Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-10-10

obvious would be impotent to accomplish
Its understood purpose. 1t had passed
both legislative branches in the closing
hours Of the session and came to me at
time when my department was rushed
to the limit of its capacity. Proper con-
sideration was absolutely impossible. and
two courses only were open to me, one
to summon back legsla tors who had re-
turned to their homes and hold the Leg
is,ature until needed corrections could
be made and the other to exercise my
right of veto. Having in mind that the
session had then been unduly prolonged,
and that to reform the measure would
cause the State many thousand dollars
expense, as well as prove hardship to
the members who had then left the cap
ital, I pursued the course which econ
omy. and as It then and now seems to
me the interests OF our people. required
The demand for radical revision Is
insistent and has been for several ses-
sions. The present law does not have
general approval, but no tax system has
ever been evolved by any State. ancient
or modern, which has had universal ap-
proval and which will completely abolish
the inequalities of taxation. The great
trouble with us has been. that legisla-
tors held so many different and conflict
ing opinions about methods. there could
be found no common ground. Commits
sions have been authorized to study the
tax systems OF other Connonwealths
and report to our General Assembly. but
commissioners have disagreed mainly on
unimportant questions and legislators in
ho o. az ~
gested have become confused and doubt
full as to the expediency Of proposed re-
forms.
A solution OF the whole problem Is
not probable at any one session. but
an immediate correction of some OF the
inequalities of the existing law Is I'M
peratively demanded. Let me ask, that
the first work OF the Assembly now
convened be directed to this problem
The constituencies you represent expect
1t and the State requires It, Let your
aim be. to broaden opportunity. strike
down inequalities, and lift the burdens
from those least able to carry them.
II is proper for you to enquire If cor
porate property pays Its fair and just
share; If large wealth may not be made
to contribute its full and measured part;
II financial institutions should enjoy the
privileges that are denied to men; and
II you shall find present laws unjust and
unwise, 1t is your duty here to apply the
remedy and to do It with unsparing
hand. counsel you. do no injustice to
the rich or strong. but remember govern
ments exist to care for and protect the
poor and weak 1t is not in my province
to direct what you shall do, but there Is
command from all the people. irrespec-
tive of party, which you will gladly heed.
The problems are not new; they are as
old as the State your predecessors have
IN the main wrought we'll. but the tax
question remains unsolved.
EXEMPTION FROM TRUSTEE PROC
ESS.
The absolute exemption OF all sums to
the amount Of ten dollars due for labor
| from attachment, has been long asked
for by the wage-ea1ners of Vermont
Exemptions have been lavishly granted
by former Legislatures to our citisens
engaged In various pursuits. but this
meritorious measure has repeatedly fall
cd OF enactent. The present will Of the
people Is unmistakabie. They have
made their decision. 1t is for you to
record It In the laws Of the State.
LABOR LEGISLATION.
Vermont has been progressive In this
respect, but not sufficiently co. The
State is now entering the period of it's
greatest industrial development. More
and more will measures for the better
ment OF labor conditions press for enact
ment A careful study of the recent leg
islation In other States will convince