence in your ability. taxed under the new plan? You are only as capable as you think A. Yea. The money must be you are. taxed either as property or the inThe drifter believes in luck and cir- come therefrom. cumstances. Who will pay the tax on bank Q. The man who progresses knows the the depositor or the banker? deposits, law of cause and effect. A. Ask your banker. No matter what you do, good or Q. If a depositor should remove bad, there will be a direct result his money from the bank before the sow If you wheat you may expect to harvest wheat If you sow chaff, assessor comes around, will that relieve the taxpayer of the tax? you will harvest nothing. A. The money then cannot be Each of us aspires to be a leader, but many of us fail because we doubt taxed as a deposit and the money canour own ability, or because we havent not be taxed unless the taxpayer deenough will power to proceed in spite clares it ora the assessor discovers it. Q. If large corporation has a of obstacles. Have faith in yourself if you would large amount of money on deposit subject to check to meet its payrolls, expect others to have faith in you. Decide upon your objective and then would it be bound to pay a tax on that money that is on deposit at the proceed directly toward it Confidence and determination to time of assessment? A. Yes, if the fact is known to answer the highest calling in life the assessor and if the corporation deknow neither discontent nor failure. clares it Resolve to succeed and you will. Q. If a corporation should take out all its deposits just before assessAnswers ment time, would it be subject to taxation? Questions A. The same answer as The campaign for and against the in the case of the individual applies depositor, adoption of the proposed constitu- as above given. tional amendments is now on throughQ. Do many now reout the state. Those for the amend- move their funds corporations from the banks bements are organizing clubs in each fore assessment date? A. Yes, on a rather large scale, county in the state and are advocating the adoption of all the amend- because even under the present law ments. they may be taxed. The Utah Taxpayers' association is From the above it will be seen that also conducting what it is pleased to the explanations are made in a mancall a campaign of education in which ner to discourage the adoption of the one-thir- the Banking and Fire Insurance body iz an in- and shippers have paid cara of all it is advocated that this in ho, tegral safety factor Exten- abandoned in favor classes. W all and makes price sive tests have proven that this type ory. Apparently the railroad? of body can withstand shocks and a political football. strains that would shatter wooden bodies. And in these days of highHE TOOK NO C1IAXCE, fin speed cars and highway congestion, He brushed his teeth wise motorists insist on the safest and verti4d best construction in their automobiles. Once the instrument of war now the protector of lives and property. mobile. The power issue has been magni- fied out of all proportion to its importance. All the electricity used by the average family per month costs much less than milk, bread, eggs or butter. The national tax bill is much larger than the national power bill. The nations candy bill is larger than the power bill and thousands of American families spend more to go to a movthan ing picture show one evening whole they spend for electricity in a month. If the taxing system of the various states and the Federal government could be as closely regulated as the electric rates of the nation, it is not improbable that a greater saving of public funds could be made annually than the entire power bill now paid in this country. Gasoline Tolls nt nt nt tax. person who drives only 6,000 a year must pay $10 to $30 in gasoline tolls in addition to licenses and other levies on his ear. The fact that gasoline taxes are expected to reach $550,000,000 this year and represent 20 to 80 per cent of the retail price of gasoline, presents a six-ce- nt A miles . problem for consideration. The public does not oppose a reasonable gas tax even though it is revenue is One of the most important contribu- class taxation, when all the But unless road used for purposes. tions to the banking structure of the exorbitant United States is made by the stock American motorists resist tax of the or taxes special diverting fire insurance companies. we state purposes, for funds general of com 1928, these At the close not far a time to forward look panics held bank stocks valued at may tax of ten cents a when a $219,088,985, a sum which is of ma distant will be gas proposed. terial value in financing other indus- gallon That, briefly, is the history of steel. $180,-000,00- 0, . Leading tred stands as the basis for industry am industrial credit Something to Think About There is no doubt in the minds of a great many people that a deliberate attempt is being made to make electric power and more drastic public utility regulation a political issue in coming state and national elections. It may well be that a revision of regulatory measures affecting public utilities is necessary to meet changed conditions or that changes in methods of valuing such properties for ratemaking conditions or that changes in methods of valuing such properties g for purposes may be advisable. But to make power a political issue is an endeavor to find a popular subject around which to build political capital. Commenting on the situation, Frank Kent, in the Baltimore Sun, says: Power regulation is a vital question, and will grow in importance as an issue with the year. But at this time it is foolish to think people are deeply stirred about it or will be in 1932. For example, nobody now groans about high rates for electric- rate-makin- i Probably, at some time or other, every American citizen complains about taxes. But not one citizen in a thousand ever gets beyond the talking stage. If the stockholders of a business were as lax about its management as citizens are about the management of government, the business would probably go into bankruptcy. Government, on the other hand, having absolute power, merely digs deeper into the book. public The best possible advice on