davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
LET PRISONERS WORK THEIR WAY

The matter OF the shortage In the de-
partment Of Justice, which Is attributed
to the combining of prisoners In jails in
stead Of sending them to the House OF
Correction. continues to receive wide
spread attention. One Of the best sug-
gestions we have noticed In that connec-
ton is made by the Newport Express
and Standard as follows:
IT the prisoners Of the State are a
tremendous expense to II, and are pri-
marily the cause of the present deficit,
why does not the law regulate tho mat
ter 20 they can be worked upon the
highway instead Of resting Idle in the
falls? While the deficit might not be
lessened In this way the roads would
Be improved and this would be benefic-
ial to the State. Convicts do work up
on our highways in many OF the States
and good roads are the result"
Our lawmakers contemplated the work.
ing Of prisoners confined in jails, and
the carrying out OF this idea would be
IN accordance with the spirit OF the
law as we'll as with good business prin-
ciples. The taxpayers OF Vermont dc
not enjoy paying thousands Of dollars
In order that prisoners may be kept con-
fined In idleness, and the sooner this
situation Is remedied the better will II
be for prisoners as we'll as taxpayers.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
DANGER FOR our DAIRY INTER-
IcS,ra

Present indications arc that unless
great vigilance is exercised. the dairy
interests of this country will lose all
that they gained under the lead of
garine. Word comes from Washing
ton to the effect that radical amend
ment to the oleomargarine bill is in
course Of preparation by the treasury
department, and may be offered as an
amendment to the pending tariff bill.
Tho present oleomargarine law, which
was drawn for revenue purposes, pro-
vided tax OF 10 cents per pound on
colored oleomargarine and one quar-
ter Of cent per pound on uncolored.
The rate on colored oleomargarinc has
been prohibitive. and the cost OF ad-
on uncolored It is now understood
| that Secretary MacveaEh proposes to
levy fiat rate OF two cents per pound
on all oleomarg arine. estimating that
It will produce revenue Of from 81
| 100000 to 100000 a year.
Members OF Congress assert that the
effect Of the original oleomargarine
act was to increase the price OF but
| ter 20 the consumer on an average OF
| four cents a pound. They figure that
the proposed amendment will proper
tionately reduce that increase. and
that 1t will cost the butter makers of
| the country about $30,00O.O0O year
| based on production of 500, 900. 900
pounds.
| 1t is understood that the amend
| ment will provide adequate means to
protect the revenues against fraud
Secretary MacVeagh is understood to
| have consulted Senator Aldrich and
Representative Payne about the
amendment. and If 1t can be put in
the Senate bill. the House members from
agricultural States will be forced to
| vote down the whole tariff bill to
beat II.
The passage OF law like that pro-
| posed would be hailed with delight
| by the beef barons. who find in oleo-
margarine a splendid means Of dis
posing Of some of their surplus pro-
ducts. 1t goes without saying that
tremendous influences will be brought
to bear to secure the incorporation Of
| the provision mentioned in the tariff
| bill.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

We suppose II our correspondent had
substituted the name Of Massachusetts
for that Of New York IN his private
nagellation Of the Republican his remarks
would have been equally pertinent and to
the point. However there can be no
quarrel between Vermont and the Bay
state over the question of the COM
parative honesty Of legislators represent
ing the two States at their respective
state capitals. II the stun Of which YER
ment lawmakers is made had been
corruptible. we would have fallen victim
to some OF the great Massachusetts, cor
porations years ago. but as a matter Of
fact we have escaped even the breath Of
scandal In the presence Of the most
insiduous influences.
II Vermont legislator were 10 be dis.
covered In the act. or even strongly
suspected. Of accepting money for his
vote. he would be branded with a mark
more irradicable and more whitening than
THE Scarlet Letter."
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
TIVE INCOME TAX AND LEGISLA-
TIVE CORRUI-TLBILITY.

