Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-01-14
HE NORTH CAROLINA Standard
The Tax on slaves.

~ The Tax on slaves. s:as
A wellinformed writer 10 the Fayetteville Cbssr-
ger makes the following remarks IN relation to The
valuation and tax on slaves. These remarks are.
entitled to consideration especially BY members Of
the Legislature. The writer, dating his commnni-
cation at Raleigh, says: ~ 3-ss
rise to much debate is that relating to the value Of slaves
The bill as reported By the COMMITTEE on Fnanes t liked
lows: II UNDER years I'D hoo ali from 10 years old
80 to 40 $780, from 40 to 50 5000. all 50 &25. This
classification will bring the average to sboat 1914 Power
gven the County Courts to exempt such as they deem
Land to be listed according to the last assessment
The amendment of the Constitution made BY the late
Convention provides that land and slaves shall be taxed
according to their value and the tax o slaves shall be as
much but not more than that land according
respective but the tax on slaves be laid
to their general average value the State or their
value in classes in respect TO age SEX and other distinctive
properties in the discretion Of the General Assembly, and
the value be assessed in such modes may be
by law. e.ti -
As this feature of the Constitution is receiving the
interpretation that while land valued by upon
OATH slaves may be valued BY the General may
be worth while to inquire whether this is the true inter-
probation OF the Constitution; and not what evils may
grow out Of wrong interpretation And if it be atrus
interpretation slaves BY this BILL taxed much and
not more than land according their respective values
Is the equality of valuation likely be preserved 6y
of the value of land by persons sworn for the
purpose, and legislative declaration Of the value OF
the of the value Of both by the
owner with proper provisions to guard against fraud or
assessment of both by dsinterested individuals sworn
for the purposef When the value of slaves liked by
mere legislative declaration, is this compsnce with the
constitutional provision that "the value be Recessed in
such modes may epresc1d By w? Is there no dap
ger when shall cease that this mode OF valuation by
the General Assembly give rise to another
party contest in relation to the valuation Of slaves It
shall be thought they not taxed much as accord
ing value may It not lead 10 the election of another
class of members who may value them too high?
think the value should be ascertaned by assessors
for the purpose and to prevent inequality in vaus-
ton between different parts of the State that the law
should require each clerk Of the County Court IN
pointed day after the return Of the assessment OF negroes
TO report the average valuation of the Of county
to the Treasurer and require the Treasurer to ascertain
and publish the average throughout the States and then
make the duty of the clerk of each County Court TO re
form the by increasing diminishing the value
assessed, as to bring it to the general average
If this some like plan Of valuation be adopted we shall
hear of the negro question in North Carolina i!
the plan of Legislative valuations prevail another held
will be opened for dangerous and mschievous dema-
gogue sm.
This assessment Of negroes should be made oen and
at the tiRe land is assessed, with cheap and
convenient provision for vauing huse born otherwise
acquired by the between tile periods of
and f.r striking off the list those dying changing
hands,"