Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-03-10
STATE OF MAINE, !
EXECUTIVE CHAMBsE, :
AUGUsrA, Msrch S, 1892 J

Hon. b. Walker AekeeH, Secretary &c.
Ny Dear Sir Il thank you very sincerely
for your kind invitation to attend the meet
ing of the Taxpayers Protective Union
tomorrow and very much regret that pref
sure of official business will prevent its
acceptance.
As | have twice urged, at some length,
upon the Legislature of Maine the impor-
tsnce Of such = re-sdjustment Ct the
public burdens as would, in so far
ss possible, relieve citizens from
he present inequalities of our tsx system,
Feel that need at this time only to reit-
crate what said on these occasions. In
every way 10 my power 1 have sought to
advance the reforms l have thus publicly
sdvo ,sted. The people OF Maine have had
.mpls opportunity to know exactly where
stand upon this matter.
| believe that . very large amount OF
property in our State is now escaping its
Just share Of the public burdens. The
tendency of our present system
has been to make these burdens fall
with grestest weight where in
all is.ice they should rest the lightest. In
my inaugural address Of 1899. after calling
attention to the marked discrepancy BIZ
tween the State valuation and the one
accorded US by the national census, | said
Our own State valuation finds too large 8
proportion Of our property in the faim ms OF
| the State and mskes The farmers pay AT
undue snare of the general taxes. On the
other hand, the va alton Of the United
| States census takes cogu zince of the les.
tangible but more profitable investments
which escape their fsir share OF
the common burdens. If there should
| be q closer inquiry into other form.
of property than the real estate. tsxslio on
could be more eqaitAbly distributed and
more txtct justice could be- done tC
all citizens alike, which is indeed the high
| est duty Of stale government
| In 1891 | sgain called the attention OF
the L. gislature to tire altogether too erea
| ti.cre psncy between the portions Of til,
| rub ic burdens borne by real and persona
| property, and urged q careful consic .stior
| Of the whole question for the purpas;
\ of sdj Istifg z exis ing inequslisies. N.
one regretted more deeply than NY
/ .slt that an a. Iutnment Was had without
( ie fiuie action up IN this important mstter
| certainly believe tina, jastica and fair
/ ness demand some radical changes 10 oul
4 presen, tax 81 stem and | shall do every,
/ hing in my power to ASST in trirgir {
1 them about 1t the earliest possible moment
Sincerely you're,
EDWIN c. BURLEIGu
PORTLAND. Ne March ), 1899.
( B. wALKER NokEEy ESQ Secretary TAI
Payers Protective Union, Augusta
Me.
| M Dear Sir--I sm in rsceipi of YOU
favor inviting me 10 De PRESENT at mas.
netting cf the Tax Payers Protective
Union to he be d at Wsterviile on the 81
inst, 81 d regret that an unaele to &C
cept the same.
! The question coming before your meetips
for distu,.ion. THE Equalization Of Tax
tion. is of great Importance to the people
The fu.ure prosperity Of the State and ,h'
welfare Of tie. cit zsrs require an eq1a
ai.,rlbu,ion OF the public burdens. Al
classes Of taxable property should be msd'
TO bear, not only in theory but In fscs, &C
cordips to fair Interpretation Of the pro
visions Of the constitution Of the STATE, ,sucl
ltQlal proportion; snd the laws shouli b.
30 famed as to secure uniformity and COZ
rect existing inequalities.
Very uuiy VOWS.
BsSRr B. CLEAvKs.
WINTHROP. March s, 1892.
Hos HALL c. BuRLEIsH. Vsssalboro, Me
My Dear Sr-I profoundly regret that