We almost feel that the Benningt on
drag us to the lookup for poaching, when
ever we venture TO speak we'll OF the
late. lamented legislative session. There
were really some good points about the
conduct of the Legislature IN spite Of
the contrary impression growing out OF
much pounding on the part of n dis
satisfied press, and we are glad to
advertise some OF the merits of our latest
lawmakers.
few days ago the Springfield Republi-
can. which seems to experience con-
siderable difficulty in differentiating Ver-
monts rock-ribbed republicansm from its
other manifestations of life ard In
tellectua"ty. quoted the Brooklyn Eagles
comment on the fact that three fourths
Of the States must rntify an amendment
to the constitution. and that consequently
wealth might somewhat easily find way
to organize to defeat an income tax even
after 1t had received the necessary two
tliitls minority III congress
The Republican says that without in
sulting States by classifying them accord
Ing to the Eagles specifications as "rich
States controlled by financial influences
with poor and purchasable States that
those influences can control" study Of
the forty-six commonwealths now in the
1a1d
clusion that II any dozen of them were to
reject the income tax amendment, the fol-
lowing would probably be the twelve ::
Connecticut, Delaware. Florida Maryland.
New Hampshire. New Jersey New York,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Idaho
West Virginia. The Republican then
says:
One might substitute Vermont for New
York and possibly render the task easier.
owing to the immense population of wage
earners In the Empire State. Utah and
Idaho arc now so completely dominated
In politics by the Mormon influence that
their inclusion in the list would promise
more substantial results to the opposition.
probably than two more southern States.
1t is not necessary for us to answer
this reference to the Green Mountain
state owing to the fact that a former
professor in the University of Vermont,
now located In massachusetts,, has done
50 In communication which we are sure
will commend itself to Vermonters every
where and to all lovers of a square deal.
He says In part:
81 am not a native Vermonter, but lived
In the State two years recently las n
teacher in the University Of Vermonp
and while that was n short time. II was
long enough to become aware of the fact
that there Is no tustificat ion for sub
stituting the Legislature of Vermont for
that or New York on the basis Of greater
susceptibility to corruption. About three
years ago. or two, President Buckham
made an address In which he emphasized
the 'up-country honesty Of your State
He was surely justified In his cont ention.
don't expect to hear of Vermonters
beginning to grow wings soon. but that
Will happen before the Legislature of
Rev York will be entitled to prece,sace
In honesty over the Legislature of YER
mont"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

Unless the plans OF the executive and
sporting committees miscarry, an athle-
tic tournament will be held on the Cen
tennial athletic field in connection with
Burlington's big independence celebra-
ton. Monday. July 8. which will surpass
anything OF the kind ever seen in YER
mont. It will include the FIRST Marathon
race ever held in Vermont or northern
New England with famous runners like
Hayes. the winner Of the great Mara
thon contest In London last August in
connection with the worlds Olympic
games and Simpson. who also took part
in that race. wrestling contests Tween
professional champions as we'll as for the
amateur championship Of Vermont. and
other trials OF physical strength. endur-
ance and skill. This tournament with
the other events of the Fourth OF July
celebration will make the day one to be
remembered in the Champlain valley.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
THE WEEKLY FREE PRESS.

THE WEEKLY FREE PRESS.
cents per copy. 50 cents for six months
800 per year. postage paid.
Advertisements and subscriptions re-.
ceived at the ONCE. Is9 College street.
Full advertising rates sent on applica"
ton.
Accounts cannot be opened for sub
scriptions. Subscribers will please re-
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time paid for.
Remittance at the risk OF the sub
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ter. or by check or postal order pay
able to the publishers.
The date when the subscription ex-
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paper II a sufYicient receipt for the first
subscription.
When A change Of address 10 desired,
both the old and now addresses should
be given.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
THE CHAMPLAIN SEA SERPENT
AGAIN.

The Chemplain sea serpent, which
has been quiescent for n long period.
seems to have taken advantage OF the
Champlain tercentenary to make its
temperance. 1t has evidently taken
to the shallow waters OF tributaries
Of Lake Champlain. for first a resident
Of South Burlington saw his snake
ship. probably in Muddy Brook, and
now 1t appears In Missisauoi river.
monstrations the Enosburgh Standard
says:
story OF the sea serpent In the vicin-
ity of swanton. MS told in a recent la
sue of the Courier. Is only bit of nd
vertising designed to attract people
swantonward tercentenary day. There
10 no other excuse for seeing such
things In Swanton since the town
went dry last March.
There is something peculiar about
the appearance Of the Champlain sea
verpent In places that are experience
ing something OF a drouth. As al
ready indicated It may not take kind
iy to too much water. Swanton Is dry,
South Burlington In dry and all Yer
mont was dry when the serpent made
its last farewell tour previous to the
present one. Under these circum-
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
THU THINK-BOX,

