The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1855-08-22
csdix. o., Aug. 22, '55-3tpd.
IFor the Cadiz Democratic Sentinel!l
Ohio Taxation.

n communication appeared III Inc taSt
Republican on the "Ohio tax-law," contain.
ing, in my opinion, some erroneous ideas.-
The writer, presume, is an inquirer after
truth, and will no doubt, be pleased to be
corrected. if unintentionally he has fallen
into error. agree with him chat our tax
ssare onerous'' at the present time.-
Where this is the case"he says, "the par
tieular inquirers which arise are these:
9. Is the law which imposes these bur-
dsns necessary?
3. Is it equal?
3. Is it just?
II the writer were not too fond of heads
to discourse. l apprehend, he might have
been sa'isfed with the first two injuries;
for II it be necessary and equal, cannot
we'll see how il can be otherwise than just.
Waving for the present the inquiry into its
necessity, he proceeds TO lay down some
general propositions, as to the principles OF
taxation. with which l find no particular
objection --simply remarking that protection
to property is not the only ground Of taxa
tioa. NY main objection is, that he does
not carry them out. He says
m "Wi,h regard to taxation in general, we
inquire, Upon what principle is it based?---
\ The answer is obviously this: Upon the se-
{ sarity Of property, afforded by civi govern
Went. It is a recognized principle that
neither any individual, nor the government
has right to seize upon property, without
returning an equi, alent therefor 10 the own
or. To do SO is robbery. The money paid
for taxes. therefore, is for the consideration
OF protection in the possession of property
II IL clear that If government be essential to
personal security it is. incumbent upon
: those who are protected thereby tosustain
it. The obligation to support our civil in
stitaiions rests upon this gionnd, and upon
no ether. This. / think, will not be denied.
Again; If the protection to property be
the ground OF taxation, it follows that the
right on the part of the government to i'm
pose taxes must be co.extensiye with the
protection afforded, and no more. 1t has
no right to tax for property which does not
sxist: or. what is the same thing, it has M
right 10 tax upon o fictitious valuation Of
property. as is done by the present tax law;
which shall presently proceed to show"
Here his principle is that Governments 5
right totaI, should be co.extensive with the
Z prsseciion given. He proceeds
eve have no right to tax property OF any
Kind, held in smother State, by citizens OF
this. Such property should be taxed by
the government which protects it. For in.
stance, / hold note on man in Pennsyl-
vania. Now this note is collectable only
under the laws Of that State, j. Q. Pennsyl-
vania, by virtue OF the Laws of that Com
uaonweallh, secures TO me the possession and
enforcement Of my claim. Therefore, as an
equivalent. the government of the State has
right TO levy tal upon the money in the
puasesion Of the debtor. which, by yirtae
d of nv claim. may be considered as belong
i'm 70 me. And If that State would have
4 right 10 levy a tax upon my claim, the
fssts Of Ohio has no right 70 levy upon the
same claim: for otherwise, 1 am doubly tax.
I'd. 0f 81 beast the property is doubly taxed,
and taxed, TOP, by the government where
IN y stSDFds me no protection"
: res note which YOU may hold on the
nsaa II Pennsylvania, Is not indeed tangi-
BE properly, like real estate, horses or
wAsai; but II the d aker be solvent. Il is, a
thing Of value; itivwealth: il You may en-.
sdosss 4 70 your neighbor, al any moment for
eash, Of other tangible property. You may
ezchAnge II for houses Or lands; and i the
sschahgs Wsre equal, your wEaIEH remains