The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-05-29

The CRY TAXA communication appeared in
the Times last week. from ''One of the Aldermen :"
In reply to our remarks and those of "Tax-Payer"
about the high taxes levied by the CITY authorities
AS the Board seems determined not to change their
action in the matter and there is no present REM
edy that can be brought to bear by tax payers we
not particularly anxious to continue the discus
sion, more than to sustain previous statements
and show that there is cause for comnlant We
shall be as brief possible ia what we feel called
ON to say in reply to "One of the Aldermen"
We really see nothing in the Alderman's reply to
justify the heavy tax levied for this year. taking into
consideration the times and circumstances by which
our ciuzens are surrounded. 1t is true, he gives
figures to show the necessity for the levied-
debt OF Provisional aRd former Boards S., 600 new
Fire Engine &C. (yet TO be pnrchased) So, 900, Po-
lice expenses for this year $1,000 &c. &c. But is It
right to levy tax for this year pay off the whole
debt of Provisional and former Boards, $4,000?
Would it not be more just and fair and in accord
ance with the rule that citizens have to submit to-
to pay the interest and part of the principal this
year, and let the balance stand until next wear or
until the people recover little from the disastrous
effects of the war? And would il not be better for
the same reason, to postpone buying a Steam Fire
Engine, and put the old ones in working order
And further, would it not be better reduce the
Police expenses by reducing the number of men en-
ployed? Economy is a matter of great impor-
lance to US all, and it becomes corporations well
individuals to practice it far practicable.
The fact that the Poll tax in 1861 four dollars
Is no for making it five dollars In 1861
the citizens generally were better able to pay 81
than they are now to pay s. Then, house rent and
provisions we're less than one-thrd or one-half pre-
rates and money WAS abundant
We still think the tax on Merchants of three
is too much notwithstanding the assertion of Zone
of the Aldermen" that it is truly the light:st i'm
posed" 1t should be remembered that the mer-
chants ofCharlotte have had purchase within the
past pear every article in their stores-heir entire
stocks-and therefore liable for the upon the
~hoie stock whether they sell or not 1t is not like
additions to a stock of former year. No doubt
many of our merchants were obliged to commence
business after the war closed without any capital of
their own, and we do think it would have been bet
ter if our city authorities had put the tax at lower
figure until at least all hands again have oppor-
iunity to get fair start in the world.
But "One of the Aldermen" says that to refute our
statement that assessments of property have been
advanced tar beyond the valuation of 1860, :" SIM
pie inspection of the books in the Treasurers Office
is all that is necessary. Now we are very willing
to stand by the record and let that prove that
are right in saying that assessments have been ad
vanced. The record shows that tho aggregate as
sessmcnt has been increased about S250,Oo0 above
that of 1860. We know the Alderman would not
knowingly make any wrong statement, and we sup
pose he alluded to individual where the s.
sessment had not been increased; but he knows that
there many cases where the assessment has been
increased one third if not One-half-the aggregate
increase being about $3.50, 900, as above stated.
Our confidence in and respect for " One of the
regret difference about this matter, but
Nvying such :: high tax and permitting assessments
to be increased this year and under present circum
stances. Taxes in Charlotte more than twice as
high in the city of Raleigh the Capital of the
State.
Since writing the above, have receised an
other communication from "Tax-Paxer," who thinks
he ought to be heard in reply to One of the Alder
men," We publish his reply in another column.
Es Those wishing to purchase copies of the
Laws of Northsfarolina, will address r. w. Best,
Sec'y of State, Raleigh. Price when sent by ex-
press mail. 81 SO per copy. [See advertise
mrnt.
II 4 large public meeting was held in Phil
adrphia last week. at which Senator Doolittle of
Connecticut, and Senator Cowan of Pennsylva
MIA, made speeches in support of the Presidents
reconstruction policy. AS endorsers of the
Presidents policy they mentioned Seward. Stan
ton. Welles. Grant, Sherman. Meade, Hancock |
Anl others whose Dames were vocihrousiy |
chc"red- |