Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-03-26
COMMUNICATIONS.

RE-
is, it would seem, making long and rapid strides
among us. In nv youth was taught to respect,
and almost venerate, man of learning; and
then foolishly imagined that nature had formed my
hands for the express purpose holding aspade,
some other more ignoble instrument. To handle
apen, Except to sign my name upon certain &C.
easions of subscriptions and the like, and that
in no respectable manner,) was never thought Of
Nv schoolInaster used to tell me, and then look
ed I'D to him as an Oracle, that for me, raw
boned countryman, to write a letter, was some
thing worse than Hercules turning the spindle.
But am clad to find that was altogether de-
ceiycd. l have read with interest several pieces
which have appeared in your paper; and since
Newspapers never tell lies, and as the writers
seem to be, from their professions, men OF the
same class as myself, felt courage enough to
put my shoulder to the wheel to help out OF the
Rat the dray Of the Corporation. must here
sign nv name, and with it my profession, II LIZ
borer. will leave the U0rkig Nan to la
Dor in his VOCATION as he appears able and will
ling to perform his task. | believe | need not
tell him that plenty of work is CUT out for him.
Let him not suppose that think HIM Tailor
simply because he makes some good attempts to
cat 0M himself.
Taxation is. | am glad, the order of the day.
ID
mare eo' 1t would now seem that the proverb
has been improved upon, that money makes the
Mayor come" But no matter whether he s'come"
or ..go,'' the same great ruling, alpowerful prin
cipe, Interest, is acted upon in all its ramltlca-
tons. / cordially agree with the Tar Pager,
that the strong energies of Alexandria have been
most cruelty crippled through the self-interested
motives of few individuals, who, whilst they
boosted of public spirit, were only intent upon
private advantage Any man of plain common
sense will ask his neighbor this plain simple ques
ton. s.why ought YOU and be taxed to benefit
others?" Taxation should never be imposed up
OH any other principle than to promote, in some
degree on other, the benefit of those who pay
their taxes-and taxes should be imposed IN the
same ratio as the future benefit expecting to re-
suit from taxation affects individual taxpayers
and my poor fellow Laborers ought not to be tax
ed merely to support Gentleman-or, to use
the expression of the IS Working Man," an " Ex-
clusive"-whO will not condescend even to bid
us "a good morning. as we pass HIM In the
streets. have read somewhere, but quotations
must not be expected, that the object OF all gov
ernments ought to be the happiness of the gov
ened. The object, therefore, Of the Common
Council Of Alexandria, being as am willing to
suppose the happiness and prosperity of the citl-
zens at large. without any intention OF monOpo-
lizinr the leaves and fishes themselves, the Com
mon Council ought to lay taxes proportionate to
the incomes of the citizens in general no matter
what NAV be their situation or occupation. thus
a large revenue would be created, and no indlvl-
dual feel the effects of taxation. | am pleased
with the list, as published BY the {" Tax Payer
of persons who ought to come under the denoml-
nation of taratle-But must confess was ra-
Their startled at his boldness in including Min
listers of the Gospel These, we have been
taught to look upon as erentptiOna6te characters
almost out of the pale of the law: or as some
thing above the reach of the law. But indepen
IDENTIFY Of its indelicacy, rather improperly
the measure would, in my opinion, be clogsed witt
a load of embarrassments, and, In the end, prove
abortiye For are all, male and female, who eve
open their lips upon the subject OF the Gospel o.
Religion. to be taxed independently of thei
other taxes, or not? This Is most necessar.
ouestion. A man may elude his tax as mer
chant bv proving that he is "a Minister of tn
Gospel And as we have so many who can d.
this. the consequence would be dreadful. If the,
be taxed in the double capacity OF Merchant
and "Ministers,'' the burden would be Cypress
i've. Besides, how can the salary be discovered
Will thew be obliged to swear what it is? d.
not believe that many of them can. Another oh
lection starts itself. BY what existing law is
to be determined who are. and who are not :. Mi
nisters of the Gospel" Will license eithe
make or unmake thems Do they, or do they not
preach the Gospel? Our Saviour and Peter pan
their taxes. but they paid them as forming par
of the community. For one should wish tina
these points would be settled, and for one goo
reason, that the Revenue of the Town would
increased wonderfully.
II, Mr.. Editor, you think these thoughts wort
putting into type you may do so-if not, 1t WI
not be the first time that disregard and neglee
have been the recompense Of poor
Mn. EprroR: You have seen what intende
sc the second number of g We the People"
You cannot consent to publish 1t, please say
Your columns, that Sc the remarks Of = We n
Psople', are too intemperate-'ce mean, they ar
bv far, too harsh upOn the ,corthy men 'ono an
IS1d ought to be acknowledged oar sttper1ors.
While writing, would state, that when mr. n
determined to interest myself In the affairs OF tn