The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-01-29
ABOUT EXEMPTION FROM TAXA
TION.

Editor of the Independent Reporter:
Everyone will readily admit that
there is difference between fact and
theory, between justice and injustice.
Both constitutional and statutory law
should give to all an even chance in
the struggle of life, and the people Of
our town should share just the same
as the people of every other town. No
discrimination should be made be-
tween the wealthy and the less fav-
ored between the cobbler on his
bench. working honestly and faithfully
to support his family and the capital
list at the head of great manufacture
ing plant; between the farmer living
in the remotest corner of the town and
the wealthy owner of blocks and stores
and dwellings from which he receives
monthly rent. They are all essential,
all contributing to the growth and
prosperity of the town, all should be
willing to bear their just proportion
of the burdens that have to be car
ried.
claim without fear of successful
contradiction that it is unreasonable
inconsistent and Illegal for any man
or combination of men, living now in
town or expecting in the future TO take
] he ri nf town.
to become exempt from bearing the
burdens devolving upon the taxpayers
of the town. We have had too much
of this in past years and under these
unjust conditions the people are rest
less and Justly dissatisfied No long
continued benefit will exist by cover
ing up the facts and clingng TO theo-
ries. The chasm is widening when II
should be rapidly narrowed and for
ever closed Where does justice come
in and right enthroned, when it is
made possible for wealthy stock-hold-
ers owning thirty millions of capital
and reaping seven per cent dividend
on the same to go on the free list and
| the small property owner struggling
to pay for his farm home or perchance
living in the village and in debt for a
little home that he is trying to own
being compelled because of an unwise
and illegal vote of the majority pres
] of
town, to take part of his earnings
+ and pay that which. by all that is just
and fair, should be paved by the
wealthy capitalists?
But the cry goes out We have wat
er power and buildings standing idle
and we need capital and population
and home markets and lots of things
that make up village or city, and in
order to get all this we must take il
legal and unfair measures to bring il
about" Then why discriminate in
favor of the extreme wealthy? Why
not give the parties who may start
in on any line of business the same
chance? Isn't grist mill or saw
mill or blacksmith shop, or any 9th
err place of business, essential to the
prosperity of a town? Ever hear of
any such industries asking exemption
from taxation? Isn't farming bust
ness and the most essential of all? If
you are undertaking to bring in CAPT
tai and population by such methods
why not give the family who will
guarantee to take possession of an
abandoned and run down farm, fix up
and repair the buildings, put on farm
stock and increase its valuation, ex-
emption for ten years? Let us go be-
yond that proposition and say to an
other Here is a vacant lot over on
certain street, the owner will sell.
Purchase it and put up nice stand
of buildings. Make it your home and