The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-09-26

In order that railroads in the process of
construction, or projects looking to the
construction of new lines, might not be
discouraged, and that such roads might not
seem to he Disseminated against, and might
have the came favors extended TO them as
had been extended TO the old roads, 1t was
further provided that the real estate of all
railroads should be wholly exempt from
taxation for period of ten years from the
time "when regular trains for public traffic
"and accommodation shall have COM
" menced running over the entire length OF
"sald road within this state"
The law, as whole, was perfectly fair
and Just to the railroads. Every argument
is in favor of the taxation of railroad pro-
perry. Not a single valid argument can be
aduced against the principle of railroad
taxation. They receive the protection Of
the state, and should contribute their share
toward its burthens. This is the whole
principle of taxation, and it applies as
well to railroads as to other corporations
or to individuals. The general assembly,
in applying the principle, Disseminated
against the people and in favor of the rail-
roads. Nhile individuals are supposed to
be taxed on the full value of their property,
railroads were to be taxed only upon val
uation of the greater part of their real
estate which must necessarily be for below
its real value; while they were entirely ex-
empt from taxation for the period of ten
years, or double the period for which new
manufacturing establishments were ex-
empted.
Notwithstanding these determinations,
the people were disposed to accept of the
law, ard give it, at least, a fair trial before
asking TO have these corporations placed on
al equality with themselves. But, if cur
rent iumor is to tie received, these railroad
companies seem ready to give US Il practi-
cal illustration of The old adage, which dc.
cares if YOU give an ell they will take an
inch. The taxes which accrue, or are sup.
posed to accrue, from the assessment OF
railroad property benefit, of course, only
| those toans in which such property is stu
| atcd; and il Is reported that the severa
railroad companies IN the state, TAI ing ad
| vantage of this fact, have combined. anC
are endeuvOring to further combine will
the towns not benefited, for the purpose
| If procuring the repeal OF tie law-tbt
practical Effect of which would be, The ex
emption Of all railroad property from tax
alton.
We can hardly believe that the severa
railroad corporations in the state can bC
5hortshghtei enough to pursue 80 suicida
course There is no reason why they
| should not bear their full share Of the pub
| lie burthcns Tho argument used by
them, that they are embarrassed with in
| debtedness, is wholly without force as j
would he equally applicable to all, OF near
| ly all, other sources Of taxation in the
state-and, if given force, would, to ,
greater or less extent, do away with taxa
ton. II may be true that they are embar
| rassed, are losing money; but so are othe
| tax-paycrs-an1 one should not be exempt
ed unless all are. 1t is only necessary t.
| get the facts before the people, as We be
| lieve, to deiea. this scheme of railroad man
ayers. The people will insist that thu
| present system have fair trial, and if an.
| change is made, it be n change in the inter
est OF the people, not Of railroad corpora
| lions.