The Struggle for Equitable Taxation in Early Washington

While a discussion of the merits and demerits of the several candidates for the State Constitutional Convention is going on, would it not be well to call the attention of the people to some of the most important subjects to come before that Convention? It is a well-known fact that many of our legislators are called upon to act upon measures of great importance to the people without having given them any thought. During our last Legislative Assembly, a clause was incorporated into the 'Revenue Act' creating a Territorial Board of Equalization. Being in the 'Third House' at the time, I was told that my chances were good for a seat on the Board. The more I looked into it, the darker the way appeared to me to accomplish the objects sought. I could not see how I could sit in Olympia and determine what was a just and equal valuation to set on lands in Yakima, Walla Walla, Pacific, Clallam and all other counties in the Territory. I learned from gentlemen in Oregon that a wealthy incorporated wagon road company had refused to pay their assessment as equalized by their Board; that in suit, the company had beat the State, and that the next Legislature following had repealed the law creating said Board. If a 'State Board of Equalization' is not necessary, it would be unjust to burden our people with its expenses.