Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-05-15
Total means now applicable

Thus. il the legislature will not disturb the exist
ing laws, and not lower the present rates OF taxation
for few years only, we may, with present and GER
tain means, abundany provide for all the expenses
OF government, for the sinking fund nf the old debt,
and for appropriations of at least $500 O0U per an.
mum to public works. And our people are able and
willing to bear this burden for decade or two.
rather than sacrlce the expenditures already made,
rather than dishonor the State credit, and rather than
forego any longer than absolutely necessary the great
ends proposed 10 bs accomplished by some few OF
the main works of improvement necessary to be
finished to make any of them profitable.
But ii party seiri-hness and blindness, the fears
and arts Of demagogues, want OF patrotlsm or want
of wisdom snd virtue, shall raise clanor against
taxation, though il be only three millions upon eight
hundred millions, or three.eighths of one per cent.
only upon the value of our property, and snail lower
the standard OF Stats enterprise honor and progress
as we'll az the rate OF taxes; yet cir, we have other
sources Of revenue which may be resorted to- when
will certainly guarantee and justify an expenditure
Of twenty Ave millions in the next ten years.
Under the Federal Constitution, no State shall,
without the consent Of Congress, lay any mposts or
duties on imports or exports, except what may o. 40
solu,ey necessary for executing It's inspection laws,
aud no State shall lay any duty of tonnage Under
restriction of the confederacy which thus deprives
The States Of indirect revenue and throws them upon
direct taxes for support it ia important to look out
for voluntary sources Of rrrenue 10 case The 'aroinn-
iary burdens Of their people. Il is strange indeed,
that enquiry in Stat. polry has heretofore tended
little towards that end, especially when there has
been 40 much ground in time past to apprehend the
danger and disgrace OF reputation OF public debt
Fortunately for Virginia, she has tco great sources
Of rerenue independent Of Involuntary taxation.
First BY the laws of the State from 1881, down to
this date, 'all unappropriated lands on the bay OF
Chesapeake, on the sea shore, on the shores OF
rivers aud creeks, and all the beds of rivera and
creeks continue 10 be common to the people of The
| Snte. And The limits or bounds OF the several
tracts of land lying the shore, rhs Chesapeake
bay and the rivers and creeks thereof and the rgh,s
and privileges OF the owners of such lands, shall eI
tend 10 ordinary loo ua.sr mark, but no further
unless where creek river, or some port thereof
| is comprised within the limits of lawful survey
Thus, from iow-water msik outwards into the waters
of tho State, their beds have been reserved pubi
domain and been made continually common 10 IN
people Of THIS STATE And by the unvarying decisions
OF the Circuit and Supreme Judges Of The Fedora
| Courts down TO the case Of Smith, owner OF th'
sloop Voant, plaintiff in error vs. the State Of Mary
land. December term CT the Supreme Court OF th'
United States, 1885," "whstever coil below low
water mark is the subject Of exclusive propriety sn'
Ownership, belongs to the State on whose msratlm
border and within whose territory it lies" And thi