, 1862-10-25
THE WASHINGTON STATESMAN.
MORNING, OCT. IS, 1862
The Internal Revenue Tax.


1t will be noted by reference to our ad
vertising columns of this issue, that the
government through its regularly constitu.
ted agents, has given notice of the organi.
cation Of the assessors department FOR the
district of Washington Territory, under
the law passed at the last session of Con-
gress, entitled an act ITO provide Internal
Revenle to support the Government, and
to pay interest on the public debt"
We are all aware that our government
has been struggling for eighteen months
with rebellion, the extent of which has
no parallel in the history of the world
AS consequence, vast expenditures have
been necessary to maintain our nationality.
The life of the nation has been threatened /:
cur republican institutions attacked with a
subtlety for their subversion that has de-
manded the utmost power of the govern
ment to suppress,
We deem it not only duty to yield i'm
plicit obedience to the demands of our
country, in this her hour of need, but from
a sense of gratitude for the innumerable
blessings she has vouched and maintained
in our behalf, to offer freely whatever may
be adjudged our portion of this tax for the
support, defense and perpetuation of our
government.
1t is gratifying to witness the free and
spontaneous offerings that are now going
forward from the patriotic citizens of this
ccast-from California to the utmost lin
its of our Territory-hundreds of thou
sands Of dollars is b ing transmitted for
the sick and wounded soldiers, who have
given not orfy their substance but their
lives, to the service Of their country.
Inasmuch as we have not been called
upon to take an active part with our broth
ers in this struggle, let us respond to the
requirements of the law, for the purpose of
revenue, With a degree of alacrity and
promptness that shall evince our devotion
to a republic that has for nearly century
bestowed most bountifully upon US, all the
requirements of civilized and enlightened
people. We need not refer the intelligent
reader to the vast expenditures of govern
ment hitherto, for the protection and de-
Tense of our coast; for the noble DISPOSE
ton of the public domain for the free oc-
cupation and development of the vast min
eral lands of the government; and lastly,
the prospective completion of the most gi-
gantic internal improvement of the age
the p cifc Railroad. No murmur will es-
cape the thoughtful tax payer, if he bu:
contemplates the history of our institu-
tions, and will properly compare the rela-
tive merits of our own government, with
those surrounding us in every quarter of
the world. While the government has be-
slowed millions of dollars upon the inhab-
itants of this coast, however indirectly it
may have been, its tendency has been to
inure to our benefit The tax under con-
sideration upon our wealth and industry, is
simply to perpetuale a government that
will be as prodigal in our behalf, for the
future, as she has been munifcent in the
past history. All hope of future great
ness and consideration of individual or ma
tional import or significance, depends upon
our existence as a nation.
The rebellion that now casts its shadow
over our beloved country will soon disap-
pear, and the republic will again emerge
from her trials with increased strength and
energy In the hour of her triumph, it
will be gratifying reflection to every man
possessing spark of nationality, that lie
upheld his country to the extent of his
ability in the darkest hour of her history.
We bespeak for the government require
ments upon the industry and wealth of the
citizens of Washington Territory, cheer
ful and prompt response.