Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-04
PROBLEMS FOR OUR LAW.
MAKERS

PROBLEMS FOR OUR LAW.
; MAKERS
No legislature expects to escape
taxation problems. That these will
arise IL taken for granted; they are
inseparable from appropriations and
II there were not these to make for
this and that q legislative session
ordinarily would be comparatively
simple affair. The coming session,
however, is in a way to be more
than usually perplexed by these. OF
course the matter Of q State income
tar will come up; q drive" for a
highway bond issue over q period OF
years is already begun; some Of our
public institutions are admittedly tn
need Of improvement and additional
accommodations. While reduction
In taxation is always popular and
much comment is heard respecting
the increase in state taxation the
country over and the desirability of
checking this, the pruning knife is
an awkward tool In the hands OF
lawmakers desiring to square them
selves with their constituents and
their consciences. ~
In recent Legislatures effort has
been made to reduce the taxation Of
our railroads. Suggestions are heard
that II this may be done these roads
may be induced to make use OF our
hydro electric power in place Of
coal In what form if any this may
come before the lawmakers we have
not learned. We understand that
Governor Brewster adheres to his
opinion that there may be reduc-
ton in taxation without sacrificing
any important need. What is term
ed The Maine Taxpayers League has
been formed representing many
groups Of producers. This League
promises to have some very definite
opinions respecting methods Of bud
getting and expending. All in all,
tax questions may be expected to
occupy front seat for part Of the
session.
Presumably the hydro electric in
terests will remark to the lawmaK-
ers that II they will repeal the law
forbidding the export of power from
the State there will be added within
the next few years considerable tax
able property in the way Of de-
veloped projects. Those who believe
in the aid Of publicity for develop.
ing Maine will want some money
and will ask for it in return for the
. assurance that it will be money
wisely expended. Those who drive
cars over our roads know that the
cost Of travel over the well-kepr
highway is less than over the poor
road and they will urge that money
so expended will bring returns;
that residents the value of whose
property is enhanced by the better
highway should not expect the
motorist to pay all the bills at the
gas filling stations. The lawmakel.
must face the fact that the main
tenance of the gravel road where
travel is heavy is greatly in excess
Of the up-keep of the cement road;
that lack Of maintenance on our
highways is even more costly in the
long run than neglect to paint build
ings when they need II.
/, Summing up: we assume custody
of certain individuals in the inter-
ssts Of society and thus become obli-
gated to proper custody, cost what
it may; we want hospitals and
these cannot be had without fin
ancial support; suitable highways
are demanded on the best Of
grounds and these cost money; we
are obligated to our children and
children's children not to pass our
burdens to their shoulders in the
form of bonds for present-day ex-
penditures; we want to maintain
law and order and our highway
police think they can contribute .
whole lot to that il they can get the
money for doing it; we would aid
agriculture and will receive many
suggestions for doing this. all Of
which should be winnowed; we
want to keep step with progress and
that is q Quickstep and hard on
shos -leather. Perhaps the Maine
Taxpayers League can tell us the
right way to do It, we guess the
lawmakers would like to learn.
Again effort is being made by way
Of the initiative to compel the
legislature either to repeal the d.
rect primary law and return to the
old system or else refer the question
to the voters for their decision. II
the Legislature attempts to pass the
measure there is likelihood OF much
discussion; the line Of least resist
ancs would be its reference back u
the people.
Hotels are required to register
their guests. Presumably they think
the roadside camps for motorists are
a. greatly in need Of restrictions a.
are the hotels. A lot Of other people
think 20. anyway. Something In the
way Of regulation doubtless will be
undertaken. and should be.
There II manifest injustice In the
State granting . licez.=e to person
to drive q car unless 1t may be de-
termined within RET. n that the
Mcsases IL . At person. or to regis
ter . car that may become an en-
gins Of destruction not subject to