The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-05-22
For The Western Democrat.
TAXATION

Mr.. EDITOR In these iniquitous times, one
would naturally turn from their Radical enemies
abroad who seek to destroy bot. soul and body
/ to those with whom we daily associate for as
sistanee, Or at least sympathy. The former are
leaving no stone unturned to cripple the energies
of our people 10y the enorrlty of their ia xes) IN
rebuilding their desoated houses, and re-estab-
fishing the many farms laid waste by the events
of war. They have not only taxed our lands and
merchandise, but they have levied revenue tax
upon almost every transaction we may have with
our lrighbors; aud are now considering in Con
gress the levying Of tax of FIVE cents per pound
upon cotton. We hear but one opinion among
our people, and that is, their inability to respond
to the calls of the Tax Collector
You, Mr. Editor, have raised your warning
voice against this growing enormity. L say
growing, and mean it in its fullest acceptatlon;
for while our people are groaning under the enor-
nous load of our Federal authorities, Our City
Fathers step forward, and with zeal on their
part to be condemned by all who reside within
the limits Of the "so-called7 City, have levied the
unparalleled, and | might say, iniquitous tax of
between twenty and twenty five thousand dollars.
This Is. as your correspondent believes, from five
to ten Thousand dollars more than we were ever
called upon to pay when our people were ten fold
more able Our property has been assessed at a
much higher valuation than ever heretofore, and
the rate per cent of taxation has advanced folly
equal to if not in excess Of the assessment. Per-
haps our FEATHERS" have a good reason for this
enormity; if so, the people have right to
know it,
We have heard it said that great improve
ments were intended-a Steam Fire Engine, wa
Ter cisterns, paving side walks, &c All very good
"FatherS," but little out Of good taste just now
Suppose little were done at time; people
81 L L
We have two, one of them first rate engiue if
kept in order; and we do with great deal of
difidence, Suggest that it is the duty of the City
authorities to keep it in good order; and we feel
that they are cuIpaby guilty ola very great
wrong for every day it is permitted to remain in
d useless condition. For instance, only a short
time since one of the most beautiful residences
our City" could boast Of was permitted to burn
to the ground, when had the engine been in
working order, the building, with its contents,
coulu easily have been saved. Suppose we had !,
a Steam Fire Engine, how long would it be be- !
fore it would he found to be in worthless con-
dition the two already on hand. Have we a
Fire Company to and keep it in order! Is
there a Hose or Hook and Ladder Company
within our corporate limits? no ever heard of
A City without or all of the above organiza
We suggest, with all due Difference to
the opinion Of our CITY Fathers" that they have
had ample time since their induction into office
to have the engine and hose put in first rate ORDER
and a number one Company formed for the pro-
per management Of one both. Our people .
have always responded to all the requirements of
our City" authorities, but there is point be-
yond which forbearance ceases to be a virtue,
and we greatly fear our paternal heads have
reached the goal
And now, Mr. Editor having trespaSsed upon
your patience will close this communication
by stating that in our humble opinion the citi
zens ought to meet in Convention and declare
he present City Tax iniquitous, uncasled for, and
too ntolerab!e to be borne by already oppres-
sed people. As for the gentlemen composing
The City" council, private Y, your correspondent
has for them the highest regard, and most
heartily regrets that he feels called upon to eriti
else their public acts. TAXPAYER.