I've got thing inside my head
That's made of tacks and spools of
thread.
And little sticks. and wheels, and
springs,
And scissors. and all sorts of things.
Besides it's like little trap;
When thoughts come In. l hear II snap!
And there It's got 'em, In a trice.
Like Vi'let's trap gets little mice.
rs like Dads typewriter machine,
With clocks. and such things. in be-
tween.
It's something like his camra. too
And like my paints--red. green, and
blue.
1t ticks out thoughts and ticks 'em In,
As fast az all the wheels can spin
II makes me think OF things for lunch,
And wooden guns, and funny Punch
And Judy. and OF Puss In Boots
And Grandmama, and soldier suits.
1t makes me think Of motor cars.
OF sixteen rabbits and ten stars.
1t makes me want n piece OF rope.
hammer and Dads shaving soap.
II makes me break my china cup,
And get my suit all dirtied up.
Guess what It's Just been telling me :
1t said ! must go quietly
Tho one where all tho cookies are.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
TAXING AUTOMOBILES.
(From the Neport Expressly


The automobile owners of Vermont
have paid the State a special tax Of over
$4,000. This is an extraordinary sum to
be assessed on a special class of prop
erty owners and is out of all proportion
to the taxation of other personal prop
erty in the State. 1t Is almost confessed
~ an attempt at class taxation. and COM
mends itself to the revenue hasers OF
the State because II is easily collected
and comes in the main FROM people who
can afford to pay an excessive tax The
redeeming feature Is the announced In
tention Of spending the money on the
States highways.-Rutland Herald.
II hardly seems right to specialize An
automobile independent Of any other
class Of property and place upon II an
excessive tax. Automobiles are not toys
at the present time or machines designed
especially for pleasure they are used n
the transaction of business. performing
the same work that devolves upon the
horse and should be placed upon the
same basis as the horse when It comes
to listing for a tax. As we understand It
$30 horse is listed higher than a $50
one; therefore a 900 automobile should
be listed higher than 81. an one. But they
should be listed and taxed reasonably upon
the same basis as other property and not
separated out and taxed at high luxury
rates as is done at the present time. No
fairly well-to-do man could stand the
same ratio Of tax upon all of the prop
erty he might own, as Is placed upon his
automobile. and meet running expenses:
and the question is, why should the auto
be outrageously taxed and in the present
manner simply because he chooses II in
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
THE SHORTAGE IN THE DEPART
NEWT OF JUSTICE.

The shortage In the department OF
Justice resulting from the combining
OF prisoners In the county jails at the
expense OF the State instead Of send
ing them to the House OF Correction
where they can contribute toward
their own support Is attracting wide
spread attention. 1t is not n pleasant
thing for the people of Vermont. who
love their State. to see II reduced to
the point OF depending upon indui-
gence of private fnanciers to pay its
bills. even though such payment may
mean simply tho endorsing OF the
notes Of representatives OF the State
acting in their private capacity in
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT.

There are certain matters connected
with the administration Of our Yer
mont affairs which should be freely
talked over before any candidate for
governor enters the field. With the
personality of aspirants eliminated it
will be possible for the people to calm
ly consider issues from different stand
points and dispa ssionately pass upon
the same.
1t would be foolish to gainsay the
fact that there is a wide spirit Of un-
rest throughout Vermont at the pres
ent time. The wise surgeon is not he
who tries to ignore the presence OF
disease, but the one who promptly
diagnoses the situation and proceeds
to apply effective remedies or. if ncccs-
Let us consider one phase of the stu
alton this morning.
We believe one Of the chief causes
OF this unrest Ia the fact that there Is
an Increasing disposition to spend the
States money In a way that would not
be adopted. or even tolerated, II those
voting to spend 1t were Obliged to foot
the bills themselves. We believe that
this strikes at the very root OF the
whole trouble with Vermont's finances.
We have gone on increasing taxes
on corporations which are merely tndi-
rect taxes on the people. and diverting
liquor licenses and other taxes from
towns into the State treasury on every
possible pretext. the automobiles be-
ing only one of many taxable kinds of
property to be taken from the town
grand lists; and yet the cry is FOR
more money.
No particular man is to be blamed
for this condition OF affairs. It is tho
same everywhere. similar tendency
exists in the national government. as
we showed yesterday. II is cncoun-
tered in municipal governments. II
we cannot ind enough objects to tax,
we mortgage the future. and spend the
proceeds in the multiplication OF I'M
necessary and often foolish expense.
Now what Is the remedy?
Recent experience has shown that a
mere party platform. to be read by it's
title only and ignored ever after will
not suffice,
Public sentiment must be aroused to
point where 1t will insist upon the
election Of men to the Legislature and
the head Of the government who
while not being nigsardly or n-pro-
gressve. will stand as bulwark
against the slightest extravaganza in
the voting away OF the taxpayers
money.
The people Of Vermont are ready,
unless we seriously misinterpret pub
| lie sentiment. to make wise economy in
State expenses one OF the paramount
issues of the campaign.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
CORPORATION TAX PROBLEMS,

