Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1912-05-22

In commenting his administration. HIS
appointments were very strong, and
were always made with an eye
to the needs of the public
service. He has been a man o.
action rather than words, and,
In his distinguished public career has
left behind a record Of substantial
achievement that speaks far more elo-
quently than words could possibly do.
His four years were in an eminent de-
gree constructive years in the life of
the state government.
Praise from Newspapers Of Both Par
ties.
OF his first one, the Eastern Argus,
then as now the leading Democratic
newspaper of the State, spoke as fol-
lows in its issue of Jan. S. 1889:
Governor Burleigh's address is good.
1t discusses the usual topics In a candid,
straightforward manner, advances re-
concentrations with conservative eau
ton, and gives evidence throughout that
he intends to make a good Governor of
'If his presentation Of the financial
condition of the treasury Is slightly more
flattering than existing facts Justify, It
shall all be glad to see more than real
lied. The Governor evidently sympa-
thizes with the taxpayers, of the State,
OF his second inaugural address the
Argus said:
Governor Burleigh's message is a
" ell-written document: 1t is plain.
business-like review of Maine affairs,
with such comments on past legislation,
and recommendations for future legisla-
ton as seemed called for from his stand
point"
Tho messages of Governor Burleigh
were warmly commended by the press
of both parties, and, by common con-
sent, are conceded to rank among the
sblest State papers in the history of
Maine. The Waterville Sentinel of
January Is, 1891 voiced the general ver-
dict in the following editorial under the
caption, "A Good Message"
Rarely have the political newspapers
Of the State, of both parties, given such
hearty commentator to a State paper
Governor Burleigh, delivered last Thurs
day. 1t is a document brimful of matter
Of unusual interest to all the people Of
questions of the hour which are demand
ing action of the present Legislature.
In the ts Of he stale nanees te ea
ernor shows how the State debt, interest
and taxation, have been growing less
burdens of the citizens. The Governor
also makes apparent what is SO often
forgotten in the discussion of the tax
often depend very much upon the
amount Of extraordinary current ex-
penses in which towns and cities see 1T
adoption of the Australian ballot system
and sustains the special Tax Commits
sion in recommending State board of
and judicious handling. Of the live sub
Governor Cove F Burieigh Shows thorough &C.
quaintance with all the affairs of the
State and the current discussions touch
ing economic questions, and the benefit
OF his accurate information is given to
the people in paper, which In point OF
perspicuous statement and readableness.
need not fear comparison with any mes
sage ever presented to Maine Legisla-
ture, and which cannot fail to have
much influence in shaping the action Of
the session"
His 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 a few
of the practical results that came from
them. In his first message Governor
Burleigh said
Our own State valuation finds
too large a proportion of our pro-
perty in the farms of the State, and
makes the farmers pay an undue
other hand, the United States CEN
sus takes cognizance of the less
tangible but more profitable invest
ments 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 equi-
tably distributed, and more exact
Justice could be done to all citizens
alike-which is indeed the highest
duty of a state government"
AS a result of this recommendation
the Legislature authorized the Gov
ernor to appoint a tax commission "to
inquire into the system adopted by
other states to raise revenue for State.
county 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 ex-
penses, that shall be better adapted to
the wants OF this State, and reduce the
rata of taxation Of the people; and to
provide for a better and more effectual
system of assessment and collection 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.
The majority Of Its rscommenda-
lions were accepted. and have been
made law. We have the State board
| of assessors and equalization which
was one of the principal reforms urged
| by the commission of 1889. We have
| the license tax on dogs, we have the
| taxation of collateral inheritances, the
! tax on savings banks has been in
| creased, there is taxation of palace
| cars, foreign insurance companies and
| trust and loan companies, and of cor
| porate franchises, and the limit Of the
| railroad taxation has been raised.
Not only did Governor Burleigh in