New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-08-23

Mr.. McMillen hoped the gentleman, Mr.
Isabelle, would not enlarge upon the inabil
| ity of Northern Louisiana to pay their taxes
We are amply able to pay all taxes imposed
he said.
Mr.. Issbelle-Perhaps you can, General.
Mr.. Abbott, of Concordia, asserted that
his parish was able to pay the tax proposed.
mir. Isabelle: Railroads heretofore ex-
empted from taxation must now be taxed.
This taxation will increase the revenues OF
the State largely. Why have taxes been
burdensome? Because corporations have
been exempted from taxation. The 0pe-
lousas Railroad has paid no taxes for ten
years.
Mr.. Harper Of st. Charles: When the
war closed and Lee surrendered, the sol
diers Of the Federal army returned to
to their homes and went to work to pay off
the State debts created by the war. The
conquered soldiers instead of devoting them
selves to honest toll, have employed much
of their time, as in Northern Louisiana, in
riding around and threatening to murder
others if they do not agree to vote the
Democratic ticket.
The Democrats can not talk any worse
about the "scallawag Legislature" consum-
ing the substance of the people, if they levy
tax of one per cent than they would if they
levied tax of one halfpe cent.
Mr. Zoelly, of Orleans; How can the
people pay the taxes
MIR. Harper: Fhstead Of coffee l would
drink water; instead of a store shirt would
wear checked shirt; instead of five dollar
shoes l would wear dollar and a half
shoes, that is how would pay my taxes.
Mr. Murrell, of Lafourche, opposed fooling
with half per centtax. He declared himself
in favor of tax of one per cent, and would
even advocate two per cent if necessary.
His remarks were delivered with the usual
Yigor, energy, force, and emphasis.
Mr.. Burrel, ofSt. John the Baptist: Voting
for one per cent tax is very ,easy thing to
do. have accumulated little property
myself. Twill have to suffer together with
others under this tax. The burden would
fail upon the whole people. This is money
question, and requires deliberation. The
State of Louisiana has brought itself in debt.
| want time for deliberation-time to use my
faculties, and to show that the colored rae e
are able to represent the State OF Louisiana.
1 hope further action on the bill will be
postponed at this time.
Mr.. Carr: Which would gentlemen prefer
to DO? Pay one per cent now and liquidate
entirely the debt, or pay extrayagant inter.
est on the debt. while the State credit con-
tinues to suffer? The rebels run the tate
in debt, and they should be made to pay the
debt. Let the debt be wiped out, and then
Northern capital will come here, and not
before.
Mr.. Faulkner; The tax of one per cent
would be sonerous on all classes alike. In
my parish many of the laborers, white ard
BLACK, are in destitute circumst .nces, and
instead of wearing SHOES costing only a
idollar and q half, wear no shoes at all.
Mr. Belot, ofOrleaos: No quorum present.
We can not take action.
Mr.. Faulkner, continuing: Do you want
| to kill the goose that laid the golden egg
Do you want to destroy the interests of the
State by oppressive taxation, in order &c
bring Northern capital here?