The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-07-18
Too Much Taxation,

SNAAoo oPpOs AA0SiSOh ~. u
Too Mach Taxation.
1t is time that something should be
done to relieve the people from some
portion of the heavy burdens of tax
alton that now Cypress them. With
o debt of unparalleled magnitude
weighing upon the Republic, it is, of
course, impossible to avoid recourse
to the customary expedients to swell
the national revenues, but the present
system of taxation is entirely too
severe for communities whose com.
mercial and industrial spheres are
laboring under the effects of civil
strife. Justice to coming generations
demands that we should assume and
fulfill fair share of the national
obligation to protect the credit of the
republic, but it is not to be expected
that this generation will discharge
the overwhelming debt. At this
crisis the masses require to he treated
with consideration in regard to theii
enforced contributions to the central
exchequer. There is still q great deal
of disorder and inactivity in many Of
the fields of industry; and especially
throughout the South, the channels
of trade are still blocked with the
debris of recent convulsion, and the
natural resources of the country re-
main undeveoped. It is very hard
upon the suffering, toiling million to
yield the profits of their labor before
they have had time for breathing
spell after the terrible ordeal OF
domestic strife through which they
have passed. The taxes now imposed
upon the masses are out of all pro-
portion with their ability to endure
the heavy drain upon their incomes.
The hardship is particularly mani
test in the case of the Southern peo-
pie, who, impoverished and prostrated
by the war, are compelled to pay a
tribute far beyond their means, to a
Government that, while it exacts from
them the fulfillment of every duty,
denies them the enjoyment Of every
right; that makes them bear a full
proportion Of taxation, while refusing 8
them the privilege of representation
in Congress; that persecutes them,
paralyzes their energies, stands be-
tween them and their opportunities
for recuperation, and at the same
time demands their cooperation in
meeting the immense financial obi
cations of the nation.
But, whether in the South or
North, the system of taxation is too
oppressive for the condition of the
country. The republic should be
permitted to recover from its exhaus,
tion and from the effects of the inter
ruption Of it's normal industrial
routine, before being called upon to
cram the insatiate NAV of the mon
ster of debt that has taken up its
abode in our land. The republic has
resources sufficient to redeem its
Indebtedness, but they must have
time for development. 1t will not do
to plant out Of season or to reap
before harvest time. We are all
laborers in behalf of the national
credit, but the laborer who is driven
beyond his strength soon becomes
discouraged and worthless.
We do not believe that seventy per
cent. of the taxes collected, except in
this city, tinds Its way into the
National Treasury. The armies ol
Federal assessors and collectors con.
stitute too vast and complicated al
organization to be controlled by the
department that is entrusted with its
government. The machinery would
be much simplified if it were placed
under the direction of the State.
severally within their respective
limits. But whether under centra
or State control, the system of direc'
taxation should be modified 80 as te
bear less heavily upon the masses. i
Congress would cease for % while tt
devote its attention to the persecu
tion of the South and the elevation
of the negro, and legislate little fo
the relief OF the people generally
they could not commence the re
formatory process better than b,
diminishing the load of taxation tha
now weighs like an incubus upon ou
communities York Ne,os.