Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-10-29
How to Repeal Double Taxation.

Nobody doubts that the double taxa
ton of mortgaged real estate is wrong
radically wrong, and that it bears hcav'
lily upon class that, at present, is in
poor condition to carry more than it,
ordinary burdens-the farming class
But while there is general agreement
here, at the next step a variety of opin-
ions begins One set wants to repeal
the law, regardless of consequences.
Another class fears the consequences
more than the present oppression and
would continue the evil on the ground
that we had better bear the ills we have
than fly to others that we know not Of.
And those who favor repeal are divid-
ed as to the best measures to substi-
tute. Then, too, the persons who sut-
fer most by the present system are less
likely to secure seats in the legislative
bodies than those who profit most by
it, and the latter class cannot be OK
pected TO actively urge IFS repeal. 1t
is for these reasons that one of the
most unjust and discriminating bur-
dens in this free country has been con-
tinued. And il is not ut all certain
that the present effort, in agreement
with Gov. CIRCUITS suggestions, will be
successful,
The air OF the capital discourages
radical innovations of any sort. The
member leaves home bent on securing
changes that he deems for the public
good. As>he nears the capital he grows
diffident. At sight of the capitol build
ING his heart fails him. Once inside,
he sinks into his seat and is glad to
remain there in obscurity until the SEES
sion is over, leaving legislation pretty
much in the hands of a few men whose
has been such as to fit them
for these duties. And these are not
the men who have felt the pinch that
comes in paving taxes on what they
owe.
When the repeal of double taxation
is suggested, it is met by the question.
''What law do you propose in its
stead?" As soon rs plan is outlined,
it is pounced upon, tooth and nail, and
it, alleged defects held up to condemn
It. The intent il, ofcourse, to so thor
Dughly riddle any new scheme as TO
hide the iniquity of the old one and
his policy has been fairly successful
so far.
1t is useless to deny that certain Ter-
sons would suffer if double taxation
were repealed and a Just law, whereby
he mortgage and mortgagor would
'ach pay taxes according TO their in
crest in the property where the same
vas located, should be substituted.
These persons are those who have i'm
he past escaped a portion of their tax
: which has been borne by those less /
,ble to pay it, To right the wrong
would be to equalize taxation as it
hould be. The abuses that have grown
Up under the present system are of
ong standing. To correct them would |
make some persons vince. while il \
would bring joy to the hearts of many
under burdens greater than
hey can bear. TO understand this. let
he made clear just how the present
NV operates. y buys B's 81 900 farm.
aging $500 down and mortgaging for
j ,00o.-Before the purchase. A would
ave been taxed on 500 and b on
] 500; total taxable proI erty, $1,000.
fter the purchase A is taxed on the
Ill value of the farm. 81 800, and B on
nc $500 he got from A and the 81 .OCO
lortgage that he holds, 81 300: total
lXable property now, $1,000 The
lrm isn't worth any more than before
nd the $500 in money hasn't been in
4 L