Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-10-11

in fact in towns where the tax rate is
very high rendering the borrowing of
money practically impossible. The at
tempt made in other States to solve the
double taxation problem by some single
provision has never been successful.
We should not, however, be discourage
ed by our own want of success thus far
or by the failure of other States, but
should take up the problem with renew
ed determination to atisfactorlly solve
1t. Much inquiry, research and investl-
cation is necessary In questo,, of this
kind. We should know as far as possible
to what extent In fact double taxation
exists In Vermont, study carefully any
proposed change in It's relation to the in
dividual, 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 question that
bids fair to bring the desired relief, with
out the creation of other evils, It Is most
desirable that you do so. But II you find
That sufficient data are not available up
on which to base this necessary read
justment then I recommend that you pro-
vide for the creation of a strong repre-
sentative commission which shall take up
not os,ly the question Of double taxation
|
Vermont and give It thorough research
and study. Such 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 q size
and character and its research ana ex-
animation so broad and extended that its
nnd''gs would carry weight and give
promise Of satisfactory solution by the
next Legislature.
DEPARTMENT Or HEALTH.
commend to your favorable consd-
Grafton the work of the Laboratory of
Hygiene and OF the state Board Of
Health. There is no interest of the State
more worthy OF being fostered along SGT
sible lines than the work which has been
begun in behalf of the public health.
Besides the great saving of life and pre-
vont.on of suffering, which is the inn
portat't matter, the State Laboratory is
already saving the people of the State
in money many times its cost. All eff
forts to control the public health by quar-
antine. inspection OF water supplies, etc,
are liable in the beginning to create some
friction. That is to be avoided as much
as possible, but there should be no de-
nave entered of controlling matters re-
latins TO the general public health.
HIGHWAYS.
The aroused public sentiment in favor
Of improved permanent hish ways is an
indication of 4 greater interest of the
people in the true welfare ard develop
mcnt of the State. 1t is most import
ant subject and fully merits your most
careful attention. We have many natur-
al conditions with which to contend MAX
ing the construction of the best high
ways difficult and expensive, but these
same conditions make 1t important to
have such highways If possible.
Government aid for highways has been
urged by some. 1t is, however, contrary
to the whole spirit of our governmental
system, nor for Vermont is it a practi-
cal or desirable policy. Not only is 1t
wrorIs in principle but in the end it will
be less burdensome for us to work out
our own highway problem and leave other
States to take care of theirs. Nor am
in favor of issuing State bonds for the
purpose Of building State highways We
are a rural community. our income is
not large, and to load upon the State a
bonded Indebtedness with a fixed interest
charge is poor business management. The