New-York daily tribune., 1864-04-14
THE CITIZENS, ASSOCIATION.

The grooming taxpayers Of this city will
learn with grateful surprise that the efforts ol
the Committee of the Citizens Association have
already secured reduction of Two Millions OF
Dollars from the Tax Levy which went up to
Albany from the Controller and Common
Council of New-York. We are assured that the
Committee expect to obtain further abate-
ment of Three Millions, so that the Taxes OF
New.York are in fair way to be cut down from
Fifteen to Ten Millions of Dollars.
We beg everybody to understand shat such
a result rs that does not come of itself, but is
painfully wrought out by few men who have
given their hearts and great deal of their time
TO the business. A circular before us, dated
April 10, says it is known to most Of
the people of the city that an earnest effort
is making to give New-York an honest Gov
ernment. Perhaps-but the character and
direction of the effort are known only in a
general way, and the Citizens Association does
wisely, therefore, in sending out a fresh state
mont Of its operations, and in renewing ITS ap-
peal for cooperation. The facts cannot be too
often reiterated. Tho work which the Associa-
ton is accomplishing, as well as the evils which
it is meant to remedy, need to be mnutely
understood.
The first address of this body was issued jan
%. 1854. but the beginning of It's work dates
further back For the last six months" says
the circular, this important movement
has received the unwcaried attention OF n
large number of persons. The organization
is thorough and complete in all its details, and
reaches, in the most systematic manner, every
voter in the city" This is the assurance, be 1t
observed. Of the men who have heretofore been
reproached with carelessness Of their own inter
ests. and with Indifference TO those of the city
They ore at work in earnest, and from them
comes now this note OF warning and e1horta
ton, wherein We join with them: CItlzets
should require no urging 10 come forward and
take an active part in this movement. A direct
responsibility attaches itself to every person,
and none should hold back, waiting for more
convenient opportunity, but at once act with
| firm determination TO make the government Of
this city model instead of disgrace. All
who desire to aid in accomplishing this import
ant object are cordially invited to enroll them
selves as members OF the Citizens Association
Of New-York.
1t is not to be supposed that the Association
does its work without opposition. The men
who concocted the Tax Levy, and who counted
on pocketing the plumber which the Legislature
was besought TO authorize, do not surrender
their prey without a struggle. But there can
scarcely be any misunderstanding at Albany
about such matter. They who ask for re-
ducton of taxes speak for an oppressed people,
and seek relief from robbery. They who defend
the levy cannot defend it otherwise than cor
ruptly. On the one side are representatives Of
the property, intelligence, and honesty of New
York On the other, the men who have made
politics trade, and have reduced to a science
the art of dishonesty depicting the Treasury.
The Legislature thus far seems disposed TO turn
q deaf ear to the solicitations Of the latter.