Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-12-31
MORE ABOUT TAXATION.

we find that the total number Of fam
lilies in the state of Vermont at tn
time the census was taken (see pag
9l) was 81, 462, of which only 26,o9
! owned their homes free from encum
brance. while 1888 homes wer'
mortgaged; and OF the freeholderi
1889 are reported as unknowni o
those who hired homes the number o
families is 81, 4S7 OF unknown tenure
the number OF families is 1881. Sc
we find that the number Of known
mortgaged (19,sl3) and known rent
ers (Si,s47) added together equa
l5l, $50. while the number Of home
owners (26, s92) plus unknown 1.3o9)
plus those of unknown tenure Q,ssl)
equal 30, 1862; leaving a clear majority
OF renters and mortgaged OF 81, 49S.
1t is the tax laws that are for the
most part the cause of this most de-
plorable condition. The man who
lrents a farm or tenement has no
especial inducement to improve the
property OF the landlord AT his own
1.-THE renter's) expense. That is not
what he is there for, but for his own
benefit. The consequence is that the
average rented farm grows up to
bushes and weeds, the buildings go to
decay. the land depreciates in value,
and after a time may be classed as
abandoned property.
Ihave in mind now ten farms and
homes that were occupied by sturdy,
honorable families, within my men,
DRY. that are not occupied at present
as homes. The buildings on most of
them are gone. There were more
than fifty children that attended school
during the winter. Now no school is
sustained in the district. BY the way,
these homes were all in one neighbour
hood or adjoining in School District
No. - in this town.
Is this an isolated case? BY no
means. In the hill towns of Orange
county quite a large acreage Of arabic
land may be found that was once
dotted with homesteads where happi-
ness reigued, but which are now
silent and desolate. A superficial ex-
animation will bring TO view the
foundations upon which the buildings
stood and in that tangled, overgrown
primrose hedge may be found one or
more graves of former occupants.
The feelings of awe, pity and sadness
are aroused In the heart of the visitor.
even If he be a stranger A visit TO
one such place would be an inspira-
ton TO a poet.
Visiting dozens of homes in one day
that are deserted prompts the ques-
ton, What caused this desolation
Was it pestilenceP Famine? Poor
soil? Or was IL the inhabitants them
selves that were TO blamep There
has been no famine or pestilence the
soil is strong and rich and OF the in-
habitants | could say their sons have
graced the bench, bar and pulpit. As
the older generation passed away the
lands changed owners or were rented,
with the inevitable result excessive |
taxation of the heavily mortgaeed |
drove them OFF their holdings. The |
rented places, lacking an owners
interest and constant care in making
small repairs, soon deteriorated, build |
ings decayed and tumbled down and |
the home ceased 20 exist as o home, |
but the everlasting hills remain
Thirty-fye years are allowed to be
about the average age of generation.
II so, we may safely say that the /
majority of homes in this state will /
change hands in that length Of time.
Shall we continue TO legislate /
against the home maker? Must the
farmer lads, mechanics, stone cutters
and day laborers, when they buy real
estate to make homes, must they be
taxed on the entire realty. although
they really own minor part OF Ill
How long shall this abomination last
How long shall this legal injustice
exist? OF the 81, 4S7 families who are
classed as renters, many Of them
doubtless consider il cheaper and
safer for them to rent homes and put
-neir surplus earnings where they
cannot be assessed, than il is 10 pur-
chase, make a small payment, and
assume the tax burden for the balance
owing, which is Imperative here In
Vermont. They may long to own
homes, but the risk of losing what
hey invest is so great they prefer to
-emain renters.
Make the laws just to the would-be
do not rob him Of a
)lttance for the benefit OF man OF
wealth. Legislate so he may become
/ home owner. instead of home
enter, and he at once becomes a
better citizen; because he at once
improves and beauties his home.
or he realizes that ii is for his own
benefit to do so. IL be improves his
'wn home, he in a certain sense
improves oil the homes adjoining.
If the voters in Vermont would
organize and work for the princi-
lies OF right in taxation. there are
'nough OF the mongagcd and renters
o carry the state and | have conf
lence enough in the integrity of the
lone owners, 10 believe that a ma
ority OF that class would welcome
md vote for such change in our
isting laws.
II Is not a donation the home maker .
oliclts; 1t IS equality and Justice that
le demands. We have no. for
lass legislation which makes the
ich richer and the poor poorer. I'D
lasting structure is to be built. make
he foundation of il strong. max. II