County officers' term amendment. | ment, abolishing that body. 350 These recommendations are the same as have appeared in more amplified form in The Register in previous issues. VII. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TAXPAYERS' LEAGUE November 3, 1914 The Taxpayers' League was organized many years ago. It has always taken an active interest in public affairs. Since the adoption of the initiative and referendum it has at each election made recommendations to the voters on the measures proposed. As an earnest and consistent friend of the initiative and referendum The League protests against their indiscriminate use as a means of advancing some individual's peculiar views, or some special interest, or as a weapon to "get even" with some official who may perchance disagree with some one in the conduct of the affairs of his office. The initiative and referendum "were intended and can only be used as a safeguard by the public against misrepresentation by the legislature and not as an original source of general legislation." Twenty-nine measures appear on the ballot. Of these fifteen are constitutional amendments and fourteen are bills for proposed laws. The character and purpose of some of the measures merit most careful consideration. The League would feel it were derelict in its duty if it did not emphasize the fact that this is not the time for revolutionary or experimental legislation. Worldwide as well as local conditions should warn us to be on our guard. The constant submission of half-baked, illy considered and often radical measures is unquestionably beginning to create distrust abroad with the result, whether they pass or not, that every one is a sufferer from it. The laborer, the mechanic, the merchant, the banker and the property holder alike are interested. In the interest of this state there is but one attitude for the citizen to take and that is to be sure he is right and that he understands a measure before he votes. At a 1913 city election every measure proposed was defeated. Such a result is far better than to inadvertently pass some law that will cause the people of this state untold loss before it can be repealed. Measures of far reaching consequence are on the ballot. The single and graduated tax, although defeated by a vote of more than two to one two years ago, appear in a different guise but for the same purpose and backed by the same interests. Eight hour laws that would make even the conduct of a farm or the household impossible are submitted; a bill levying a confiscatory tax on estates of not less than ten per cent and as much more as may be provided by law, and to create a department of industry and public works to furnish work for the unemployed is also proposed. Statewide prohibition is to be voted on. Abolishment of the senate and proportional representation are also proposed. These are but a few of the important measures upon which the people are called to take action. Under existing conditions we submit to the wage earner, the home owner and the capitalist alike that due consideration should be given before embarking upon experimental legislation and revolutionary changes. WE URGE THE VOTER WHEN IN DOUBT TO VOTE "NO." The League has studied the different measures proposed and submits the following advice and suggestions to voters for their consideration. 1. VOTE ON EVERY MEASURE. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 302 TAXPAYERS' LEAGUE, ernor in case the latter dies or is disqualified. Would prevent log-rolling for presidency of the senate, and would provide a substitute for the governor on board of control. The secretary of state in case he succeeds, as at present, has two votes, an absolute control. Voters are advised to vote "Yes." CONSOLIDATION OF CITY AND 304 YES. Gives the legislature, or the people by the initiative, power to consolidate To act as president of the senate city and county government where a and to receive $10 a day during leg-city has over 100,000 inhabitants. This islative session. To succeed the gov- would eliminate a large amount of duplication and needless expense and | tional and equitable tax reform in this simplify government very materially. state. This and the foregoing amendVoters are advised to vote “Yes." ment are both sound and progressive and should not be confused with any INCREASE OF STATE DEBT LIMIT other tax measure or measures. construction of irrigation, power proj- Levying of a mill on all taxects and agricultural development. Ap-able property in the state for the conpropriates no money but authorizes it struction and support of a normal to be done if deemed advisable. It school at Ashland. This presents a would authorize the state to issue bonds clear issue of whether the voters want up to $38,000,000. This is excessive. more normal schools or not. Voters are advised to vote "No." No recommendation. forty-day limit. This increases it to $5 | tions for judicial offices, and provides a day for sixty days. It is not apparent that a small increase in pay would secure higher-class men, or that lengthening the session without providing for a divided session, would be beneficial. The League believes legislative reform should go deeper and be more radical. Voters are advised to vote "No." for nominations by petition of 1 per cent of the legal voters in the district. Would prevent political designation on the ballot. Would make possible a choice of judges on the basis of fitness, rather than party affiliations and party services. The legislature or the people can provide for preferential voting, if they desire. A non-partisan UNIVERSAL EIGHT-HOUR LAW election should do much to keep the 330 YES. 321 NO. judiciary out of politics. 326 327 Voters are advised to vote "Yes." $1500 TAX EXEMPTION YES. NO. This measure provides that no one shall work more than eight hours per day in any employment whatsoever. It would disorganize and make impossible much of the business and work carried on in the state. Domestic help and farm labor would be particu-ings, and improvements on land, livelarly hard hit under it. Voters are advised to vote "No." Exempting from taxation all personal property, dwelling houses, build stock, etc., up to $1500, belonging to any one person, the land itself to be taxed. This is one of Mr. U'Ren's EIGHT-HOUR LAW FOR WOMEN measures, and is partial single tax. 322 YES. 323 NO. Single tax has been repudiated very decisively in this state. It is not working satisfactorily anywhere else, and this [is] a poor time for Oregon to experiment with it. Voters are advised to vote “No.” This prescribes an eight-hour day in most of the occupations in which women are employed. The State Industrial Welfare Commission is now in charge of the work, with ample authority to enforce any provisions of PUBLIC the sort it finds advisable. This law is superfluous, would needlessly com- 328 plicate and confuse the situation, and 329 would work a positive hardship on many women at present employed. It is inflexible, and exceptions could not be made, as is now possible under the supervision of the Welfare Commission. Voters are advised to vote "No." YES. An amendment prohibiting the sale of beds of navigable waters, and subjecting the same to public use. Providing for leasing to private parties for constructing wharves, docks, etc. Would revoke valuable wharfage rights, claimed by riparian owners, on which taxes have long been paid, and in which the state has acquiesced. Adoption of the amendment would be followed by This bill prohibits party nomina- long litigation and uncertainty as to NON-PARTISAN JUDICIARY 324 YES. 325 NO. |