The Portland daily press., 1879-02-26
THE MILL TAX.
Monday Evenings Debate in the Hou.e.

In the State HouJa of Representatives the
bill to divert the mill tax to the payment of
the public debt gave rise to a spirited debate.
Mr.. Brown said we must see where we are.
We came here under the promise of reform and
retrenchment. TIE people rtq 80 They
still require 1t. lie said after sca.lug do sala-
res of officers and compensation to employes,
we had not saved but S25, 900 or $50 .OCO. He
said there was party here who wanted the
expenses kept up to the highest pitch, for po-
litcal purposes Spoke further in bis usual
style Of mis-, statements Said the mill tax had
been of use, but now in hundreds of instances
it was abused. Towns have more money than
they can use. Teachers have twice as much
pay as they ought to have Hs went on to adj
vocate the scaling down of the mill tax one
fourth, and said be would present an amend
ment to that effect if the action of the Sen ate
was not concurred 10.
Mr. Chapman proceeded to advocate the pro-
posed amendment.
Mr.. Dckey opposed the scale down. He
reviewed some of the statements and figures,
and accused Brown of raising false issues ard
using the party lash to accomplish his ends.
raised SO, 600 more for schools than the law re-
quires, as Mr.. Dlckey had stated aud gave the
sm0uDt as S. 400.
Mr.. Farrington defended the financial man
agement of the State, stated that the State was
in excellent condition and was so considered 10
the markets of the country, and opposed the
reduction of school revenues one cent
Mr. Boynton did not purpose to be governed
by prejudice. Education had been hobby for
years with all parties. Argued that the expeu-
inn had hoo han fha
Claimed that the mill tax had not b. en- ex-
pended according to law. Said half the money
expended in 1858 had given SCHOOLS to a greater
number than the $1,200,000 in 1873. He de.
Tended the so-called rich towns and cities.
Mr. Gilman explained why it appeared that
100000 ware unex pended, stating it was on ac-
count OF the school year not having closed
when the returns were made.
Mr.. Hatch said he went for the mill tax in
its whole bigness.
Mr.. Ives said his observations in regard to
schools differed from that of some who have
sp1ken. He believed schools had not degener-
ated, to the contrary, had appreciated.
Mr.. Frank said hs impugued no mans mo-
ton, and hoped no man would give what he
was about to say any weight on account of lis
official position. He SAID it Was not a lifelong
heritage Our judges, Business men in cities
had come up from the barefoot boys of the
country and without the aid of mill tax. Asked
members to drop out of sight the matter of pay
let mercenary motives influence.
Mr.. Wallace said We ought to give our chill
dren something beside al education; ought to
give them opportunity to build no homes and
regulations, and not State crushed down by
taxation.
Mr. Hutchinson said we have had appeals
for sympathy from the gentlemen from Bangor
and Portland. Asked how much of the bur-
dens were occasiooed by appropriations for
schools. The call for the diversion comes from
nj ffQS Ihar
smallest per centsge for the support of schools,
and that are having the finest schools.
Mr.. Wilson thought some here tonight were
actusted by their d.feat on the Free High
School BE said two, thirds or three-fourths If
mill now was equivalent to one mill in 1872
when the law was enacted, and We should be
content with it now.
Mr.. Currau said it was simple question of
dollars and cents. The most direct way for
members to give relief to their towns was by
the reduction of the per capita tax.
Mr. Young explained the position Of the
Finance Com mittee Said it was the simpe
question of receipts and expenditures Said il
We take off one-fourth it would then be in
was 10 1872 Said he had strong doub s wheth-
er We we're authorized to raise q dollar even by
q t mporary loan.
Mr. Locke-Allusion had been made to Port
land, therefore he wished to say few words.
Portland people had been reducing their appro-
priauons for schools. Portland did not pay so
much per $1,000 for schools a. 10 some other
towns, bat they had an immense debt that
smaller towns do lot have. With three-fourLhs
of the mill tax you can have logger schools than
with the whole of it 10 1879, and justice and
right demanded the reduction.
Mr.. Joues of Lewiston, said when you are
comparing taxes between cities and towns,
compare them for all purposes aud not for any
special purpose. He favored the reduction.
The House CONQUERED in the 'indefnlte post
ponement of the bill, So yeas Al nays.