Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-08-09

Much has been said of the last Leg
islature in the way of crticizing. 1t
may be in order and it may not. 1t is
the matter of the State tax where the
criticisms come in. The State tax
varies from IA to 3-4 mills on Il
dollar. 1t varies and is used as a sort
of a means of popularity by some gov
errors in reducing it. But in what
manner do you feel the State tax?
Do YOU know that over 40 per cent Of
the towns of the State re-
ceivc more from the State than
they pay out in the State tax. If the
politicians can keep your attention
on the State tax they are satisfied.
Don't let the fog be before your eyes.
Economy is right in as much as the
wisest interest should allow. But
where the burden comes upon you is
in your municipal taxation.
I'VE send the men TO the Legislature.
The farmer can control this matter.
If the Changers would do their duty
they could name the man to send to
Augusta for almost any place. BY
staying away from the primary meet
ings. the caucus. you allow that little
corterie uf men that is found at the
head Of politics in every hamlet and
city. to appoint the man. In this case
you have no right to kick for YOU have
not done your duty.
Sometimes We make mistakes in APP
pointing our man. but in case we do
We can appoint that man to stay at
home the next time. Often We send
man who is pledged to support the
farmers to the Legislature and he for
gets it all. 1t reminds me Of the story
" the goat that ate the tag telling
where he was to so. The negro said
'Goliy. he ct UP the place he was Sotn'
to- In many cases our men eat up the
tag ana forget where they are going
or their duty. and when they arrive at
the Legislature they do not do as they
promised.
The manner in which the taxes are
to be assessed is one way of relief from
orr troubles. They are certain cN-
penscs which we must pay for good
government. Those expenses should
be paid in proportion to the property
on which they are assessed and no
man knows better how much property
| he possesses than the man himself,
and he should be made to take oath
| how much he possesses.
DO YOU remember the listing bill?
| How we had a commission appointed
| to Investigate the tax question and
| every man Of the commission was
against the listing bill when he was
! appointed. but as soon as he had learn
| ed the true state of affairs he favored
| it? We begun the fight in 81, and. in
| 90. it was continued. Governor Pow
ers. then in the House. made a Vigor
Gus speech for it and it passed the
House. We thought we had it in the
| Senate but We're defeated by one vote
and he man who was virtually pledg-
ed to support the farmers and went
over to the other side.
Again in 80 we renewed the fight
but the farmers had become weary.
That has been a great fault with them
in the past. We expect, though, that
after the principles of the Grange have
been worked into the farmer that he
will forget this tired feeling and stick
better. The tide GIBBS and flows in
every sort Of an affair and we hope
the farmers will come again. Don't
neglect your duty and then complain.
Things will be done if you do them.
1T has been 200 years. almost. since
the time of Christ and we are not all
converted yet. 1t has been but % years
since the birth of our order so don't get
discouraged. The farmers are begin
ming to realize that they must get to-
Sether and work.
Il wish to speak of the school tax
bill Everyone is Interested in educa-
ton for the children. and who does not
believe that every dollar should bear
an equal burden in paying for the edu-
cation? There is much money invested
in the wild lands that pays nothing to-
ward this fund and we introduced a
bill 10 have a tax upon it for the school
fund Governor Powers and Congress
man Burleigh. two of the greatest wild
land owners in the State. said it was
right and they worked for it, though it
would have enlarged their taxes Well
in the half hearted support that was
given by the farmers there was moth
ing came Of the bill. Men Of wealth
have fought for us. but we did not do
our part.
II know some of this | am saying
doesn't taste good. but like the bitter
medicine if you get some of it into you
it will do you good. We need men to
be put to the front who will stay with
us We have been betrayed, but we
are learning ard ] hope will profit by
our past experiences.
The farmers movement. What IS
it? If il We're q cOnundrum | would
say / would give it up. If something
that is to wake farmers up TO their
duties it is to be welcomed. If it is
movement to stampede the farmers
that a few politicians may rush into
Office. it must be avoided. DO not be
lieve the farmers of today VIII allow
the wool to be pulled over their eyes
Perhaps it might have been done 80
wears aga. but the Grange will not al