Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-08-20
vERMONTS TAX LAW.

Tax a man on his property and moi
on his poverty
There is in theory such a thing Al
the principle of right, and we are
taught that right wrongs no man. The
evident intention OF the fathers who
framed the constitution Of Vermont
was that a free government OF the PEG,
pie, for the people and by the people
would be a government which made NO
distinction amongst the inhabitants
who obeyed the laws, and which i'm
posed the burdens of taxation upon
each person equally, according TO his
ownership OF property; and after much
consideration and careful thought, the
constitution OF Vermont was given to
the people OF the Green Mountain
state.
The occasion that called for the con-
stitution was a great occasion; and
great occasions bring forth great men.
They founded their chart on the solid
rock of justice, with the political COM
pass unerringly pointing to the princi-
pie OF equal rights TO all men.
The subject OF taxation being under
consideration we would refer to the
case suggested in a recent issue of this
paper. of the purchaser of real estate
Lat $1,000, with $500 paid down and the
whole mortgaged for the payment of
the balance, 81 800. We show conclu-
sively that the purchaser paid taxes on
four times the total value OF his owner
ship in the premises. with no recourse
whatever, while the lord OF the pocket
book was not taxed at all, although he
had the best title 10 the property. This
works somewhat on the principle of
ITO him that hath much shall be given
and 10 him that hath not shall be taken
away even that which he hath
Let us examine the $4,000 purchase
further. Suppose the land had deterio-
rated in value so that il was actually
worth only 81 800. Then we have a
clear case of a man paying taxes on
his poverty. This is not an isolated
case; it is q tair representation Of
thousands Of similar cases in the state.
What inducements are offered to the
young man who has a paltry sum OF
money opurchase a farm in glorious
Old Vermont2
Sec. 500 Vermont Statutes reads
If person purchases for a home and
occupies and improves land that has
been unoccupied and neglected or used
for pasturage only, for at least two
years, and repairs or erects thereon
buildings suitable for home, or other
wise improves such LAND, said buildings
and improvements shall be exempt
from taxation for a term OF five years,
if the town so votes.n Otherwise. if
with small capital he purchases real
estate not subject to See. 3G6 and
creates a mortgage debt upon the
same, he can have the melancholy pleas
IRE OF paying taxes upon property he
owns not.
What inducements are offered capt.
talists to make a home in Vermont
whose hills are the greenest, air the
sweetest, and water the purest Of per-
haps any state in the Union
Sec. sos of the Vermont Statutes
reads: Manufacturing establish
ments Except for manufacturing pulp. F!
rough sawed lumber IT charcoaD
quarries, mines and such machinery, /
tramways, appliances and buildings as
are necessary for the prosecution of
the business, machinery put into UNI
occupied buildings and all capital and
personal property used in such bush l
ness, if the amount exceeds one thous- /
and dollars. may be exempted from
taxation not exceeding ten years from
the commencement of business, If The /
town so votes. The manufacturer
who invests less than one thousand
dollars is Disseminated against. He
must pay his pound Of flesh
The small farmer who makes home 1
on barren lands or lands that have been 1
at least two years NAV have
Of the town so votes) his humble /
dwelling and Improvements exempt 4
from taxation for five years; but the
who invests more than
one thousand dollars is a higher favored
child OF the people his business may
be exempted from taxation by vote OF
he town for the term OF ten wears
alter which he can move 10 whatever
own will make up the largest purse
.Or him and vote to extend to him the
lon-taXatiOn courtesy for ten wears
more. II he has family Of children.
he heavily mortgaged real estate hold
r must help pay their tuition in the
common schools. and also help pay Tor
heir school books.
L Is not the manufacturer that is to
blame, il is the law which permits the
wrong to be done that is faulty. II A
nan OF set Of men wish 70 start a man.
liacturing enterprise and can induce
he inhabitants Of any town where they /