American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-05-17
From the Parkersburs Gazette.
STATE TAXES.
Shirning the Nosponsibility
Tao the People unttl they Groan!

Virginia is now deep in debt, and O.
yerburthened with taxation. No State
in the Union was evor so much in debt
or SO heavily taxed. We confidently
assert and re-assert this startling pro-
position: That, in proportion to our
wealth, resources and population, we
owe more debt and pay more taxes than
the people of any other commonwealth
in the confederacy. The financial au-
thorities of the State confess to a debt
of $21 100000 with other liabilities,
extending to s35,000,0OO-in round
numbers. 10 meet the interest on this
vast sum, taxation has become enor-,
nous. Last year, the taxes were hca-
Wy enough in all conscience; but, this
year, they have been increased 100 per
cent--just doubled on last year.
How comes this sad state of affairs?
This is an ugly question for the Dem
ocracy--a sore subject for Locofocos to
entertain-a tender theme to discuss
with members of that party which has
brought all this woe upon the State.
They would rather talk about any thing
else. Unlike their Governor, thew
don't like to hear the people "groan,
g'0an, GRoAN' especially when they
know that this symptom of suffering
but precedes harsher thunder-the in
dignant rebuke of an outraged and op-
pressed community. Consequently,
we lind these guilty politicians resort
ing to all sorts of shifts and turns, to
shirk the responsibility for the States
excessive indebtedness, which Justly
falls upon them. They will not hest
tate to use deception, in order to dodge
the odium which properly attaches to
their skirts.
! Ask an old line Loco what causes the
J State taxes TO be so heavy; and he will
reply, that the State debt is large and
the taxes must be heavy accordingly-
honest people must pay their debts!--
! Ask him how came the state debt so
large; and he will tell you that it was
incurred in the construction of inter-
nal vements-canals, rail roads,
turnpikes, &c. Ask him who voted
these immense outlays for injudicious
improvements; and he will answer both
parties. Ask him which party was in
majority and had control when these
breaches were made upon the state
treasury: and he will proudly respond,
"the Democracy, of course" Ask him
/ whether it is not fair, right and proper
that the party holding the keys Of the
treasury should be held responsible for
the safe keeping of the contents; ask
him this, and-,just then he will have
pressing business up town or down the
! country.
One trick of these hard pressed de-
linquents is highly amusing. Talk to
them about the high taxes for this year
and straightway theywill affect holy
horror and enquire whether you think
Of "repudiation edo you not justify
the recent legislature in. making ade-
quate provision for demands upon tho
state treasury" This is simply max
ing a false issue. With regard to re
Pudiattoh, on one thinks of that resort
at this time-when it shall become the
remedy, we have little doubt as to the
party that will osp6dso It's advocacy
the same party which has advocated
reputation elsewhere. Nor docs any
body find fault with the last Legisla-
turc for increasing the taxes sufficient
lly to meet the states obligations. 80.
This course was absolutely necessary,
to redeem the state's credit and honor,
which had been pawned aud placed at
forfeit by long series Of Locofoco Lc- !
GESTURES which have cursed the Com
monwoalth one after another.
The attempt to shirk responsibility
tor the mad acts Of these former Leg
Islatures, is pitiful and absurd. There
was time whon state taxes in Vir-
glnla were light and tri1ing, "morcly
nominal indeed. Who took the cred |
it for that state of things? Why, tho
Den,ocracy, to be sure.--In those hal |
cyon days, twas quito common to hear
Comparisons drawn between Virginia
and other states. "Look at Ohio
look at Pcnnsylvauia----with their
Why Governors and Wig Icgisla. |
turos-@see, how the people are there
taxed, while here, in tho Old Domin-
ion, with our Den,gcratic Governor and
Dentocratto Legislature, our tares are
nSerety nominal" Woll, that same
Democracy has been in power g. held
tho reins ever since--as our tazes arc
now slightly above nominal" will
they please take credit for the ad. |
vance2 Having taken tho response. |
bility for lgM tdres, because they were
in the majority---will they now take
the responsibility for heagy tases, be.
cause they we're IN tho majority? We
rather think they will; at least, the