Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-04-20
THE GRAND RIVER TIMES.
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN,
WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 20, 1853.
tY~ In another column will be found CON-

Icy In aD0ther column VIII Dc Iound CON-
munication on the new tax law. We do not re-
gard the present system of taxation as faultless,
but cannot see in it SO many imperfections as
does the author of this article. We have new
er been able to look with any degree of favor on
the principle of taxing credits, and can endorse
what he says on that point. But We had GER
tainly rather see those other provisions of the
law, to which he has taken exception, subjected
to the test of experience before agitating their
repeal. To do away with the requirement of a
sworn statement, and the imposition of penalty
in case of refusal to make it, seems to us like
taking back step towards the old state of
things. The objections advanced in regard to
these provisions of the law will, we think, prove
in practice to be more imaginary than real. We
have too much confidence in the integrity of hui
man nature to believe that the administering of
such an oath as is prescribed in the law, only
once in year to each citizen, is likely to make
us nation of perjurers. The fear of detection
and punishment would of itself render frequent
violations Of the sanctity Of the oath too haz-
ardous to be ventured. A refusal to give the
required statement, in any supposable case, will
not enable the one refusing, to evade taxation,
and if the assessing officer does his duty fully
in the first instance, such delinquencies would
not be repeated. The object of the law is, to
compel full discovery of all the taxable prop
erty in every mans possession, and we can con-
ceive of no more effectual method for accom-
plishing this object than the one adopted. 1t
has worked satisfactorily elsewhere, and we can
see no good reason why it should not here.
We can not say that we hope the next legis-
lature will repeal all that par. of the law ex-
emptng certain property from taxation. Ex-
empted property is for the most part embraced
in these three classes public property; prop
erty devoted to educational, charitable and burial
purposes; and certain descriptions of property
that arc absolutely and Immediately essential to
the continuance and enjoyment of life. Moth
ing of course would be gained by taxing public
property; nor would it be good policy to impose
burden on property which has been withdrawn
from the ordinary channels of speculation, and
devoted to philanthropic objects that partake
more of a public than private nature. The
burden Of taxation now falls on those best able
to bear it, but if our laws become so rigid as
to tax man for the last rag on his back, it will
often bear with the most oppressive weight on
the unfortunate. We have always regarded the
present law with regard to exemptions as both
wise and humane, and so long as it continues
to work to the apparent satisfaction of all class
es, shall wish for it's continuance.
~ The steamer Detroit has commenced
making tri-weekly trips from this port to Chica-
go, leaving here Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat
urdays, on the arrival of the river boats. She
will run, we are informed, for six weeks at least
as above stated, and if it is found to pay expen-
ses, will continue on the route during the sea-
son. We regard this intelligence as reliable,
and trust the Detroit will receive such substan-
tia favor with the public as will secure for this
remote region the permanency of regular
steam communication with Chicago. This is
now the last link necessary to form for us an
unbroken steam connection with the principal
cities of the Union, and this effort to complete
that connection should receive patronage CON-
mensurate with its Importance. At the present
time there is travel enough, that should pass over
this route, to pay not only the expenses of
boat, but also handsome profit in addition
But the course which has been taken in this
matter for the last few years has caused this
travel to take other directions, and, the public
confidence has been so often abused, we appre-
bend it will require some time to turn it back
into its natural channel. 1t very obvious that,
so soon as those interested can be made to be-
lieve that the long needed facilities do actually
exist on this route, it will become an important
thoroughfare. Extensive business relations ex-
ist between the people Of Grand River Valley
and Chicago, and until the completion of some
one of the contemplated railroads into this re-
gion, passengers for the east or west will find
this to be the mos: expeditions and comfortable
means of conveyance.
r3a5 We see by our exchanges that the town.
ship meetings throughout the State have gener-
ally resulted in the election of democratic Off
GERS. In every part of this county the cleo
tions have been held, as heretofore, without any
Al.