The Union flag. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1865-187?, 1866-05-18


are able to build one, per year 1000 OF
expenses Of.................... lac, ,lss %
Subtract the expenses from the
supposed income,
(S25s, 497 20,) based on the
value of property in 1850, and
the present rate of State taxa
plus Of ........................ lss,S1s Il
From this ought to deducted
about the sum Of $25, 5000, to
cover the loss Of the slave
property, which Is includedin
the above estimate, leaving
net surplus of lll,S7s "A
Deduct for unforeseen expenses
$ll, 1913 IA, itleAves 100000 90
In other words, our taxes will actually bo
diminished that much.
1t is believed, after the most careful cSleu-
lAtion and investigation, that the above es-
Inmates are nearly correct. They are based
on official data and figures, and cannot be
far wrong. Ii has been believed and assert
ed by some Of our public men that thN leg
islation Of the State had been OF such
character on the part Of the majority west
of the mountains as to make our section OF
tho State bear more than her share Of the
taxation and burtheDS OF the State. These
figures would seem to demonstrate the truth
Of the charge
1t is proper 10 aid that the State has en-
dorsed the bonds of Railroad and Turnpike
Companies, for which 1t 10 contingently lie
able, to the amount Of near 10 million Of dol
lara. OF this sum something over three mil
lions were endorsements for and on account
Of Railroads in East Tennessee. The actual
share we have thus received and for which
we would be contingently liable, in the event
new State swere formed, would be about
one-fifth while the amount we are now con-
tingenty liable for, and equitsbly entitled 70,
is about one fourth. In this respect also our
liabilities would be diminished BY the form
alton Of new State.
Ifa new State should be formed, the debt
of the State and the public property will be
the subjects Of equitable adjustment. The
following items must properly enter into the
adjustment.
The State capitol, library,
weights Il measures, furniture
&C., worth say $500 900 90
Penitentiary, worth say 100000 90
LnnAtic or Insane Hospital,
worth say 100000 90
Hermitage $4,000 90
Turnpike Roads ia Middle Ten
nesses l,7IS,sSs 90
Total Of property in Middle Ton
nessee Belonging 10 the State,
without taking into the cslcu-
culation other itemS that might
bs added Ss,1as,aSc 90
FROM this 10 10 be deducted the
amount Of the capitol stock Of
the State in the East Tenn. and
Ga. R. R. $41U,SOO 90
The value Of the Deaf and Dumb
Asylum at Knoxville $4,000 90 $3.50, 500 90
Leaving balance, in which We
have common interest, and
for which we ought 10 be pAid,
Of ss,TS,soeOO
Suppose our share to be one
fourth, and we have this sum
for which we ought to the paid $685., ,964 90
To sum up the whole, 1t will be seen that,
taking the assessment Of $50, and the pres
ent rate Of taxation thersupon, with the other
sources Of revenue, and after paying the In
terests on our share Of the State debt proper,
and adding over eleven thousand dollars for
unforeseen expenses, there remains the sum OF
one hundred thousand dollars not needed to
carry on the now State, thus showing that
The taxes of the people may be I''scnsd al
lsan one-thrd. Or with 1t temporary peni-
.entary may be built, and State house fitted |
up. There is no necessity for building q
costly State capitol at this time. Tennessee
did without q capitol OF her own for upwards |
Of fifty years. A temporary bnIlding can be
procured and fitted up at an expense Of hVe
DR. ten thousand dollars, which will answer
until our Is wealth developed. When that
time comes, with the aid Of convict labor,
capitol can be built out Of East Tennessee
marble, and without very heavy cost, that
will be the pride and ornament OF the State.
Economy and unostentstion, for the present
Vt least, will we'll benefit the pure patriotism
aud unselfsh loyalty Of our brave and noble
people.
This movement, in favor Of new State,
begun in days OF darkness and danger, with |
The view Of clnging to and aiding the Gener'
n Government, Is now recommended, with |
he same feelings and the same motives, but
With brighter hope for that great national
Union to which we still deyotedly adhere
With all our affections, and into whose Sa-
red circle we fondly desire to enter. There.
ore,
ReIolusd, ,lst, that II Is the sense Of this
Convention that It will be best for the peace
md happiness Of all the people Of the State
hat the District known as East Tennessee
Ihould be formed into new State.
RsSolvsd, I'd, That the President OF the |
Convention be requested to appoint hfssen
PERSONS to prepare and publish an address
% the people Of East Tennessee, setting forth
,ur reasons for this grave step.