The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1862-01-23

- . = .ass-
taxation under our present system is GER
taiuly unequal and unjust Whether this
ari-es from the ine ficieney of our laws
entirely. or laxity ou the part OF asses
sors, collectors, and other oIhcers 10 en-
forcing their -provision', | am unable toI
sss. Nben the fact is stated (Which was
Alluledao by my predecessor 10 his last
report that the valuation OF property OF
all kinds in our State, including money
at interest, tax on Offices, &c, is one third
less ;bau that of 0hio, and two thirds
tess than New York, it must be ev-
idcut 10 every oue, that property in our
State is either assessed at mere frao-
tiou Of its value or else that very large
proportion Of property escapes taxation
altogether. II has been the boast OF
PeuDsy Iva, ia for gears, thstour rich az
ricaltural dou ain aud our immense miner.
al wealth and resources. constitute us one
/. of the ricbesi States in the Uaion, and set
according to the valuation Of our proper
ty for tazeble purposes, We are compara'
tigely oue of the poorest. from iact'
which have comc under my own ob>ervs
tjon. | sm salis 6ed that lsrgo number
of our wealthy cit;zcBs escape taxation
almost entirely by reason of having their
wealth mainly, if not exclusively 10 bonds
and mortgages. ground rents, aud other
securities which they fail to return for
taxation, and which cannot be discovered
By CUR assesscrs- under the present sys
TEN, thus throwing an unjust and unequal
amount Of taxation upon real estate and
other tangibls property, aud upon those
citizens who ere faithful and just in the
returns they make of their means and
wealth. This tate o. things should not
exist; every citizen of this Commonwealth
is protected alike in his property by our
Government and It's lave, sHd should pay
fair progortionate share Of the expense.
Of the Government FROM which be receive.
such protection. BE- joint resolution Of
The lat Legislature the Governor was au
thorizcd TO appoint a board of commis'
sioners ito revise, colatc, aud digest all
nets and statutes relating to or touching
the revenue laws" that commission was
appointed. and it is to be hoped they will
be ready 10 report some basis of action
during the present session.
/ beg leave respectfully to refer to
matter affecting the honor and credit OF
our State, and to which reference wa
made by ny predecessor in hi. last re-
port; | refer to the Law taxing her oRD
loans. AT the tine our citizens respon-
ded 10 thc call of the State aud gave bcr
the use OF their noDey, it was with the
express sErceurnt and undertaking
that they were TO receive interest for the
saUe at the rate OF fse per cent, per an
nuD. Surely this obis atioD on the part
of the State should have remained sacred
and lBviolable. and | cannot but think
that she suffered In her character aud
reputation, Eben. without consent Of the
parties aho-e money she thus obtained
sbe reppdiated her obi CATION by reducing
that los rate OF Interest It'll lower by
taxation | cannot but express the hope
that toe State will 90 that justice to her
creditors Ebch they have rig BIT to ex-
pcut By repoaiiBg the law which is thus
affecting her OVID honor and credit
The subject OF guaranteed interest oD
losns to the DanVlle and Pottssile Rail-
roa1 Company is oue which should also
receive the attention OF the Legislature
a balance Of Interest is yet due to the
holders Of that lean, aud the faith and
honor of tie State haviug been Pied dged
for il, size sloal3 in this, as veil as in all
other matters. set her citizens an exam
pie Of uniu Peacbatle good faith, by max
ine IN appropriation 70 Fay the balance
Of that Interest.
M predecessor has truly ssid, at
woald greatly simplify tie accounts in
this depsrtmept il the amount of State
taxes assessed was charges direofly to
the cQuHty," aud be might haze added i'll
would slso save large amount to the
State, fer 10 soue counties the taxes have
been aecnmalsting for years. until 10 the
aggregate over bali million re u ains
unpaid These taxes are banded down
from gear TO year TO new Treasurcrs as
they are sFPoiuted, aud some coontie-
are new behind more than a whole years |
assessment. 1t is to be hoped that this
subject will also receive the attention OF
the Board Of Commissioners appointed Cd
the reveuue Laws.
herewith submit tables giving 10 de
tail the operations of this department for
the last fiscal year, together With esi-
mates Of the receipts and expenditures for
the present year; ali o. which sre respect
fully Submitted.
HENRY D. MOORE.
State Treasurer.
January 7tb, 1862.