AS Vermont has already learned to
It's sorrow the tax question, like the
tariff. Is local Issue, Uncle Sam
Ideas with reference to methods of
taxation. and now It is not impossible
on some Of the features OF the Green
Mountain States corporation tax law
or modification thereof
Vermont taxes the corporations In
different ways according to the char
acter OF the concern. whether II is a
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

savings institution or a railroad. The
idea which Is being conspicuousiy
considered at the present time in
Washington is the taxation on the
net income Of corporations available
for dividend purposes
1t seems to be taken for granted
very generally among our national
lawmakers that the revised tariff law
will not provide sufficient revenue to
meet the rapidly Increasing expenses
Of tho government, whether the re-
vision be up or down. Some authori-
ties insist that duties must be raised
In order to produce increased revenue
while others equally strenuous insist
that high duties tend to discourage
imports and thus cut of revenue.
All agree. however, that an income
tax or a stamp tax or tax on the earn
ings of corporations must be relied
upon to provide additional income. II
the necessities Of the federal govern
of expenditure.
The House of Representatives has
already provided in the Payne bill for
the collection of graduated tax on
inhcrtances. and the Indication that
the Senate might be inclined to favor
an income tax In spite of the fact
that the Supreme Court of the United
States has already declared such a
tax unconstitutional led President
Taft TO send his special message to
Congress recommending an amend
ment to the Constitution legalizing an
income tax. and recommending an
amendment to the tariff bill imposing
upon all corporations and joint stock
banks otherwise taxed, savings banks
and building and loan associations. an
excise tax measured at two per cont.
on the net income of such corpora
lions.
In a state like Vermont. which i'm
poses State tax on corporations In
teresting questions at once present
themselves.
II the federal government taxes the
net earnings of corporations, will 1t
be wise for the state to continue to
tax the same corporations at the pres
ent rate. thus forcing them to pay a
double corporation tax?
II we reduce the rate of taxation
on corporations In the event that
Congress adopts President Tafts rec
ommcndation. how can we meet the
expenses of our constantly increasins
State expenses without direct tax
on the taxpayers of Vermont?
II Congress establishes a tax on the
net earnings of, corporations, and
Vermont continues to collect corpora =
what extent will this double corpora
ton tax tend to drive corporations
from our State?
Answer any or all of these questions
as we may. we are inevitably forced
back to the proposition that retrench-
ment in our State expenses will be
more necessary than ever, and that
economy will be a paramount issue
in Vermont's campaign next year.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
IF THE EARTH SHOULD SKID.

This earth pursues a rapid pace;
The figures that define
The speed with which II makes the race
Round the celestial line
That marks Its course is far too great
For plain Arithmetic,
And no policeman lies In wait
To play a heartless trick.
1t has no need OF gasoline;
No number It displays:
1t travels swiftly. yet SERENE
Secures 'gainst all delays
Yet. as the Milky Way CLEANS out
You ind you cannot rid
Your mind OF one Overwhelming doubt
Surprising We should skid?
Washington Star
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

When you want anything. advertise IN
tho new special column Of this paper.
Some bargains are offered there this
week which It will pay you to read
about. Sec page two. This paper has
more than $4,000 readers every week
and one cent a word will reach them all.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

Vermont dairymen will rejoice to learn
that as a result OF the protest aroused
by the proposal to change the tax on
oleomargarine Senator Aldrich has
promised that nothing would be done in
the matter at the present session. II
will be we'll for the Vermont dairy inter-
ests in the meantime to be looking thor
oughly after their interests in this con.
nection.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

The Rutland Herald rejoices in the fact
that 1t has discovered another Khayyam
In the midst OF the Marble Citys popula-
ton and quotes poetry to prove It, Rut-
land Is evidently destined to become a
center Of the balloon business, both toy
md otherwise.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

what about preserving the State
Houoc?" inquiries the Rutland Herald.
Do as has been done at Montpelier.
Build n fence around the edifice.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24
SPRING JOKE.

William King-Whered YOU get those
pumps7
Charlie Princeton a shoe tree--Cor-
nell Widow
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

rerms-S1. 30 n Year. In Advance.
DAILY By mail $500 a ycar In advance
RATE IN CANADA.
DAILY. 500. s400 a ycnr in advance.
WEEKLY. $500 n year in advance.
FREE PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Publishers, Burlington, W.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-06-24

stances the sly intimation of the stan
dard that only wet towns see snakes
is unkind in the extreme.