the tax situation is: Quit talking and act. . -- Among the Oldest Of all the public utilities, with the exception of water, gas is the oldest. Its lift dates back to the time of the pony express, the sailing vessel, hand lJ,hk USE J. Don t Let Stop Talking looms, fit 2L tlljr ,eICtor'nl1dbihll He wore his rubbers He slept with the wilidol? Political He stuck to a diet withli18, A a fresh vegetables. Goat He relinquished his Mill utf in several wnj Effort is being made to establish a He played golf but new method of fixing railroad rates. r A bill authorizing this has been intro- than 18 holes at a time. He got at least eight hour. .1 duced by a senator well known for his advocacy of government ownership of utilities. He did his daily dozen Under the transportation act, the interstate commerce commission is instructed to establish a railroad rate structure that will enable the lines, The funeral will be held next fw when efficienly managed, to earn a day. He is survived their value of propon return the fair cialists, four health erty. If the new bill becomes law this gymnasiums and numerous method will be abandoned and the turers of health foods .nfiS8, commission will be authorized to esH. h forgotten .UwSff tablish a rate basis of its own. grade crossings. Exchange. It is difficult to see how a fair rate structure con be created without con"No one seems to be able to nnfe. sideration of the present value of Even under the stand me. railroad property. No wonder, your mother system now in force, the railroads, in mi 1 telephone manoperator and your ,tar economical of increasingly spite train announcer. agement, have been unable to earn the fair return established by law. If on arbitrary rate basis was establishS. Campbell Co, ed it would probably mean an end of railroad progress. , REALTOR Since 1918, when the valuation of INSURANCE the railroads was authorized by the LOANS La Follette act, the commission and 2372 Washington Ave. the lines have expended 160 million Phones 262 and 2908 in evalon dollars effort to accurately uate railroad property; passengers tries. Loans and discounts represent of bank resources. Much of this is secured by physical property. Without the protection offered by fire insurance, it would be impos sible to make such loans. A large percentage of the banking power of the nation is represented in the total deposits of $53,244,698,000. In this, also, insurance companies play a leading part. At the end of 1928 the industrys cash deposits in bonks totaled more than $160,000,000, And finally, it is estimated the savings deposits of employes of the insurance companies aggregate all of which is functioning as part of Americas vast banking power. Thus it is found that fire insurance companies are directly responsible for $497,674,390 of banking resources, in addition to sums paid out in losses which are often deposited in banks until used for rebuilding. Fire insurance is an indispensable factor in the existence, as well as the progress, of almost all industries and actuall; all-ste- el drH.-..11.ettoito- One good way to think of gasoline taxes is to consider them as tolls. If a car runs 12 miles to the gallon of gas, its owner pays one cent every tax is in six miles when a two-ceeffect; one cent every four miles with a three --cent tax; one cent every three miles with a four-cetax; one cent five-cetax a miles with 2.4 every miles with two and one cent every a The the dollars you save cheat you Everyone wants all he can get out of the dollar spent for pleasure the best car for thfe money the best vacation for the lowest figure. What about your working dollar? Are you getting the best satisfaction and profit out of the money you save? (8 Compounded Semi-Annual- ly please. Every dollar maybe withdrawn whei you need it! etc. In spite of all the changes in thought, the increase in human knowledge and the many inventions whieh have aided mankind, gas still leads in its own field. Today, it promises more Save as you $130,000.00 Paid Up Capital! Federal Bnilding & Loan Association for the future than it has at any time in the past. 2374 Washington Avenue, Ogden, Utah. Steel In ancient and medieval times steel was the symbol of war and was em-loy- almost entjrely in the manu-actuof swords and kindred weap- ed re ons. Now steel has become an instru ment of public safety. Once railroad transportation was deemed dangerous due, largely, to the ghastly wrecks of wooden trains. This led to the adoption of safety coaches in 1905 by one progressive railroad. Now they are used in all major lines. The first steel ocean steamship was made in Scotland in 1858. The first use of steel as a defensive armor in naval warfare was the historic battle letween the Merrimac and the Moni tor during the Civil war, which proved a vital factor in preserving the Union. Following that, whole fleets of steel ships, for both commercial and naval purposes, were built. In recent years steel has been applied to the most modern of all forms of popular transportation the auto- - jMLwwIows all-ste- el Market for Sale aid to appetite and digestion 8 Who wants to buy a market? Everybody . . . everybody that has anything to sell! It is because buyers markets must be bought that money is spent for advertising. These markets are in the minds of the people. People do not buy anything unless they want it. They do not want it until they are convinced that the article will be of some value to them, and in order to create desire it is necessary to place the article before the people. That is the reason a firm employs salesmen and the newspaper advertisement is a SILENT SALESMAN I An offer like this cannot last forever but while it does It is your opportunity to buy nationally famous shoes at a very generous laving Don't May If your appetite lags in Jot 'weather, awaken it in this healthful and delightful way... drink glass of Becco with your mem Youll like Becco for itself . . fr its delicious, cooling refreshing qualities. And youll like it also for the aid it brings to good digestion. Keep a supply on hand home all the time. Buy Becco wherever good drinks are sola Made and Bottled by BECKER PRODUCTS CO. Ogden, Utah THE OGDEN POST Phone 365 ii bt-- li. NOURISHING AS BEER |