Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-06-17

TAKING MORTGAGES.
GAIrnEasBURa, June nh, Il

GAITHERsBURa, June 7th, 1881.
Mr. Editor Much has been said on the
subject of taxing mortgages through the
columns Of the different papers of our county
and there seems TO be wide spread differ
ence Of opinions among some our best cti-
zens as to the propriety Of such law. II
Is strange, yet true, when you touch mans
pocket you touch his very heart strings and
he will attempt TO defend his position,
though 1t be like drowning man catching
at straw. The fabulous arguments used
IN opposition TO the taxation OF mortgages
will doubtless have some bearing upon the
minds Of some men, but II there was a
wrong pefpetratod upon any people for ten
years, II has been the exemption of mort.
cages from taxation, for that or longer
period. am surprised at men whose supe-
rior Judgment and discretion have enabled
them TO accumulate handsome sum of
money, will allow their minds TO become 50
biased rs to say II is wrong 10 make every
man pay his just proportion Of taxes to
support the very government which pro-
tects his property, his family and the courts
to which he appeals for justice.
He also seeks protection under the consti-
tuition of his State, and is always willing to
seek the law Of his land 10 assist him In
collecting his petty bills from his poor
neighbor, yet the same constitution In the
Bill OF Rights specifically declares every
man shall pay or ought TO contribute his
proportion Of public taxes for the support
OF the government according 10 his actual
worth In real or personal property here
the constitution does not suit the mortgage,
but, If the law was in true sympathy with
the constitution u could not exempt any.
thing from taxation II Is time that the ma
Jorlty Of taxpayers should take this matter
In hand and not be led away by the pen Of
some rich man who holds hat full of mort
cages and with the money he saves by his
mortgage being exempt from taxation, pays
some fellow to write an article, setting forth
some reasons why they should not be taxed,
II he can't write himself, but they are ali
without solid foundation and will not stand
an analysis, trying 10 tell the people IL will
drive the capital ont Of the State and IL will
be double taxation; IL will be harder on
The poor man, The Inortgagor will have 10
pay the taxes and all such stuff ~ that.
trust no poor man will listen 10 any such
groundIcss arguments. Such arguments be-
fore an intelligent people reminds me of
little boy making soap bubbles with pipe
and trying 10 make his comrades, who are
much older, believe he has hemisphere ON
the end OF his pipe. Such arguments will
not do 10 advance in this enlightened age,
though the mortgagee by his action and pre-
tended expression OF right would close our
public schools for az least one-half of the
scholastic year, and keep the rising genera
ton, In ignorance simply 10 keep his mort
cages from being taxed, and do not blame
him, for as long az he can keep ignorance
In our midst he may be able 10 free his mort
cages by his grouedless arguments.
have heard and seen great deal OF re-.
form, some even say they have done all that
mortal man could do 10 reduce the expenses
OF our county, and when an opportunity
was offered 70 tax two hundred million dol.
lars, which Is two-seyentbs Of the entire
taxable property OF the State, and thereby
reduce our taxes two'scyenths, the OppOr-
tuniiy was not taken advantage OF by some
Of those wonderful fefOrmers. do say that
no man should receive the support Of the
poor or rich taxpayers, aud especially the
poor, for seat In the next General Assem-.
bly, OF Maryland, who does not pledge him
self ~ vote for tie taxation Of mortgages,
and some Of the servants Of the people mi.
filled their promises, and II IL safer 10 trust
them IN the future than any one who had
an opportunity 10 carry out This wish aud
general sentiment Of our people, but who in
the hour Of trial failed 10 record his vote in
favor Of this great reform measure You
may speak ~ your small reforms which
amount 10 trifle, but acc where the sum Of
two hundred million dollars are taxed or
under consideration for taxation In our
State, II Is matter Of importance and one
OF great pecunlary interest 70 the masses Of
our people. One great reason the sincerity
Of our great reform Governor Is questioned, |
Is because he has never suggested or recon-
mended the taxation Of mortgages, and we
have every reason 10 believe he was opposed |
70 taxing them. His special pets, such as |
Mr.. Bannon and others could name, were
very ambitious 70 defeat the bill, the same |
reason Is applicable 10 him az IL 10 others. VI
am informed be and Mrs. II. holds In fboar
State Of Maryland three hundred thoDr Cues
dollars In mortgages and do not ~ ~
cont Of taxes on them, other reason Stat
give which would go 10 prove y,
cerity as 10 legitimate reforms. tMs IN mi
no attack upon any who has -
opinion ON this subject contrib, X
lon Of right and justice, al SlS.l
meet the objections az Al 'lnorc' No
In answer 10 the afgf
tal out Of the 81 ., o.,,,o Il
n no. there ~ THAT d, II. BOClC ID
United stateN Johns Asbestos Paint, Acr'
mortgages afi that gives 90 much salts
Government
per cent and
thing like par