Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1905-05-30

Legislature and in other departments
of the State government for Republl-
can politicians, henchmen of those
who were later to seize the Republican
party by the throat and commit it to
untried policies in order that they,
themselves. might profit thereby.
In Trust-Making Business.
For a time this trust-making bust
ness seemed to be profitable to the
State, as well 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 boastfuIly
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 commonwealths.
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
permits these corporations chartered
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 gang more INSCRIPTIONS. or bold
er at least, than those dominating
West Virginia and it's legislation.
Hence they have recently changed
their laws SO 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 virginfa's Shame.
suppose we will do that Espe-
cially If the Republican party is COR
tinued 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
same time extending and increasing
the privileges Of the nonresident ones
But we can't keep them They, OF
most of them, will leave us. in time
and go where it is more convenient fol
them, even if we are so dishonest, i'm
moral and neglectful of the rights oi
others as to give them everything they
ask. Hence, most of the revenue re
ceiyed from that source will soon be
lost to us.
How will they make it up? They
say they are going to take of 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 specia. taxes
They are committed to that policy, bu
who and what will they tax next? Ant
who will pay these taxes?
Take the tobacco tax that they hav,
Imposed. Five dollars upon every per
son who sells a little tobacco. Now
who pays that tax? Dc you suppos,
the dealer will lose it? You know bel
ter. 1t is added on. per pound. to tn
4 price of the tobacco and the buye
must pay it. They say, well, you to
bacco chewers ought to pay it, it is