News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1916-06-21
POLITICAL ADVERTISING
The Legislature of 1912
From the Vermont Tribune

The list of Offences Of Hon. Allen
M. Fletcher during his administration
as Governor, so generously omitted in
the st. Adams Messengers list of that
officials transgressions, and supplied in
the columns of the Tribune, has attract
ed the attention of the St. Johnsbury
Caledonian, and that esteemed contem-
porary has been moved to make-un-
consciously, but nevertheless appreci-
ably-the greatest tribute yet paid to
Governor Fletcher's service to the state.
The Caledonian thinks the legislature
OF 1912 should be given credit for the
measures mentioned as having been
pushed through the legislature under
the leadership of Mr.. Fletcher as gov
ernor. And that is precisely the credit
that Mr.. Fletcher gives.
From the very outset Mr.. Fletcher
has pronounced the legislature of 1912
one of the most efficient, constructive
and faithful general assemblies within
the memory of the recent generation,
and he will doubtless regard itas high
compliment that an opposing paper
should deem the Offences" named de-
serving enough to be credited to the
legislature in question. He has been
content to bear the "kicks" aimed at
him by few inspired newspapers, but
he is generous enough to give full credit
to the lawmakers who so faithfully CO.
operated to do what is coming at this
late day to be recognized as great
| service for the commonwealth. Indeed,
the friends of Governor Fletcher know
that he is determined, no matter what
else happens, that the legislature of
1912 shall receive the credit that it
failed to receive owing to campaign
of misrepresentation so vigorously waged
against his administration and all hav-
ing anything to do with it.
A brief summary of this service for
the benefit of the people of Vermont will
be interesting and informing. For in
stance:-
Measures to equalize the burdens of
taxation.
Increasing the taxes of the railroads
by the sum of $40, 900 biennial1y, and
the taxes OF the express companies by
$4,000.
Forcing the American Express Com
pany to pay Its taxes like other people.
Measures regarding freight demurage
for the benefit OF the shipping public.
RELOCATION of the railroad lobbyists |
who sought to dominate legislation, es-
pecially through the senate.
Steps to prevent the Encouragement
from acting as buffer between the rail-
roads and the people.
Measures to force the attorney-gen-
eral to stop the inexcusable expenditure
Of $4,000 of the taxpayers money bien-
nially for detective expenses, compared
to $4,000 a few years ago and SIo, 900
now.
Forcing the telephone companies to
abolish charges for unanswered calls,
as in other states, and to stop watering"
stocks as a basis for increased charges
20 patrons through absorption of rivals
md monopoly.
Order for a reduction in various ex-
,essive telephone rates, which for some
MYSTERIOUS reason has not been enforced
out has been allowed to remain indefi-
lately in the courts.
Saving of thousands of dollars through
state purchasing system.
Steps to provide adequate school tacil-
ties for Vermont youth.
Provision for a real public service
commission as at present, and a public
ervice law with teeth" in it, to ensure
,etter public service.
Steps to prevent reactionary judges
rom emasculating popular legislation
md to ensure more speedy justice and
more economy in the conrts.
Preparedness for defence through pro-
'ision for armories for the use of the
National Guard.
Legislation for factory inspection,
eading to improved sanitary conditions
or workingmen and women in factories.
Insistence that the voters of Vermont
hould have the right to nominate, d.
ectly, their own candidates for Office.
Legislation to remove dangerous high
'oltage electric lines from the high
Ways of the state through the medium
# the public service commission.
Insistence upon such bonds furnished
" state officials as any good business
nan would demand in dealing with his
wn affairs.
Measures to encourage the develop
nent of the water power of the state and
It the same time reserve the benefits
Ultimately for the upbuilding of Yer
mont industries and the prosperity of
'ur people.
The promotion of conservation of Yer