The Portland daily press., 1869-01-01

the part of smafftowns to swell their number
Of scholars tethe utmost limit, and the falling
off of SCHOLARSHIPS shown in the returns since
the taking off ott6efbana tax must be attribu-
table to causes like those IMPLICATED, rather than
to any diminution of the numbers OF scholars"
From this statement, the editor of the Press
and his correspondent Damon infer that sup
posed the basis of taxation had been changed.
No such thing. I submit that no such infer
ence can fairly be drawn from any remark in
my letter. believe that the large increase of
taxation had the effect in certain localities to
throw our school system into disfavor,-at any
rate, such was the argument made use of in OPP
position to the increase of the school tax 1t
was also argued that the Legislature might at
any time change the basis from inhabitants to
scholars.
But the editor of the Press says, "the con-
siderations governingItown officers in making
their returns would not be changed if the tax
were increased to $40 for each inhabitant."
The obligation of the town officers would not
be changed, admit; but it does not follow
from that the obligations would be performed
with equal fidelity.
l.
ton. and if by the laws of Maine all taxes were
assessed per capita, the effect would be to re-
duce the census, whether taken by the State
or the United States. In other words, the
dread of taxation operates with greater or less
force upon the conduct OF public officers.
Considerations" of this sort do influence town
officers, the opinion of the editor of the Press
to the contrary Notwithstanding.
The opinion has often been expressed to me
by gentlemen of great intelligence, that the in
crease of taxation imposed by the law of 1868
operated to diminish the number of scholars
returned to the State Treasurer. In this opin-
ion concur, but to what extent it affected the
returns it is impossible to say.
In justice to the Press, 1 ought not to over
look its magnanimity in speaking of my refer
ence to the Press, "as another of hisill natured
statements" because intimated that the read
ers of Press had not full knowledge of the cor
respondence with Mr.. johnson, as it had not
appeared in its pages. This statement he stig-
matizes as "ill-natured." He could not saw it
was untrue. The Press then says Mr.. Poor
"coolly proceeds to give the figures which
| through the courtesy of the Superintendent Of
| Common Schools we were enabled to Law before
our readers in advance OF any other journal in
| or out OF the State
I cannot see how the publication of the fig
ures furnished by Mr.. johnson to the Press
| could afford much information OF the character
| of my letter to him of later date,-at any
| rate intended no reflection upon the editor of
| the Press in ing what did.
In giving certain figures which Mr. johnson
communicated to me, which figures the Press
had already published, would not enable the
public to understand my reply, without re-
statement OF some of the figures given in my
| answer.
| III it was "ill-natured" in me, the editor Of
| the Press alone discovered it, and I think be
| will allow communications in his paper, writ
| ten in the haste and frankness of busy hand
without being over sensitive, or charging III
nature on those who may happen to differ from
| him. 3s
There were several errors of type in my let
ter to Mr.. Johnson, as published in the Boston
Journal, and should be most happy to furnish
the editor of the Press with corrected copy
and if the acIteness of the editor, or of his cor
respondent Dam IN, shall succeed in detecting
possible errors of fact or of Judgment, 1 should
be but too happy to acknowledge my obligation
Dec. 31st, 1868. JOHN A. Poor.