The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1908-09-03

nrSt place, Dy SlnBuidrly cledI state
men of the State finances, the Cover
nor shows how the State debt. in
terest and taxation. have been grow
ing less until the State tax Is the least
of all the burdens of the citizens. The
Governor also makes apparent what is
so often forgotten in the discussion
of the tax question. the fact that the
tax rates often depend very much upon
the amount of extraordinary current
expenses In which towns and cities
see fit to indulge The Governor urges
the adoption of the Australian ballot
system and sustains the special tax
commission In recommending State
board of assessors. The document is
not a mere perfunctory message, but
an intelligent and judicious handling
of the live subjects requiring legisla
tive treatment. Governor BurleiGE
shows a thorough acquaintance with
all the affairs of State and the current
discussions touching economic ques-
tons, and the benefit Of his arc rate
information is given TO the people in
a paper. which in point of perspicuoGs
statement and readableEess. need not
fear comparison with any mess g.
ever presented to a Maine legislature
and which cannot fail to have nue..
influence in shaping the action of the
session"
Governor Eurleigh's Stand for Tax
Reform.
So much for the public verdict OH
Governor Burleigh's presentation o.
public questions with his accompany
ing recommendations. Now for few
of the practical results that came from
them. In his first message Governor
Burleigh said:
Our own State valuation finds too
large proportion of our property in
the farms of the State, and makes tn.
farmers pay an undue share of the
general taxes. On the other hand, the
United States census takes cognizance
OF the less tangible but more profit
able investments that escape their fair
share of the public burdens. If there
should be a closer inquiry into other
forms of property than the real es-
tate, taxation could be more equitably
distributed, and more exact justice
could be done to all citizens alike
which is indeed the highest duty of
State government
As a result of this recommendation
the legislature authorized the Governor
to appoint tax commission ito in
quire into the system adopted by other
states TO raise revenue for state. coun-
ty and municipal expenses. and to
provide for a more equal, just and
equitable system of taxation for all
property in this State, for the purpose
OF said State, county and municipal
expenses, that shall be better adapt ed
to the wants of this State, and reduce
the rate of taxation of the people, ana
tn provide for a better and more effec-
tual system of assessment and collec-
ton of taxes in this State"
The commissioners appointed by
Governor Burleigh for this work were
Hon. Oliver G. Hall, Hon. Samuel j.
Anderson and Hon. John L. Cutler
three men of recognized character and
ability representing both of the great
political parties. The work Of this
commission was thorough and exhaus-
tive. Its results were admirably sum
married. in the following editorial. re-
Gently published in the Portland
Press:
II. A LIFTING law requiring sworn
inventories OF property.
~. A board of State assessors and
board of equalization.
20. Selectmen not to be eligible as
assessors, and assessors to have a GER
tain tenure of Office. so as TO have ex-
perianced men on the board at all
times.
Il. Poll tax fixed at SEC for gener-
al purposes and not to exceed s200 for
highway purposes, with age limits q
to 70-years OF age.
IS. A license tax on dogs
"6. Mortgage taxed as joint owner
with the mortgagor to the extent of
his interest
-. Street railroads to be subject to
local taxation instead of on gross re-
ceipts.
"s. Exemption of household furni
ture of $500 and family library to $lG0.
%. Taxation of collateral inherit
ances. of sleeping car companies, OF
telephone instruments leased or royal
ty-paying. of insurance and guaranty
companies on gross instead Of net pre-
miums, of foreign and unlicensed in
surance companies, of accumulations
of savings banks. of trust and loan
associations, of corporate franchises, on
enrolment and organization of cor
poraticns on private and special acts
of the legislature, and increase of rail-
road taxes by removing the IA pei
cent limit.
These were the main recommends
lions of the report. Now what did the
legislators do with them? An exani-
~ ha or hau
shown Mr. Gardner that he was unius,
in his structures. The majority
Of the recommendations were ac
cepted. and have been made law.
The listing proposition was rejected
after a good deal of discussion, OF
the ground that 1t would be inquis
torial and intolerable, and would
lead 10 perjury and drive property
from the State. II Mr.. Gardner favors
a listing law, at least he has not saG
so nor has the Democratic platform
ventured to pronounce for one. We
have the State Board Of Assessors
and equalization which was one o.
the principal reforms urged by the
commission of 1889 We have the
license tax on dogs, we have the tax
alton of collateral inheritances, tn
tax on savings banks has been in.
creased. there is taxation of palace
cars, foreign insurance companies anc
trust and loan companies, and OF cor
porate franchise. and the limit Of the
railroad taxation has been raised
Not only did Governor Burleigh in
augurate this movement for tax re.
form, but he stood strongly for the Sc.
curing of practical legislation to carry