The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-09-22

Taxes.
The Alamakee Herald and the Lansing
Mirror are having bit Of tussle about the
State taxes. The Mirror showed that though
the land value of Allamakec County had been
advanced 50 per cent. yet the per centum of
taxes was so reduced that the difference by the
change would amount in that County to but
$97,sl. The Herald publishes letter from
Auditor Pattee showing that there had been a
mistake in the classification of Allamakee CO.."
and that when an adjustment is had, the State
tax for 1858 will be $l454,71 more than it was
in 1857. If Allamakce with an advanced csti-
mate Of. fifty per cent, can show an increase on
State taxes alone of $l454.7l, how much will
Clayton County be required 10 ante, ON Az ad-
vanccd assessment Of nearly ono hundred per
cent. The amount cannot be less than SO 600.
aud Judging from its earlier settlement and its
present higher valuation, the additional de.
mand for State purposes in Clayton will be
nearly 5000!
In the County of Henry, a strong Republi-
can County, one in which resides several If the
distinguished men of that party and county
in which is now located the Insane Aaylum,
there has been Thirty per cent reduction This
possibly may be accounted for in some other
way than on grounds offavoritism, but the thing
has an unfair look, and as will be seen from the
article below, the Auditor of State, Hon. John
Pattce, he who is publishing an electioneering
report to be read by Iowa tax payers, absolutely
refuses to allow citizen of your State to exam.
inc the records Of his department Read what
follows:
From the Des Mdines Journal
No Chance to examine the Records "a Demo.
crat denied tie Privilege !-7Aink Of this, Vo-
tiers Il!
We charged upon the Republican party that
the late action of the board of equalization was
humbug.a fraud upon the people. To prove
it We publish the following
"On about the 18th day of August, 1858, called
upon Abel Beach, deputy state auditor, for copy OF
the proceedings Of the state board Of equalization
for the privilege Of examining them NE. Beach said
that Mr. Pattee did not allow copies Of papers
60 out OF the once, for the that they were
usually wanted by Newspaper editors for comment and
that "such things scere mrong"
other citizen entitled to the privilege Of examining
that or any other papers on ale in the Office. He
piled that he did not know how that was he
had orders not to let copies go out Of the ONCE and
added that the proceedings had not been recorded aud
again declined to let me examine them or have copy
II Offering to pay for copy"
81 certify the above statement to be true"
J. A. WILLIAMSON.
September 10Th, 1s4s."
Mr.. Williamson, who signs this, Is chairman
of the Democratic State Central Committee, a
man whose truth and veracity cannot. and dare
not he impeached. When he goes TO the office
Of the State auditor and asks to see the public
records of the State, this right is denied him |!
The deputy coolly tells him that Mr.. Pattee
"did not dlosc copies Of any papers to go out Of
the Office =" The reason assigned should be
especially noted-'they aoere usually soanted by
newspaper editors for COMMENT, and such things
soere scrong :"
Think Of it public officer refuses 10 allow
papers, public and of. general interest, to be
copied. He says Of newspapers-to which the
people look for information-"suck things are
,orong - The deputy says he has "orders"
from Auditor John Pattee-the people have no
right to know anything about their State at.
fairs!
We ask every man-can corruption and Off
cial insolence 60 further Is an honest official
ashamed or afraid to show his record Are
honest men afraid Of newspaper comment :?
What say YOU ... ........s. .
These Republican officials, backed by the
placemen and corruptionists, deny to the people
the right to examine public records. They de.
ny to the people the right Of investigating into
their official acts. We have no room for COM
ment, and it is not needed. Remember it, vo-
tiers of Iowa, that Republican officials deny 10
you the right of knowing what is done by those
who handle your money. Mark the fact, and
place your brand upon them.