Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1905-06-02

VI the state government Tor Republi
snGAaeR af thasl
In frustrating Business.
For = time this frustrating bust
ness seemed to be profitable to the
State, as we'll as to the schemers who
Matched It, or rather who brought the
setting of eggs from New Jersey. That
they were growing rich from the
princely fees attained there was no
doubt. and the revenues to the State
from the same source were boastfully
large. because there were but two
States in the Union-New Jersey, roost
for all the robbers of Wall street and
the green goods men Of New York, and
West Virginia, her disciple-that were
engaged in the nefarious business of
making tramp corporations and turn
ing them loose on the people of other
States. to beg at their back doors in
the day time or plumber their savings
at night Finally, other States, driven
to desperation, or their officers prompt
ed by the prospect of the fees in sight
began to compete. Maine is now the
latest and most liberal of the trust
making commonwealth.
Now, what was the result? These
corporations that pay for their char
tiers do so because those charters give
them certain privileges; make it law
ful for them to do many things that it
is not lawful for them to do as indi-
vidual citizens. AS they pay their
money they want the most possible
for it. When New Jersey changes her
laws, or Maine enacts new ones, that
oh
there to have more privileges than our
laws allow them, and they forsake us
and go to those States
That is just what they are doing
now, because New Jersey is controlled
by a gang more INSCRIPTIONS, or bold
er at least, than those dominating
West Virginia and its legislation.
Hence they have recently changed
their laws so a corporation can stand
up in broad daylight, rob you in pub
lie, while under our laws it must be
done at night Therefore, New Jer-
sey and Maine with similar laws, are
getting the business West Virginia for
merly had and the revenues from
these sources have fallen off here one
third or more in the past year and will
continue to do so unless we keep step
with the other robber States and make
it lawful and proper to pilfer and rob
If you are corporation, in broad day
light.
West Virgnia's Shame.
| suppose We will do that. Espe
clally II the Republican party Is cor
unued in power in West Virginia, for
at the last session of the Legislature a
bill was forced through under whip
and enriched with scandal, reducing
the charter taxes of these nonresident
corporations one-third, increasing
LARGELY the taxes of the domestic cor
porations. engaged in legitimate bust.
ness here within the State, and at the
same time extending and increasing
the privileges Of the nonresident ones
But we can't keep them. They, or
most of them. will leave us in time,
and go where it is more convenient for
them. even if we are so dishonest, i'm
moral and neglectful of the rights of
others as to give them everything they
ask. Hence, most of the revenue re-
ceived from that source will soon be
lost to us.
How will they make it up? They
say they are going to take off all the
direct State tax. then how will they
raise the money necessary, the million
dollars that will ere long be necessary
to make up for it?
BY imposing other special taxes?
They are committed to that policy. bur
who and what will they tax next? And
who will pay these taxes?
Take the tobacco tax that they have
imposed. Five dollars upon every per-
son who sells a little tobacco Now,
who pays that tax? Do you suppose
the dealer will lose it? You know bet
ter. 1t is added on, per pound. to the
price of the tobacco and the buyer
must pay it. They say, well, you to-
bacco chewers ought to pay it, it is a