Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-09-01

mud-slinging field--voiced the genera
verdict in the following editorial un
der the caption, "A Good Message"
Rarely have the political news
Papers of the State, of both par
ties, given such hearty conmenda-
ton to State paper as they have
accorded to the message of Gov
ernor Burleigh, delivered last
Thursday. 1t is a document brim
full of matter of unusual interest
to all the people of the State,
dealing as it does with all uues-
lions of the hour which are de-
mandlng action of the present
Legislature. In the first place,
by a sinSuarly clear statement of
the State finances, the Governor
shows how the State debt inter-
est AMI taxation. have been grow
ing less until the State tax is the
least Of all the burdens OF tn. citi-
Zths. The Governor also makes APP
parcnt what is so often forgotten
III the discussion of the tax Dues
ton, th" fact that the tax rates
often Gtp"nd Very much upon the
amount Of extraordinary current
expenses in which towns and
cities see fit to indulge. The
t'nVernpr urges tie adoption of the
Australian ballot system ana Sus-
tains the special Tax Commission
III re"ommc ndinG a stat" board OF
assessors. The document is not n
mere perfunctury message, bu; an
intelligent ana Judicious Eandlin:
#
Legislative treatment. Governor
Bulleich shows thorough ac-
quaintancc with all the affairs of
State and the current discussions;
touching economic ull, stionS, ard
the benefit of his accurate infurma-
ton is gwen to the people in a
paper, which in point of per
spicuous statement and readable
ness, need not fear comparison
with any message ever presented
TIC Maine Legislature, and which
cannot fail to have much influence
IN shaping the action of the Sos
sion"
Governor BurIeigh's Stand for Tax
Reform.
So much for the public verdict on
Governor Burleigh's presentation of
public questions with his accompany
ing recommendations Now for n
few of the practical results that came
from them In his first message Gov
ernor BurleiSh said:
"Our own State valuation finds
too large proportion of our prop
erty in the farms of the State, and
makes the farmers pay an undue
share Of the general taxes. On the
other hand, the United States CEN
SuS takes cOgniZancc of the less
tangibl" but more profitable in
vestmentS that escape their fair
share of the public burdens If
there should be q closer inquiry
INTO other forms of property than
the real estate, taxation could be
more equitably distributed, and
more exact justice could be done to
all citizens alike-Which is indeed
the highest duty of a State gov
eminent
AS Il result of this recommt nia ton
he Legislature authorized the Gov
Arnor to appoint a tax commission ito
inquire iiito the system adopted by
other states to raise revenue for State,
county and municipal expenses. and
% proVid" for Il more equal, just and
-qultable system of taxation for all
in this State. for the purpose
II said state, county and municipal
expenses, that shall be better adapted
% the wants of this State, and reduce
he rate OF taxation of the people; and
% provide for better and more Ct
cctual system of assessment and col
lection 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,
-hree men of recognized character and
utility representing both of the great
political parties. The work of this
commission was thorough and rX-
lauStive. It's results We're admiral bly,
in the following editorial
'ecentIy published in the Portland
Press.
l. A 'listing law" recurring
sworn inventories of property
3, A board of State assessors and
board of equalization
3. Selcctmen not to be eligible as
assessors, and assessors to have a
certain tenure of office. SO as to
have experienced men on the board
at all times.
4. Poll tax fixed at $500 for gen
eral purposes and not to exceed
81 for highway purposes, with
age limits II to 20 years Of age.
>. y license tax on dogs.
6. Mortgagce taxed as joint own
CT with the mortgagor to Tho ex-
tent of his interest.
I. street railroads to be sub
ject to local taxation instead Of on
gross receipts.
3. Exemption OF household furni-
ture to $500 and family library to
500
9. Taxation of collateral inheri-
tancec of sleeping car companies,
of telephone instruments leased or
royalty paying, of assurances and
guaranty companies on gross in
stead of net premiums, of foreign
and unlicensed Insurance COM
panies, of Accommodations of saw
ings banks, of trust and loan as
SociatianS, of corporate franchise,
on enrolment and organization of
corporations, on private and special