Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1843-01-26
From tle Richmond H'hig, cf the liza.
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I
terday under discussion in the House Of
Delegates and the debate protracted TO a
late hour, was highly interesting. We
have space for only brief notice Of a
few OF the important points.
The report of the Committee, concu-
ding with the following resolutions, was
called up:
l. Resolred, as The opinion Of this Com
miaee, That revenue be raised sufficient
TO meet all the expenses Of the Govern
men;, economically administered, 10 pay
punciualy and certainly the interest on
the public debt, and to create sinking
fund adequate to the redemption Of The
principle in-years, and that the fai.h Of
the State be pledged, sacredly and in
violably, tina. the funds SO vested shall not
be diverted from that object.
.. Resoired, as the opinion of this Com
mifiee, That the taxes on existing subjects
be raised for that purpose, and that the
taxation Of The State be equalized by q
graduation of merchants licenses, and by
including capital which has hitherto been
exempted: and requiring proportonate
contributions from persons not possessed
of capital, but enjoying incomes from
other sources.
Mr.. Randolph chairman Of the Com
mtiee Of Finance) moved TO ill the blank
in the first resolution with 25 years.
MIR. X. then proceeded at length to explain
his own and the views Of tue committee.
An increase of taxes and Of the subjects
Of taxation was deemed necessary to meet
the obligations OF the State, and MAINTAIN
(Which was to be done at all hazards) the
credit Of the commonwealth.
Mr.. r. would rest the sinking fund up
on the land tax, as the most certain, and
| calculated TO give the best assurances TO
the world Of the determination Of the
Legislature to pay the State debt.
Mr.. X. was utterly opposed to the ex-
istlng system of taxation as unequal and
oppressive upon the landed interest and
the industry of the country. To cor
rect existing evils, he proposed to equal.
ize the'taxes, by taxing capital in all lis
varieties.
He would increase the taxes upon land
II cents the 500, and negroes cents
50 as to make the increase from these two
sources $42 900.
AS TO the merchants, he would tax their
sales. He would fix minimum Of sales
say Sc 000-on which the merchant
should pay per ceni-(he did not name
the sum- and then the merchant TO be re.
CURED to give bond that at the end of
the year he will render correct state.
meni Of his sales, and pay pro rata for all
over the minimum.
Bank stocks, State stocks, lncorpora-
ton stocks, &C., he would tax 2 per cent.
on the dividend. He eslimat. the reven-
ue from this source at SAG 900.
lie would tax the salaries Of officers
and the income OF individuals tower $250)
? per cent. and also professional men
lawyers, doctors. &c.
Revenue from these sources, 1913, 900.
He would next tax cUnveyancrs-25
cents, for example, upon every 800
and upon devices and descens about $255
upon every Observation-Disclosures $50, 900.
Reduce the minimum on plate .sx-so
as to Weld Sl2 900.
Mr.. Randolph concluded by very
earnest appeal to all representing the
landed interest to rally around his propo-
s,,on, and establish his great principle of
taxing incomes and capital--by doing so,
he said they, would make new advocates
of the cities for economy (; and new ene-
mips Of debt and taxation.
He wound up by very magnificent
reference to himself, being nountain.
born and mountain-bred, and hoped to be
mountain buried talked about his love
for the mountains-and about the emo
bling influences which the rugged noun
tans had upon the human soul, &c. &c.
Mr.. Crutchfeld expressed his OPPOSE
ton to any reference to the subscription
to the BALTIMORE and Chic K. K. Compa-
ny ontending that after mex: July the
State would not be bound TO make the
| subscription unless certain cond lions,
which were impossible, were complied
with.
Mr.. Lewis. after expressing his reluc-
lance TO espouse all the principles Of the
report, moved the following:
Resolved, That the report Of the Com
mitiee of Finance be- iecommitted TO
said Committee with Instructions to pre-
pare and report to this House, as early as
practicable statement, showing,
LIST. VIVA, subject will, in their opn-
ion, best bear permanent taxation, IN.
GLIDING those already taxed, with the
eas. burthen to the people, aud a just
regard to the interests Of oil classes.
Cd. What amount Of revenue may be
raised upon such subjects, according to
some equal, pioportlonate rates fixed by
the Committee, having regard, in estima.
ting the amount, TO the present actual
wants Of the treasury, the further current
and contingent expenses OF the Govern.
ment, economically administered, the 10.
terest accrulng on the State debt, and the
sum 10 be provided as a sinking fund for
the ultimate extinguishment of that debt.
A long debate ensued, in which the en-
tire merits of the various details submit.
ted by Mr.. Randolph, were canvassed.
Nassrs Randolnh Talaferro Daniel