Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-23


Alta numerous meeting OF the citizens of Richmond,
held at the City Hail. Friday evening, the 18th inst,
without regard to party, VIM Lambert, (Wayor,) was
called to the Char, and Thcs NJ Alfrlend, appointed
Secretary.
The Chairman, in 4 few remarks, explained the oh
iect of the meeting to be- 10 consider the Tax bill, at
present before the Legislature and to take such action
in reference thereto as might BE- considered proper
On motion, 4 committee OF twelve was appointed, to
give expression 10 the views OF the meeting, consisting
OF the following gentlemen, viz: Jos. Mayo T. Van
Deursen, II. Baldwin, Charles Palmer, Il. Dudley, G.
r Peake, B. i. Minor, John Thompson. II. w Fry,
John A Smith, ID. A. Cardwe!i, T. NJ Alfriend.
The Committee retired for time, and reported, by
their Chairman the following Preamble and Resou
lions, which were unanimously adopted VIZ;
PREAMBLE
We the citizens Of Richmond ,.have and feel deep
interest in all the laws enacted for the government OF
this Commonwealth. Ii IS not narrow and selfish
interest look beyond ourselves bu, con-
sders and embraces the rights and welfare OF every
class of the people and portion OF our State
Whatever injustice and inequality there may be ID the
laws will certainly fall upon us, and may, from our
position and circumstances bear more GENEROUSLY upon
and the inhabitants of othe. towns; but they do not
affect only. In view, them Of the common opptes'
which 1t Will inEict upon ourselves ana fellow
citizens we do here solemnly protest against The Prin
cipes and provisions of the Tax b recently passed by
the lower House of our Legislature. ii IS not only our
und0ubted right TO examine and review The laws, winch
ore be executed upon u.s. but we deem u 10 be our
sacred duty raise against all injustice and
inequality in legislation. To the present Tax bill We
express decided opposition and appeal ere 1t is too
late the Senate, REJECT 10 nodfy IT, as 10 obvl
ate objections f,hcy refuse to do appeal and
invoke the people throughout Virginia TO Gil the places
of its authors and supporters with those who will repeal
IL and repair as far as possible, is injustice lie do
not make his ofpostiOa 20 The bill IN detious orPory
spirit. Though be the work Of those, against whom,
We for the most part are politically arraycd, i, is no,
because they originated passed IL that we 50 s,renons
ly oppose Bet, believing tito be unequal and unjust
oppressive aud :praotcabe, wish 10 avert IT'S )u'i
from ourselves and the people al large.
The power OF taxation IS necessary in every Govern
ment; and do no: TO object 10, or resist lis
proper exercise. Bw, IT dangerous and often abused
power; and We, coed czeus, though willing cheer.
fully to deray jus; portion Of ihe expenses of the
State determined TO guard from Tic gross abuse
TO which IT has just been carried If an increase Of
Taxes be necessary, none ready 10 submit
than we; but such increase ougEt to be uniform and
guided by fixed ard equitable principles In calm
and dspassonate examination 81 the Tax bill, we can
find no trace of that uniformity and equality required
alike by The genius Of Institutions and the letter Of
our Contributions State and Federal There is scarce
" anythng all It's provisions, calculated 10 CRAFTY
its friends TO win It's opponents, or canse cheerful
compliance on the part Of The People Inequality marks
almost every section and It's ungroaaded and invdous
distinctions are dangerous n tendency and wrong in
principle Upon u.s. residents in city, II falls with
peculiar hardship We know that The general mpres