Nevada national., 1859-12-24
Representation vs.. Taxa,;ou

EDITORS NATIONAL With your permis-
zion propose to occupy a small space in
the columns Of the National TO notice brief
ly. the heading or this article
One Of the grievances as CHARGED in ,bo
Declaration Of Independence agains, King
George iii. 10y the Colonisis was-"Taxation
without Repre- sentaiion," and after n lon,
and bloody war our fathers achieved Indenen.
dedee' and upon the formation of our Gov
eminent, this principle was repudia,ed Inv
the Trainers Of the Constitution of the Tn;.
ted States, as we'll as in the subsequent srate
constitutions Of those states that knocked NJ
the door of the Union for admittance. and
among others the state of California. But
TINS sound doctrine has been. TO some exten,
overruled by the peculiar character of our
population and its taxable property. md IN.
rule OF the present day may we'll be defined
as Representation without Taxation. - which
Is contrary TO the we'll established prinoiples
OF our government.
In view Of this important fact. n hscouo.
the duty Of the incoming Legislature to ex-
anime the subject and apply remedy. so a.
to create more perfect equilibrium between
the electors OF this State.
To be properly understood upon tb, sub.
Jecs or Representation and Taxation. let mo
expIain:-There is large ma jority of our
electors who do not pay one cent towards
ue'rhying the expences of the state govern
ment; yet have a voice in the Management,
oil Its Affairs aud the expenditure Of its large
revenue.
There are at least 10000 voters in .lis
state and of this number not more than one
third pay the Poll Tax Of So, while some
SO'OOO non-paying electors exercise an inau-
ence upon cur finances which is highly iriu-
rlons to our state, 10 her present emharass-
ed situation, with debt Of nearly s4ooo-
600. Now, these $4,000 non-paying citi.
zens cannot be compelled, b, some Lerisla-
tive Act, to contribute their promotion of
the state revenue, which would amouat TO
the snug little sum of s24o,OOO-nearly one
hall the expences Of the state government
and at the same time, engender. to a pr.a,
degree, al spirit OF economy and reform!
To remedy this evil 1 recommend TO The
favorable consideration OF the memoirs of
the Legislature elect. from this County. to
have this subject brought forward this win
ter, during the sitting of that honorable bo.
dy' for their mature and candid deliberation.
In connection with this. would surrest
an amendment to cur psesent election laws
as remedy for the evil complained Of the
sum and substance Of which would be this
That each citizen should be required to
have paid state and county tax within the
last year to enable him to enjoy the rights
Of an elector-thus equalizng the principles
OF Taxation and Representation, which prin-
ciple, believe. has been. for many years
adopted in the states of Massachusetts, and
Pennsylvania, where il has been found to
work we'll
In Pennsylvania The law requires the vot-
er to have paid state, county or school tax
within the last too ye ars 10 entitle him to
the right OF suffrage. do think that those
who contribute nothing towards the support
sf our state finances sbotld have no voice in
their control.
This may seem b ard at first view. Messrs
Editors, but, think that upon reflection you
will agree with me. that it is nothing but
right and just that the non paying voters
should cease contro Hing the political and
financial affairs of the sta te and let those
who do pay their money as good citizens for
he supp ort of government and order, at
lea st say how their money shall be expended
n moving the wheels of government and
her credit at home and abroad,
J. M.