Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-03-16


pn;sts and Black Republicans"
Tbe seventh objection to altering the constitution,
Sneaker, is that the East aoiW pay too much
II the systen Of taration ad calorem Is adopted
THOSE who raise this objection, seem not to un-
stand or fail to appreciate, the justice and equal
Of the principle. In its practical application, no
izen would be called upon to pay tax on more
onerty than he owned, and on none over which
lid not claim the protection Of the government
every man paid tax only on what he was worth,
fine value of his estate, certainly no one would
70 lust cause of complaint and no liberal or pat
tic citizen would complain, whether he was an
Stern or western man. If, under this system, an
stern and western man worth SIC, 900 each, pay
same amount of tax into the public treasury,
the support of the government and the payment
tho nublic debt, how can it be made to appear,
nj the East will pay more than its just and equi-
lie share of the expenses of government afford
equal protection to the citizens and property of
East and the West?
But it is said the East owns more slaves than the
est, and therefore, it will have to pay more tax
der this system than it ought to pay. If the
:, owns more slaves, Mr.. Speaker, 1T owns more
pcrty; and if it owns more property, it requires
re protection and if it requires more protection
costs more to protect it; and if it costs more to
,cct it, should it not contribute to the support of
government in proportion to the protection it
Joys?
The bill under consideration does not propose or
ntemplate discrimination in favor Of or against.
particular class of citizens or property, or any
rcular section of the State in the collection of
revenue necessary to support the government.
on the contrary proposes to place all the citi-
Is and all the property in all sections of the State
on perfect equality in reference to taxation, ex
It such as the General Assembly may, as mat
of courtesy or expediency, exempt from taxa
N. Now, if all are placed upon perfect equali-
who can suffer by the passage of this bill?
f then, Mr.. Speaker, political equality be an es-
tal principle of democratic republican govern
mt and the revenue laws framed under the re-
iction which this bill proposes to strike from the
Stituton, operate unequally and unjusty, are they
at war with the Fundamental! principles of our
Eernment? And if the restriction IN the constitu-
n and the rerenue lao framed under that re-
iction are at ioar nth the principles Of the gor-
tmett, are not Senators reduced to the necessity
mrrendering either THE ONE or THE OTHER? and
they must yield the one or the other, which will
ky surrender, the principle or the restriction?
low then, Mr. Speaker, can it be called an eastern
western measure? 1t is great question of
tie policy, involving, not only great cardinal
nciple of government, but the financial interest
every section and of the whole State.
The eighth objection to altering the constitution
that it will drive slaves out of the State.
WELL Mr.. Speaker. where will these owners find
government under which they are as well protected
% little expense? Money is the motive power
which the machinery of government is propelled,
taxation the only means by which the supply
that motive power can be kept up, and property
persons the only subjects from which that sup
can be drawn. Where then can they find a
eminent which will protect them in the enjoy
mt of their property, and exempt it from taxa
But, Mr. Speaker, if there is a Senator upon this
pr, or citizen within the limits of North Carroll.
whose soul is so contracted, whose heart is SO
Crly destitute of every emotion of patriotism as
be unwilling to contribute his just proportion tc
support of the government which protects his
and his property, say let him go he will leave
State for the good ofthe State. lam now ready t.
him hearty goodbye, and when he takes ny
line of march from the "Old North State" be
Se he is unwilling either to sustain her interest
her credit with his means, or her honour with his
I, for one will bid him God-speed
ID md, Mr.. Speaker, have but one request t.
Ike of those who leave, and that is, that when the,
i've at their journeys end, and are asked why
emigrated, and they assign as the reason, tina
were required to pay their fair, equal and jus
portion of the taxes necessary to support tn
|ernment that they do not tell from whence the,
e-do not hail from North Carolina:
he ninth objection to altering the constitution
that constitutions are made for the protection 0
critics, and therefore, ought not to be changed
nit that constitutions are made for the protec
Of minorities as we'll Of majorities, and that mi
ties ought to be protected as well as majorities
that is no argument in favor of the restriction
he constitution which the bill under considera
proposes to remove, or against the passage Q
LII Co ab, {nfx ~ %, ,of 70 n
orty in a worse condition than the majority, bu
put them on an equality with the majority.
he citizens and property of the State were nov
n an equality in reference to taxation and tn
under consideration proposed to alter the cor
ntion so as to discriminate against the minorit
in favor Of the majority, then the objectio
i'd hold good but the object of the bill bein
reak down discrimination in favor of mino
and to establish perfect equality between thel
the majority, the objection fails. And the m
y certainly cannot complain at being placed o
Equality with the majority for while the right
nnorites ought to be respected and protected
cannot reasonably expect more protection q
(ter privileges than majorties it is enough
are respected and protected as equals.
he tenth objection to the passage Of the bill il
it is dangerous to make frequent alterations
constitution.
he constitution, Mr.. Speaker, framed in 1776
representatives of the people, by their authorit
designed to be most conducive to their happ
and prosperity, seems to have answered tt
Jose for which it was framed, for fifty year
as admirably adapted to the condition and ci
stances of the people for whom it was frame
by whom it was adopted and We cannot te
n admire the wisdom and patriotism of those
m was entrusted the duty of framing it. B,
condition and circumstances of the people ha
undergone change, it was thought expediel
necessary to alter the constitution in 1885.
= Sorry that have to say, that the alteration
ence to taxation was no improvement. But I
constitution was made by the people, for IL
,ose of promoting their happiness and prosper
hey have the unquestionable right and ougl
ter ii, whenever it fails to accomplish the obje
which it was framed No statesman ever su
that constitution framed in 1776, or even
would be adapted to all the circumstances ar
all the wants of the State in 1860 It VI
tless expected that succeeding generation
ID alter it to suit themselves. utsuppose thu
bot contemplate its alteration, have we not
right to alter the constitution as our fathe
70 frame it in 1875, or as those who altered
f35? If then, Mr.. Speaker, we have the rig
Ter the constitution and the interests Oc the DC