Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1901-02-15
VILLAGE INCORPORATION.
Editor of the HERALD:

In view of the fact that little or moth
ing has been said through your columns
regarding the Incorporation of our viii
lage, on which its citizens are to pass
next Saturday, permit me to take this
method of saying few words regarding
the same. II. the first place desire to
disclaim being the unqualified champion
of this measure; aud want to be-
equally emphatic in diSclaiming oppo-
sition to it because somebody, who
knows 10 more of the merits OF incor-
poration than | do. has told me that ii
aware that since the charter was granted
hy the Legislature much opposition to il
has developed; that many OF those who
were the most enthusiastic at the pre-
liminary meetings have met with an en-
tire change Of heart regarding it, not
for any logical reason, not because they
have become better Informed than be-
fore, not because they do not think il
would result in the greatest good to the
greatest number, but because the men
who have been the dictators and held
the reins over Island Pond from the van
tage point of the 'store-court" etc. for
the last 10 years and Nho. unfortunately.
were not consulted and listened to with
grave and becoming dignity at the in
| ception of the incorporation idea, nave
frowned upon it and have shaken their
heads profoundly, Had these few pnr.
veyors of the towns good been so CON
suited no opposition would have devel-
oped. They have no good reason to
vouchSate against it because there is
none But they would rather sacrifice
whatever of profit and prosperity might
accrue to themselves and to the village
than to lose their dictatorship in muni-
eipal affairs. Hence the existence OF
! the fact that the measure will be voted
down next Saturday. probably. But be-
/ fore il is done would it not be we'll for
the voters Of the village to think it over
a little aud arrive at individual concli-
sions concerning it? That it may raise
taxes some there is every probability.
but it is equally true that it will give
those of us who pay nothing but poll
tax an added chance to set something
beside our heads to pay taxes on; il
will give the village y chance to i'm
prove as much or as little as it sees fit,
without having to call upon residents
outside the village limits to pay part
of the price. Yet they will derive more
or less of the benefit and for that rea-
son it seems inoompreheusible to me
that any Of the out at the village resi-
dents should aisapprove the measure,
1t will put the village IN u position
when it Il hoom, or amy fraction of ole,
does come it oan embrace it to the very
best possible advantage; it will ensLr,
an added Importance to the town and
village outside its own confines; it may
he instrumental III bringing industries
here that otherwise could not be secured;
it will advance the price Of real estate !;
it may be made to give the village an
air of thrift aud importance that will
impress the casual visitor to colne here
permanently it will make work for
men who have to so away to get it
it will give the place added weight and
authority so far as its existing railroad
conditions are concerned.
, If interpretations not Il good thing
fora village why is every place III the
state, of the most commercial impor
tance, progressiyeness and prosperity
incorporated? Is it because all those
towns were foolish aud unwise and
shortsightel9 The main argument OF
:, those opposed to this measure is that
"thingo are well enough They might
be much worse it is true. But they
. might be Just as much better.
: Yours Truly, }. D. BATES.