Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-11-26
Agricultural,


The people seem to be fully convinced Of
the adversely and injustice Of some Of the
features Of our assessment laws; yet, so con-
nictiug are the views of different members,
that there is still some doubt whether we can
depend upon tue present Legislature to make
such provisions as will tend to relieve the
class that pay, according TO their means, a dis
proportonate share Of taxes One of the
bills introduced aims at the equalization of
taxes as between the different sections OF tho
State by apportioning the State tax accord
ing to the population Of the towns. 1t is diff
fcult to see how such law would equalize
taxation as between the different parts of the
State, for some towns have double or treble
the wealth of others having nearly the same
population. The real and substantial griev-
ance is not thatthe appraisalo of property in the
different counties or towns is unequal, the
existing law provides as good a remedy for
this, perhaps, as could be desired, but that
individuals are liable to pay, and do frequent
ly pay tax ON more property than they are
worth, while many Of the wealthier classes
pay taxes on only a small portion of their
property. 1t is a rule, not the exception, that
those having large amounts of personal prop
erty other than farm stock, do not pay taxes
on greater part of its value. We have re-
peatedly shown this from the statistics of val
uaton and appraisal of personal property.
1t is, no doubt impossible to form law that
will bring into the grand list all, or nearly
ALL the personal property of the State. But
it would be easy to relieve the class that un-
der the law as it now is are paying taxes on
more than they have. So, too, we believe
the existing law might be so amended as to
increase the proportion of personal property
assessed. This is a matter in which farmers
have greater interest than any other class.
1t is hoped that when the legislature reas-
sembles il will enact into law some of the
measures that have been proposed tending TO
the equalization of taxes, according to the
means of the tax payer.
The Montpelier Journal in an editorial on
this subject says The people are listening
snxiously and watching the proceedings of
this legislature with unusual interest to see
what will be done to remedy an evil that has
become uncomfortable from the burdens its in-
herent inequalities entail, as well as from the
consciousness the people feel that the present
system is unjust in practice and undemocrat-
ic in principle. Our legislators must not
shirk their duty in this matter. Personal in
terests and personal prejudices if any exist,
must and we doubt not will be subjected to
an honest determination to legislate for the
greatest good of the greatest number"
This is the one subject above all others in
which the people at large are the most in
tensely interested, and should be the last
which the legislature allows to suffer from
want of full, honest and careful consideration,
and clear and intelligent action. 1t would be
too much to expect that a perfect law can be
framed but certain evils in the old system
have become so glazing, and the remedy is
so plain that there cannot, nor will there be,
any valid excuse for neglecting to apply the
remedy.