Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-01-24
Foreign Miners' Tax, &c.


the signature of "Mrador," argues in spe-
cious style in favor of change in the law in
relation to the above source of revenue.
The basis of his reasoning being ''it is said,
or it is believed" can have no weight with
the close observer. Yet, as the plausibity
of "Mirador" might mislead some, if not in
regard to the facts, at least as to the feelings
Of the people in this county, we notice the
communication.
His first point, "too heavy an expense in
the collection he endeavors to sustain by
stating that the collectors frequently make
twenty dollars per day while ont collecting
the tax. If he had intended to dojustice tc
the subject, why did he not state how much
per month was received? Are few such
DAYS with one in twenty of the collectors tc
be taken as criterion? No. "Mirador'
evidently intended to deceive, which, accord
ing to Mrs. Opie is but slight remove from
fasehood
1t may be true, that the former Board
of Supervisors allowed to some of the col
lectors the additional per centage which they
have the power by law to do. Still that is
no argument, ofitself, against the discretion
ary authority of the Board. If collectors
have been paid too much for their services,
that is the fanlt of the auditing officers, anu
not of the Statute. In many parts of the
mines, where there arc but few foreigners
subject to the license, no responsible man
would accept the position of collector for
the bare fifteen per cent. allowed by law
He could not make sufficient to warrant him
in making an endeayor therefore the Statute
wisely provides that the Supervisors in their
discretion may increase the pay to twenty-five
per cent If this power vested in the Board
is abused, hold them accountable before the
people. According to the reasoning of "M-
rador," all auditing bodies should be done
away with, for they all at times commit errors
in allowing exorbitant demands
As to this tax being promptly paid, easily
managed, &C., Mirador" has shown his g-
norance, or done worse The difficulty of
collecting the tax is so proyerbial, that none
but resolute men will answer for collectors;
and the prompt payment is virtually contra
dcted by "Mrador" himself, in the state.
ment of his third point. 1t is extremely easy
to find fault, but not so easy to point out
remedy In law, an objection to plea must
be accompanied with what would be correct.
Has "Mirador" pointed out any cheaper
method of collecting?
Were it necessary, we could show that the
constable plan would be more costly and less
safe. There would be twenty bonds in small
amounts, for the security of the fund, where
there is but one now in sum that warrants
investigation. But one man, the Sheriff.
with his snreties are now responsible for the
whole fund, and he is easily looked after,
while the township collectors would be liable
in comparatively small sums, and their delin-
quencles would pass unnoticed. Add to this
the mileage of each collector in going to the
county seat to settle up, and you would
have large item against this maudln re.
form.
His second point =" Wilful, corrupt and
oppressive conduct on the part of collectors
would be good one, if true, provided it
we're certain that the elective system would
secure better and more humane men We
doubt the "blank paper" and other manrac
tices alleged; and win here say to " Miradors
that if he knows of any such, he is not doing
his duty as a good citizen in permitting them
to 60 unpunished. The law is sufficiently
severe in its penalties, yet if persons knowing
TO violations of the statute will not do their
duty, of course the criminal escapes with i'm.
pnnity.
The third point =" That large classes Of
foreigners evade payment" is not attempted
to be proved, yet it may be true; and if SO
we ask IN what manner can this be remeded.