The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-10-04
W ATC II NJ A N
WHAT OF THE NIGHT.

Lots of Government Bonds in the
pockets of the rich, drawing interest and
exempt from taxation.
Who pays the interest?
| The man that labors and earns his bread
| by the sweat Of his brow.
The farmer who tiils the soil.
The mechanic who works up heavily
taxed material.
Mr.. Poorman, how much are you taxed
on your 81 GOO farm?
"Thirty dollars!'
Mr.. Richman, how much do you pay on
your $4,000 in bonds?
"Not cent, sir. Mr.. Jay Cooke tells
me that a ''National Debt is National
Blessing" and I find it is, sir Here are
$4,000 in personal property that don't
cost me cent, and besides, sir, l am
drawing thereon six per cent, in gold,
equaling nearly nine hundred dollars in
national currency. Now. if had that
$4,000 in farm, in Chatfeld Township
[ would have to pay thereon about $500
besides drawing no interest. So you see
1 not only escape paying that $500, but ]
draw an interest of $900-add this $500
to S9Oe, and I have the advantage ovei
the land holder of $1,20e in a single
year."
Is that the way it works, Mr.. Rich
man?
"Of course, sir. 1t is a national bles
sing to me, and no mistake-so has il
been to Mr.. Jay Cooke, who made 81 500,
600 in simply selling the bonds"
But, Mr.. Richman, must not this ma
tional debt and the interest thereon be
paid?
"Of course, sir-of course, sir-this
national blessing debt must be paid, anc
no mistake"
Then, sir, who is to pay this debt, anG
the immense interest that is every yeal
accumulating-who is to pay your 5000 ;
year? Do you not help to pay this deb
and interest?
''Why, | have my property all in bonds
II am exempt from taxation. The as
SCISSORS have no business with me. l an
$40 man, sir, ahem, sir.
But, my friend, the money must COM.
from some source, and as you are exempt
and hundreds and thousands like you arr
also exempted who is to pay this immens'
debt and this immense interest, which yol
claim as pational blessing?
"Why, sir, it must be raised from th
taxable property of the country, and th'
men who own land, goods, and chattles
the mechanics and the he.laboring classe
must foot the bill. But what is that t.
me, sir? enjoy the national blessing
do. / have some coupons now due il
my pocket, which I must GO with to ou
National Bank and draw the gold on"
I But, my friend, do you think this i
honest and fair?
"Yes,of course; every man has the priv
lilege-ahem
| But will it last?
"Last! what are you talking about
has some fool of a Copperhead been stick
ing mischief into your head? Last! o
course it will. 1t is foolish to talk abou
taxing the bonds. We have the politica
power now in Ohio. Just as soon as tn
next Republican Legislature meets tn
word :swhite" will be stricken from tn
Constitution, and this will permit abou
j 10000 negroes to vote at the next election
!, following. then woe to the Democrats il
Ohio. Well make them ana all the poo
white trash pay the taxes, and the interes
on our bonds. IF there is any Republi
can so unfortunate as to own land or
labor for his living, he must suffer tn
!, consequences. Thesbond holder must b
free; they must have their interest.
would be breach of loyalty to max
them assist in bearing the burdens of th
, war debt and the Government. Very un
J, loyal. must buy few more bonds, $
that can live entirely on my annual in
come of interest, which is paid to me b
my neighbors, farmers, mechanics and Ia
bowers, who are not enjoying the nationa
: blessing. "--Erchange.