Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-10-05
would regard "a decidedly backward
step"
The state Auditors once.

| a.
that our state auditor is required to per-
form a two-fold service: First, to see
That no money lis paid out not strictly
within the provisions OF the law, and
secondly TO verify the accuracy of all
accounts kept and to make them ALWAYS
available to the public. This two-fold
supervision was originally introduced by
Alexander Hamilton into the treasury
| department of the national government.
| and still prevails, there being one officer
the comprehensive must pass upon
| the legal sufficiency OF all bills and
| pass. upon their clerical accuracy. In
this state both duties fall upon the state
auditor"
The recommendation is made that in
conjunction with the present state au-
| diuor the whole matter of the manage
ment Of the affairs Of his office be given
a thorough investigation, that the system
| prevailing in other states about our size
| be considered, that, II necessary, expers
accountants be employed to advise with
respect to n uniform system OF book
Keeping, and that the whole clerical side
of the auditors office be put upon the
| best modern business principles At
would go no farther nor make any greater
expense than any private business con-
Germ would incur doing as large a BUSH
/ ness as the state of Vermont, scattered
over so much territory and transacted
! through so many individuals and insti-
buttons; but 1 do not believe that the
state can afford to do less. The money
| which business corporations spend for
| this purpose Is not spent for the sake OF
| spending but for the sake of saving. The
small increase in expense to the state
| would be more than saved by the re-
| suits"
The legislators are warned against the
| evils Of special legislation. Attention is
| called to the time wasted by each legfs-
n In NJ foI
| poration legislation, and the recommended
ton is made that our general corporation
| laws be so amended as to do away with
| the need Of such legislation. 1t is also
| recommended that a general law be en-
acted for the organization of savings
banxs and trust companies, and that an
effort be made to have the charters Of
all such concerns as nearly uniform as
possible; also that village charters be
made as uniform in their provisions as
circumstances permit.
Corporation Taxes.
In the discussion Of the corporation
tax law the message says that the steam
railroads now pay a tax which amounts
approximately to seven tenths Of one per
cent. upon their appraisal while the av-
erage tax rate in the state is about 1.6
per cent, n greater difference than the
facts and conditions warrant
1T Is significant that according to the
report of the Interstate Commerce COM
mission for the year 1908, tine average tax
per mile paid by railroads for the year
ending June 30. 1902. was in Massachu-
sets $1.401, in Connecticut 81 005, in
Rhode Island $S8S. in New Hampshire
1924. in Maine $19S. and in Vermont only
SAG" Recognition should be given to
the benefits which the railroads confer
upon the state and our policy should be
to treat them fairly and Justly, but In
equal jusuce to all interests in the state
they should pay larger tax than at
present.
In view of the fact that some national
banks do a savings bank business 1t is
recommended that provision be made for
requiring national banks to disclose the
names of their savings deposltors and
the amounts of such deposits in order
that they may be properly taxed in their
respective towns.
Double Taxation.
The question OF double taxation is dis
cussed in these paragraphs
Double taxation is an evil which so
fas as possible should be corrected. This
problem has been studied and discussed
for years and different solutions sug-
gested and urged. but as yet any remedy
suggested has seemed to lead into diff
fculties even worse than the present.
The fact is that the matter is so inter-
woven with the whole question OF tax
alton thar no single provision can salts
factorily solve the problem. Any single
provision would create all or some of the
following difficulties The making of a
new line of exemption, which is always
unfortunate, the serious impairment of
the revenue of the towns or of the state,
the raising of the rate upon which money
can be borrowed. and in fact in towns
where the tax rate is very high rendering
the borrowing OF money practically i'm
possible. The attempt made in other
states 10 solve the double taxation prob
lem by some single provision mas never
been successful.
I'VE should not, however, be dis
discouraged by our own want of success
thus far or by the failure OF other states,
but should take up the problem with re-
newed determination to satisfactorily
solve IL. Much inquiry, research and in
vestigation is necessary in a question OF
this kind. We should know as far as
possible to what extent in fact double
taxation exists in Vermont, study care
fully any proposed change in its rela-
ton to the Individual, town and state,
and TO the whole question Of taxation. II
with such knowledge as is available you
are able to find a solution OF this ques-
ton that bids fair to bring the desired
relief without the creation of other evils,
Is most desirable that you do So But
II you find that sufficient data are not
availa lie upon which to base this neces-
sary readjustment then / recommend that
a
representative commission which shall
take up not only the question of double
taxation but the whole question of tax
alton in Vermont and give 1t thorough
research and study. Such a commission
should have the power and authority to
collect statistics, examine books and
records, and should study the system Of
taxation in other states. 1t should be of
such size and character and its research
and examination so broad and extended
that its findings would carry weight and
give promise of a satisfactory solution
by the next legislature"
1t is recommended that for the health
and well-being of the people OF the state
the work of the laboratory OF hygiene
and of the state board of health be given
ample support.
Our Highways.
Gov. Proctor believes in the fullest
recognition of the necessity of improved
highways as a factor in the business and
social development of the state, but ne
does not favor the policy of government
aid and he would not be willing to see a
state debt created by issuing bonds for
the purpose OF building state highways
We are practically without debt at the
present time and II should be our fixed
policy TO so continue" He thinks our
most pressing need is for more competent
and rigid supervision of the expenditure
of the states highway money. To this
end he believes that the state highway