Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-31
Editors Letter Box
The So-caIIed Federal Invasion.

/ 1t is exceedingly discouraging
when men in high political positions,
who are supposed to represent the
people, take advantage of their posi-
ton by misleading them. 1t is quite
possible that statements are some
times made with little forethought as
to the real facts, merely for the sake
of political support, but even under
these conditions they are not ex-
cusable and only tend to make the
citizen of average intelligence lose
faith in those whom we should look
up to.
Statements have recently appeared
in Maine papers in regard to what
is said to be a considerable agita-
ton in some quarters" against Fed
eral appropriations to the state.
Such criticism strikes at the very
heart of our system of taxation, by
which those best able to pay the
heavier taxes are 50 taxed. That
such a system of taNtion is fair to
all, whether, rich or poor, is I'M
deniable. In like manner this
criticism aims directly at the princi-
pie upon which state aid" is based.
In the early days each town built its
own roads, but these roads. in many
cases. formed no connecting chain
until the State stepped in and aided
in putting through the se-caled
trunk lines" which connected up
the various towns. That such a sys-
tom is decidedly worth while goes
without question, for the smaller
towns are unable to build permanent
roads, due to the expense involved.
There are certain departments of
public welfare which must be handled
by the State or Federal government
Can anyone, imagine a small town
the State. restocking the ponds
within its borders with trout so
that the sportsmen from the cities
can enjoy their vacation, or
building n fire lookout station to
protect the forest from fire. or build
ing hospitals for the poor. sick and
aged. or building schools of advanced
standing? Such ideas stultify our
knowledge.
departments of work which are
fundamentally the business of the
Federal government inasmuch as
they affect tho welfare Of the coun-
try as a whole. For example, the
roads of Maine arc used each sum-
mer by countless automohilists from
Boston and New York and it is only
fair that these people should aid,
through taxes collected largely in the
thicllly settled portions of tho coun-
try, for road building. Good roads
are essential for good government.
for industry, and. in case of war. for
transportation of troops and supplies.
In similar way the government aids
in the protection OF the forests from
fire, in establishing fish hatchcries.
and in public health education. The
few restrictions that go with these
appropriations are admitted by all
officials to be exceedingly liberal and
just.
Mention was made of the fact that
the Federal government takes por-
ton of'the taxes collected in Maine.
absorbs portion for their own ex-
penSc account. and then returns the
balance to the state. Such state
ment is far from the truth. is de-
cidcdly misleading. and throws dis
credit upon the Federal government.
The fact is that the state OF Maine
undoubtedly gets far more in the way
OF Federal appropriations for roads.
schools. health, forestry and fish
cries, then is paid ont hy Tho citi-
zcns Of the state In Federal taxes
In other words the Federal govern
mont is said TO be taking away our
independence" simply because they
are trying 20 help the state. The
tax payers In general would nnaouhts
cdly resent amy effort on tho pnrt OF
the state 10 discontinue the ne
ceptance Of Federal funds. Such
statements DO not welt go hand IN
hand with tho inevitable promise of
lowering the tax rate, ana ih~ usua,
promise Of economy which generally
ends In the public losing
4 CITIZEN.
4