The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-10-22
Double Taxation.

Mr. Editor.-I am glad to see DISPOSE
ton manifested on the part of the press of
Vermont to discuss the very important sub
iect of double taxation. a subject of vital
Importance, not only to the class so unjustly
treated, but to every class and every citizen
who feels in his business relations that en-
couragement which general prosperity i'm
parts, or the depression which general imam
cial disaster brings with it. The financial
prosperity of our state depends almost
wholly upon her agricultural resources
From this source also must come to large
extent the means for social development
Agricultural success in a state like Vermont
implies great deal. 1t carries with it not
only financial prosperity to every legitimate
trade and calling, but it brings higher civ
ilization in its train. 1t implies better
homes, better common schools, academies
and colleges Through these channels every
social interest is affected. The vital ques-
ton is, Shall the legislature of Vermont
foster and protect those interests upon
which her prosperity depends? Shall they
be relieved of unjust and oppressive bur
dens, or shall these be continued and multi
piled? The impediments to agricultural
prosperity are indeed dscouraging. They
are found in ruinOus western competition,
in the fact that the western farmer is prac-
tically nearer our eastern markets than the
farmers of Vermont: in the increased preva-
lence of drouth; in the injury to our mar
kets wrought by the avarice and greed OF
CltlZenS OF OtneT states, III lHt ulSlOucsl
adulteration of agricultural products, as
well as in unjust taxation Some of these
drawbacks to agricultural prosperity are
unavoidable. The latter, which by no
means is the least of these evils, may be
remedied, and it will be the fault of the
legislature now in session if the unjust bur-
den which double taxation now imposes,
not only upon our agriculture, but upon
every productive industry of Vermont, in
proportion to the amount of real estate
necessarily employed in its prosecution
Two bills relating TO this matter have al
ready been introduced into the house. They
are house bills Nos. 81 and 80. While the
passage of the former would be a step in
the right direction, it is not sufficiently well
guarded to ensure its proper execution.
The latter though not complete in all its
details is so well guarded that there can be
no escape from the just taxation of real
estate because of any defect in its provis-
ions. While it relieves the one party from
the payment of taxes on real estate winch
he practically does not own, ii firmly holds
the mortgageor to the payment OF taxes IN
proportion to his interest in the real estate,
while it relieves him from taxation on the
amount remaining unpaid on the notes de-
scribed in his mortgage. 1t adds nothing
directly to the burdens OF the MORTGAGE,
while it is just relief to the mortgageor.
One objection raised by the opponents of
the bill is doubtless valid one, that practi-
cally the morgagee will in some cases COM
pei the mortgageor to pay the taxes, not
only on his own interest i'll the estate but
for both parties, and thus escape taxation ia
the amount unpaid on his mortgage notes.
This defect may be easily remedied by the
addition of section making such compul-
sion usurious transaction, and, on convic-
ton, compelling the restitution of double
the amount thus fraudulently obtained
But do not propose at this time to fully
discuss the merits of any bill, or PROPOSE
ton, looking TO reformation in this matter
The object of this communication will be
attained if il will be instrumental in attract
ing public attention to this very important
subject. One may very properly ask in this
connection whether the sons of Vernon
shall be driven from us to other states
where they will not be taxed on propert,
which they practically do not own? Shal
the leading productive industries of Yer
mont be crushed by Vermonters? Shall thu
best interests of our state be disregarded b,
our Legislators? Will the owners of rea
estate permit the continuance of an unjus
and ruinous discrimination against that in
terest whereby its value is deprecated
And finally, can the capitalist even affor,
10 aid in the ruin of those industries whic
should furnish him with his safest invest
mentgp 49,