The national Republican., 1867-05-09
PUBLIC DEBTS AND CONSk'
QUENT TAXATION.

The people in many portions OF this
country are becoming alarmed at the
large and burdensome debts which States,
counties cities, and towns have incurred.
All this indebtedness is to be met and can
celled by the people, or, to, say the least,
the interest upon these debts must be met
promptly; therefore, onerous taxation, in
many parts of the country, must be en-
dured. To raise the means to meet the
constantly accruing interest," and to pro-
vide for the gradual reduction Of the debts,
will necessitate strain upon the income
Of capital ind the accumulations Of the
productive industry OF the country, that
must be felt in all the ramifcations OF
labor and enterprise to very serious ex-
tent. 1t is not, therefore, a cause Of won
der or surprise that the people upon whom
this pressure must fall are alarmed, and
that they show some discomfort in view Of
the approach of the tax collector. We
are not croakers, nor alarmists, for we
have implicit confidence in the people, |
and also in their ability to meet all just
demands, which the various national, State,
county, and town governments may make
upon them. Still, there never was q time
in the history Of the country when the de-
mand for more rigid and economical ad-
ministratiOn Of the public finances was
called for than now.
We have been led to make these re-
marks after q somewhat careful examina-
ton Of the State debts of several Of the
States Of the Union. The New York
Evening Post gives some figures and facts
respecting the financial condition Of that
Commonwealth, which should command
public attention. The Post says:
"Of the taxes paid by the people Of this
State, this year, about sixty millions Of
dollars will 60 to the national Treasury,
thirteen millions to the State, and thirty
seven millions to the several counties.
The population of the State, in 1865,
was 3,S3l,iIT. Estimating the present pop
ulation, in round numbers, at four millions,
every man, woman and child in the State
must pay, this year, S27.50. The largest
vote ever p.lled in this State was 73l ,OlO. |
Estimating the present number OF electors
at 100000, each eleCtor must pay this year =
sl4C66. The number Of landowners in ,
the State in 1865 was 373,99S. l. the !
number has now reached 100000, every
landowner is taxed this year 1915. The last | 4
census gives the number Of families in the | 7
state as $50, ,s3l. II there are now 100000, | 7
each family is taxed this year 1880" L.
Snnh gtntnfnant tLt, L..
have astounded the world and alarmed I
those upon whom the demand is made to :
an extent that would have paralyzed all :
business and introduced universal panic.
But the people Of the Empire State are /
not now SO easily shocked; and, therefore, q
they meet with becoming equanirnity this b
GRAFT upon their resources, and will dis :
charge it with becoming grace and forti- Z
'ude winch Is worthy Of all praise. Still
the TACT remains that this burden is ex. r
1remeIy onerous, and every effort should
De made to reduce its terrible pressure MS
soon as possible. Economy in the admin
ts'raton Of public affairs must henceforth
De the rule, and it must be imperatively in
sisted upon.
When we turn our attention to the State =
Ol Massachusetts, We learn that the debt !
Of that Commonwealth is about twentv>i
elght millions of dollars, and the toy,ns
Alu MD, cities amount to about twenty seven
S'uons more. The Legislator, Of that ,,
rnri', a'e nus now under considP. ration q bill
"nicn wall it is thought, ad9 to this already
enormous debt some Ave millions more So
st., ST. T." lhe proSr' set is dismal one when
nIunno ,h4 '''' - of getting out of debt,
end .smselves still deeper. The great
20 be attained is the speedy reduction
Of taxation, and they are no true friends of
The people who do not seek this desired re-
suit