The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1904-10-13
cor. BELLS MESSAGE.


subject of
TAXATION.
We are trying to improve the con-
dition of our State along all lines.
For such improvements every one
should be willing to pay a just pro-
portion. All property should be made
to pay taxes according to it's produo-
tive valuation. We should avoid
double taxation and all property, both
real and personal, should be made to
pay its share.
When we legislate to exempt any
property or class of values from tax
alton it becomes different matter to
frame just laws. When all property
is equitably taxed and there are no
exemptions whatever, then laws are
and can be made more simple and
effective.
In years past many million dollars
worth of property, largely in the form
of lumber, has been taken from our
hills and mountains into market with
out taxation, thereby deprivinR our
State of enormous values without a
Just return. The only thing left in
such instances is uenuded land tracts
and depleted streams.
Il
property, real or personal, shall be
exempt from its personal levy for the
support of the public treasury.
SCHOOLS.
The report of the superintendent of
education shows that the average paid
our teachers during the last two years
had considerably increased. While
the increase is small, it proves that
the tendency is steadily in the direc
tion of more competent instruction in
our common schools.
In view of the widely scattered con-
dition of our rural communities, l am
of the opinion that it would be step
in the right direction for many towns
to look toward a central school to
which all pupils can be brought, thus
making it possible to give them The
benefits of the better educational ad-
vantages thus afforded at slight in
crease of cost. The added advantage
of such educational facilities at home
where the pupil while obtaining them
can remain within the circle of home
influence and restraint would, | be-
lieve, be guarantee of the best re-
suits. In such q school, with SO much
of nature all about, the sciences of
agriculture should be prominently
taught, in order that the pupil may
better understand the deeper meaning
and influence of home environments
and advantages. In o-her States
where this course has been pursued
the results have been most satisfac-
tory. am mindful of our somewhat
strenuous weather during the winter
months, but a slight REIMBURSEMENT Of
the school year, to make the vacation
in summer shorter and in winter long
err, would remove much of the objec-
rion to this plan.
BETTER HIGHWAYS.
The roads of Vermont have been
greatly improved under our present
laws.
The report of the State highways
commissioner will inform you fully OF
this important work.
| believe in government aid in road
building. 1t is certainly reasonable
for the general government, while do
ing so much in the larger towns by
way of public buildings and public
works, to do something that will bene-
fit large and small towns alike in the
way of road improvements.
Vermont's highways should be so
constructed and maintained as to not
only facilitate business, but also to
add to the health and pleasure OF
those who chance to use them.
The roads have been built, paid for
and maintained for the use and con-
venience of the travellers, whether on
foot or in team. In keeping up with
the wonderful inventions of the age,
we should leglslate SO that the road be
kept safe for all. At present this is
not the case.
Would it not be well to restrict the
automobile to few roads and trunk
lines, when possible, reserving some
ana the winding narrow hill roads for
the exclusive use of teams? This
would remove one source of danger
| would recommend some system OF
highway supervision, requiring IL
cense for the automobile that it be
numbered for Identification, restrained
in rate of speed and restricted to the
freedom of certain thoroughfares
which could be marked so plainly
that whoever runs may read and un'
derstand.
am in favor of some law covering
the better care of roadside environ
ments. Obstruction, bushes and un'
slightly weeds should be destroyed fol
they become an offence. Let the treei
remain; the shade tree by the high
way should be regarded the persona
friend of every traveller for it helps tc
make his journey more pleasant. We
should have laws in regard to these
matters and they should be strictly
enforced.
would have law forbiddine the
custom of making bridges and high
way fences billboards for the free ad
vertlsing of all sorts of wares. In /
chance trip for instance across thu
country it is often. matter of consider
able doubt, judging by the nature Of
the placards, just what a certain farm
er's specialties are, potatoes or soal
and patent medicines.
STATE INSTITUTIONS.
l have recently had the pleasure o
visiting these institutions on tour o
| inspection with other State officials ant
can frankly say that was in every in
stance much impressed with the higl
grade of service the State has at 1T