The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-11-24
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER "A, 1894.
Free Books.

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Free Books.
In another column in this issue appears
from Mr.. Charles c. Gorsuch,
of Westminster, in reference to local item
in our last issue, in which it was said that if
Mr.. Grimes, at the meeting of School Com
missioners and Examiners, accurately repre-
scented public sentiment in Carroll he would
oppose an increase IN the state tar and free
books also.
Mr.. Gorsuch challenges the ADVOCATES
knowledge of public sentiment, and makes the
ADVOCATE say that it hopes Mr.. Grimes will
oppose an increase of state tax and free books.
The ADVOCATE expressed no such hope, but
only stated fact Mr.. Gorsuchs knowledge
of public sentiment may be more extended
than the ADVOCATE 5, but it is not likely, in
this instance, at least The people of Carroll,
If we are not mistaken, are largely opposedto
an increase Of taxation. They have been al
most unanimous in favor of a reassessment,
in the hope that revaluation would include
much of the wealth that is now untaxed and
that taxation icould be decreased
What other reason prompted desire for a
reassessment, but to have taxes lowered Z?
What other reason could exist?
If any one supposes that any considerable
portion of taxpayers in Carroll desire an liz
crease of taxation for any purpose, he has lit
tie knowledge of the sentiment prevailing
among them.
Now as to free books. What does free books
involve? An increase in public expenditures
of not less than $3.50, 900 annually and an in
crease in the statcfaz. Carroll is an agrieultu-
raj community, and wheat is the main crop.
VIII anybody say that the farmers of Carroll are
willing. in view of the low price of this COM
modify. to have taxation increased2 If there
is any one who will so declare, he will find
upon fuller investigation that he had very
imperfect knowledge of public sentiment.
There is much misconception of the relation
ofthe state to public education. Why does the
state foster education? As duty? Oh, no.
II is only matter Of policy. Upon the intelli-
gence of the people depends good government.
Government is good or badas the people are in
telligent or ignorant. 1t is good policy, then,
TO furnish schools at the public expense. 1t
is a matter of preservation to society. 1t will
be good policy to furnish free books to all
when the conditions are favorable. But that
time is not certainly now. Maryland has
public debt, and q cents of the state taxation
20 TO paying the interest upon it and providing
a redemption fund. The other 10 cents go to
public schools The finances Of the state are
in good condition, and when the debt is paid
free books car be supplied without increased
taxation.
A large majority of the people favor free
school books to all, but that majority would
not now favor an increase of taxation in order
to have them.
The people want more school houses and
some new ones in place of those now used, but
the desire does not go to the extent of being
willing TO pay increased taxation.
We are speaking ofpeople generally. There
are two classes that care but little about tax
rates-the very poor, that have nothing to be
taxed, and the well-to-do, t,ro-thirds of ichose
property is an untared securities. And there
is here and there man whose all is taxed,
but is still willing to stand little more if he
can have what he wants in the way of free
books, now school houses or better public
roads. The great mass of the people, how
ever. at this time, do not want any additional
tax burdens, even for the great benefit free
books will confer.
As Mr.. Cleveland once said, ''it-is a condi-
ton, not theory that confronts us. Upon
the free book question the ADVOCATE is not
'.eontraeted," as our swift critic AYERS. The
rather, the critic has penned his eommunica-
ton hastily, overlooked the condition, con-
sidered only theory and mistook his own
views for public sentiment. And it is proba-
BILE he does not know that books are now free
TO all unable to pay book fees.
The public schools of Maryland will have
free books for all in time. 1t is possible the
Legislature of 1896 may provide for them, and
no doubt will, if it can be done acithOM in
creased taxation Tax collections are behind
now in every county in the state. The collec-
tors have been lenient with the people to such
an extent that state and county officials have
been hard pressed to meet necessary expenses.
In one county a number of collectors have
been indicted for not doing their dutyin max
ing the people pay up. Increase the tar rate
and there lciU be INCREASED TAX SALES OR AN
INCREASE OF INDICTMENTS AGAINST COLLECTORS.
Who are the people that are slow in paying
tax bills Not the rich or the well-to-do.
They usually pay up promptly and sdce the
fire per cent. on state tares and t'oo per cent.
on county. No, the slow payers are usual
ly the farmers, rho are tared NpOn ere,y dol
lar they are north.
IfMr. Gorsuch would learn public sentiment
on the matter of taxation, let him go to the
County Commissioners. They are called upon
for all sorts of expenditures. and when they
interrogate those asking for expenditure of
public money if they are willing to have an
increase of taxation they are invariably an
swered No
The public schools are now open three terms
in Carroll. If the County Commissioners
should levy five cents additional taxation to
keep them open for four terms, they would be
voted out of Office at the very next election.
Books are nor free to all unable to pay for
them, and every man ought to be willing to
contribute little, if he can, 10 the public ex-
pense, under present conditions.
Gov Brown did not veto the Smith free
book bill because he is opposed to free books,
Ja because the money could not be supplied
,rithom increased taratioa. The states credit
had to be protected, and the treasury was not
in condition at that time to warrant the ex-
penditure.
Another Bond Issue.