Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1902-11-20
County Towns Pensione ed.

The Valley Register makes the following
comment upon an article published under
the above caption in this paper several weeks
ago:
"Why, Bro Cassell, you arc away OFT in
this matter. 1.-THE "other Incorporated towns
in the county" did petition for a slice of the
franchise tax they couldn't get it, because
they are not entitled to it. This "pen-
sion" as you call it, is simply rebate from
the State to the communities which pay the
franchise tax, through the Savings 1nstitu,
tons located in their towns. We guess If
Thurmont and "other Incorporated towns"
had a savings Bank, and especially as -four
ishing one us Middetown, her people
wouldn't decline" very long In petitioning
for pension"
We made the simple statement of fact
that the rebate of taxes referred to is cheap
imposition, and offered no argument to sub
stantiate the statement This has in a large
measure been accomplished by Bro. Rhod'
erick and as it is case in point, illustrating
q vicious and unjust method that is obtain
ing some currency in this and other counties
of the State, We shall at once give it the at
tenlion it merits.
The State and county levy tax TO meet
necessary expense; presumably not one cent
too much Is leyied and further, presumably
not one cent expended for which the county
does not receive value. First, then, this en-
tire franchise tax belongs to the county, the
entire four fourths, but Frederick in 1892,
Middetown in 1896 and Brunswick in 1909,
asked the Maryland Legislature to authorize
the return of one fourth. Now, If The coun
ty eouitably owes these towns these several
sums, then they are righ,fully receiving
them, but it Is left for the advocates OF these
rebates to explain the quid pro quo received
by the county; that is, by what line of argu-
ment may it be proven that the county shod
pay these sums TO these towns: what benefit
is 1t to the county and why should the towns
be privileged to claim pay for something for
the privilege of possessing which they should
be willing to pay, especially when these in
sttutions are "hourishing" as is that one to
which Bro. Rhoderick so proudly refers'
Towns and cities are willing usually opay
for the privilege of securing "fourishing'
institutions, especially when the capital of
such is largely that of outsiders, such as 1t is
safe to assume, is that of the Mlddletown say
ines Institutlon-that of farmers of the fer.
tile Valley, whose taxes are used to pay this
onefourth rebate to the town.
Further, that this rebate is not legitimate
is fairly proven by the fact that no such re.
bate is provided for save by special legisa'
tion-Local Laws-and this; as every one
knows, is always readily accomplished, it be-
ing referred 20 the local delegation, the State
body never inquring into its merits; |; is on
" necessary to secure one senator and three
members of the House of Delegates and the
thing is done.
Mark this view; it is not because, being
Savings Institutions, there should be rebate
to the towns in which they happen to be To-
Gated; it Is this; there was a casting about as
to how grab" might best be made and the
Savings Institutions were selected, they be-
ing heavy taxpayers and few. Being heavy
taxpayers is no more to be accredited to the
locality because of the accident of their loca,
ton, than should be an excelsior mill or
private bank that pays interest on deposits.
To disprove the last proposition laid down
by Bro. Rhoderck, this town enjoyed tor
twelve years the identical opportunity; the
banking house of Birely and Osler paid in
terest on deposits" and that seems to be the
key that opens the door Of this particular
special legislation. Some towns in Carroll
have by local legislation secured rebate OF
the road tax paid upon their assessment
just as though they do not care to have the
roads leading to the towns well made, that
travel thereto may be the better. OF the
same ilk is this Saving Institutions legisla'
ton, just as though they were Objectionable
belongings, for the burden of possessing
which they should be paid just as though
the periodical visits of depositors were hurt
! full and undesirable to the town.
We referred to 1t as pension: we did not
do it iusticc--it is a grab"