The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-11-13
TAXATION AND THE FARMERS.
what the Farmers WIN Probably De-
mand.
o.. a. elIbers IN nlaine Farner.l


That farmers, with other small holders
Of real estate, pay more than their pro-
portionats share OF taxes need not be re-
peated, Authorities admit this. Hence
a special interest is felt by this class of
property holders in the discussion now
going on over the prospective action of
the legislature soon to assemble, on this
seems, is already being made for the
farmers to take an active hand and
make their influence felt In such discus
sion and final action as the lawmakers at
the Capitol next winter may decide to
take. That the problem is far from
simple one is plainly seen from the dis
cussion that has from time to time ap-
peared IN the columns of this paper du--
ing the past year.
At this time we discuss this important
matter strictly from the farmers stand
point AS has been SO forcibly claimed
IN our Inside columns. we here repeat
that 1t is utterly useless for the farmers
to undertake to protect their interests
through any efforts they can bring to
bear upon the matter In legislative halls
without first definite plans, clearly laid
down, of the steps they would take 20
bring about this relief desired. All tax
alton as now provided Is under the au-
thority Of the laws OF the state. IL
present methods and results are modified
II must be brought about by changes in
our laws.
WHAT laws shall we change, and what
form shall these laws be givens These
are the first questionslto be settled. Here
| the purpose should be- clearly laid down,
the proposed action plainly expressed.
Tine claim is made that the timber
lands, ''wiId lands as they are famil-
iarly termed. do not pay just part OF
| the taxes. This Is true in part, but only
in part Tbs state lays u specific tax
/ on all property in the State. The wild
lands pay thfs,as other property does.
But these lands do not pay municipal
tax for the reason they are not located in
municipality, Ii is possible tor man
| to be loaded with wealth, II IL be in the
form Of wild lands, ana yet not pay a
cent for the support OF poor, the building
and repair OF roads, or the incidental
expenses OF the town in which he lives.
What will you do about IL? Nothing loss
than radical changes In our laws wiIl
reach such q case.
1t Ia claimed that the State tax, direct,
may be greatly reduced or wiped out en-
tirely as is the casa in many other OF the
states. But this can only be done by
providing for the needed current expenses
Of the Stats through other channels tnan
as now Obtained. There Is no doubt but
there is room for reform In our taxation.
! 1t Is useless to go up>to this Legislature
with simply the claim that railroads are
not half taxed, and there are millions OF
stocks and bonds among US that taxation
does not touch at all. Inc claim is true
without question, and what Is wanted
\ ~ e.l.a
vide that this property In common with
| that OF the farmer shall not only bear Its
proportion OF taxation according to the
| lust value thereof, but that this property
may be uncovered TO the assessor. When
this Is done there will be small need OF
direct taxation for the purpose Of furnish
ing money with which to meet state ex-
penditures
In discussing this matter or estate
ex6ravaganc9" and direct taxation for
the purpose OF meeting it. the claim has
| been frequently made that the two and
three-quarter mills state tax exacted OF
every town Is but fifteen per cent or the
| tax paid, and 1t is In municipal expen-
ditures where economy must DO sought
as well. From the standpoint OF a farm
| ing town such claims are, we think, I'M
sound. 0There is no volume OF extrava'
gance In municipal expenditures IN the
rural towns. These towns are required
| by law to raise the needed money for the
schooling OF their children. Tney are
required TO keep their roads In repair
They must furnish needed support TO the
poor.
The farmers, then. are justified in a
demand for economy In state expendi-
| lures.
| They call for such change In the laws
as snail lazy taxes on all property alike
They demand that franchises, corpora
tions and companies pay tax proportion
ate TO the value OF the property represent
| ed.
| 10 shIs end bi lis must be drafted am
l bodying such changes in the laws - are
called for to reach the end sought and
definite plans outlined in advance 90 that