, 1862-05-06

DEMAND TREASURY NOTES AND
TAXES.

Some time since, Hon. Nm. Butlcr,
Treasurer Ct Illinois, in answer to many
inquiries upon the subject, issued a
circular to County Collectors, requiring
taxes for State purposes, as heretofore, to
be paid IN coin. He quoted the laws Of
the State rendering this imperative upon
him as State officer, and knowing as
such 20 other rule Of action, it was pro
baby the only course he could pursue.
His friends at tue capital, as it seems to u.s..
should have relieved linn from his unpleas-
ant duty, by at once taking 81 agreed case
to the Supreme Court, whence q manda-
mus would doubtless at once have issued
to him and 10 all other State officers TO re-
ccive all dues in Treasury notes. The
laws Of Congress are undoubtedly above
all State authority where they come in
conflict To claim the contrary would be
to admit the notification doctrine on
which the rebels have based their wicked
rebellion. The State car. pay all her debts
in Treasury notes, with possibly the eS-
ception Of the interest On s few foreign
bonds, ard it would be infinitely better for
her to pay almost any premium on gold
for that purpose rather than to attempt to
nu1litfy an act Of Congress. Many Of the
people have already paid their taxes; but
such decision as VIC have already refer
sed to, would be 4 large saving to the State
Ut large. Now That gold has advanced to
8 and 3 1-2 per cent, premium, there isyery
grea. anxiety among those who still have
their taxes to pay. 1fthe remedy suggest
ed be feasible, it is TO be hoped it will re.
ceiye prompt attention.
Since writing the above, the following
letter from Treasurer Butler has fallen un
der our eye. 1t does not change our view
as to the course that should be pursued.
SrEHcF1EIp. IL, Nay 8, 1862
To The Editor Of the Chicago Evening journal:
s1R:-My atteutlon has been called to al
article in the CT Mag lst, entitled
why not receive Treasury notes for stat
Taxes
In this article tie Treasurer is accu5cd Q
*turncccssary exaction' in requiring tn
Stale taxes to Nc paid in CON- and be is calle
upon to at oacc like the opinion Of the Attor
NY 1ol Lux Et1tc IL t'4E IieAlASeS. ~ - Cas
:urer had taken that precaution for the relie
Of tax payers even before the legl-tcade
Treasury Note bill passed Congress an
became law. he went tartaer-
During the first week Of the sessio
OF the State Convention he proposed to th
Finance Committee Ut that body that the
Isass 4 resolution requesting and authoEiz.n
him to receive and pay out Treasury notes
He w2s advised by tise Attorney for the Stat
that under the laws Of lhc State he could r
ceiyc aud pay out gold and silver coin, and Z
otlcT currepct, aid That il be chose to q
eume tic responsibility Of receiving oth'
currency. he wtuld be personally li:lble to Il
State aud its creditors Tor auy loss or dcpracl
sion. The Convention decliucd to share Il
responsibility in any way. aud the Treasure
Garnet etc how, in view Ct these facts,
would havc.bccn authorized to disregard II
plain provisions Of the law and his duty u
der it.
Farther: Th" Jrurn1l says" the State
not required tc pay its obligations in gold a1
silver, siuce treasury notes are legal lender
This is not true. The filth OF the State is 81
c1aE3. pledged to pay the interest on the pu
lie dcbt in coin. Senc Of it is payable
Lordvn; and VIC have no means Of kno @i
how much CT it is held uy parties
siding abroad, whose agents collect i
remit the iu.crest from New 70
b1t it is certainly . very considerat
proportion If there were 70 legal obllgati
10 Ia, 1l1u Interest un tue public debt III Gu
tl.. htuor OF the State and tie interest Of !:
tux 1:.y+r alike demand that it should be do:
sr6 The stability which such action gives
the cr.6i. IF the StGte will more than co
;,ers:te her people for any teu4poiarJ sl,
1ces they wilt hive to make.
WM. BUTLER, State Treasurer