Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-10-05
NJ PHOENIX, BRATTLEBORO FRIDAY. OCTOBER g. 1906

state and not be taken from the regular
state highway fund accruing from the
fve cents state highway tax"
In consideration Of the rapidly growing
use OF automobiles and the fact that
through the frightening Of horses many Of
our people are practically banished from
the use of our highways, both for the
purpose Of business and pleasure, the
message raises the question whether, for
the present, automobiles should not be
prohibited the use Of certain highways,
especially some Of our narrow, hill roads,
where the passing Of n team and ain au-
tomobile is impossible without great
danger to the occupants OF the team.
THE present law provides for a nominal
registration fee of 50 for each machine
and an annual license fee OF 81 for OPP
orators. These together with. dealers
licenses produced last year $3398.S4. Con-
sidering the use which automobiles have
Of our highways and their size, weight
and speed think that they should pay
an annual fee. adjusted upon some rea-
sonable and fair basis sufficient to pro-
duce more substantial revenue for state
highway purposes. There should be some
provision by which machines from with
out the state using our highways should
pay a like license fee"
1t is recommended that the policy Of
doing away with railroad crossings at
grade be carried forward as fast as means
and circumstances allow. THE number
of crossings to be removed In any year
should be specifically limited. Instead
Of the limitation under the present per-
missory system, contained In Vermont
Statutes 3S42, to the removal Of not more
than one a year in any one county on
any one railroad, / suggest that a more
reasonable basis for the railroads them
selves and for all concerned would be a
limitation based upon the mileage of the
railroad. The law might require, for
example, that there should be one grade
crossing removed each year for every
specified number OF miles which a rail-
road operates in the state"
Finally.
In conclusion Gov. Proctor urges the
legislators to take up promptly the work
of the session and to give the more inn
portant legislation, such as that pertain
ing to education. highways, taxation,
courts and state institutions. early and
careful and dilligent attention. You
should examine all special bills and spec
ial appropriations with great care. None
should meet your approval until they have
been shown to be worthy and necessary
The danger is far greater from too much
than from too little legislation. The peo-
pie OF the state expect you to keep your
appropriations within the limits of the
sJrictest economy consistent with the
performance OF the fun duty Of the state
10 all her people. For -FOUR years we nave
been without a direct tax for the sup
port Of the state government This
should be our fixed policy. With this in
view you should so adjust the states in
come and expenditures as to make a re-
turn 10 a direct tax unnecessary.
"As you enter upon your duties as the
chosen representative OF the freemen Of
Vermont you may well recall the worthy
record OF those who have preceded you
in these halls, and the patriotic service
of Vermonters at home and abroad, in
war and In peace. Vermonters may well
take pride In their past and in the I'M
excelled achievements Of those who have
borne our name. Let not this thought.
however, be a satisfying one; Its true
purpose and effect should be to arouse
and stimulate you to so serve your state.
to so legislate at this session. that YER
mont in all respects may take and hold
her rightful position In that grand march
of progress which the twentieth century
is today witnessing throughout our great
country"