Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1890-07-31
Concerted Action Called for.

From the many carefully prepared
communications which have recently
appeared IN TIE columns Of the trrH.yr
Oh the subject Of taxation. 1t j. plainly
10 ue seen that the matter T. recei,tu.
wide consideration from the public.
and that the il justices and inequalities
# our present taxation are exciting
widespread dissatisfaction a. the emit
mites become apparent hy eNamiHa-
ton. The agitation of the subject was
started IN the State Grange last De
cember. where 1t was freely and fully
discussed, and Was finally left in the
hands OF AN efficient committee with
instructions 10 appear before the valu-
alton committee aud tax Investigation
commission with such recommendation.
and suggestions as to them III, ght APP
pear TO work the needed reform in the
taxation OF farm property. The Board
Of Agriculture, at its annual January
meeting, took up the subject again and
enlarged its scope by coupling with il
the matter of depression in farm values
and gave further impetus to the agita-
ton and discussion already under way
The Farmers Leagues. more receutly
organized, make the matters Of taxa
ton and the fostering and encourage
ment of agriculture their special work,
and are adding their organized efforts
to what has already been done
Thus far the work OF all organiza-
tions and of the public has been chiefly
that Of agitation, through the showing
up Of the injustice that farm property
is now subjected TO. This has been
pretty etfectually done, and SO plainly
that the need of reform seems to be
conceded by all. But it is one thing
to point out errors and very different
matter to show how they may be cor
rected. All this agitation will fail of
effect unless feasible plaus Of correct
ing the situation be devised. These
organizations have worked up the agi-
tation we'll 1t is now time that they
bring forward plans for a remedy.
They should now come before the pub
lie with statements Of what they want
done and specified plans of how they
will do it. These plans for remedies
should come from those who have
brought forward the grievances. Ii is
necessary, too, that there be concerted
action. \ movement of this kind needs
the support of all Interested. There
must then be an understanding be-
tween them of what is TO be done. To
bring this about it appears to Us there
should be Il convention of all the or
CARNATIONS having an interest 'and
taking a part in "A reform in taxation,
aud in the encouragement and the
fostering Of our agriculture. tor the
purpose Of laying out plans and agree
ing upon common course Of action.
Probably it would be quite as well for
the work in hand for this TO be a dele
gate convention made up OF selected
representatives from each organization
concerned, commissioned to act for the
whole. 1t need not be expected there
would be full agreement on all matters
of procedure, but an agreement should
be entered into as 10 what shall be
done so that all can work in harmony.
and thus give whatever of movement
is made towards improving present
conditions the full strength of all con-
cerued. Shall convention be held? 1t
is unite time to move.-Maine Farmer.