Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1868-02-22
STATE TAXES.


ion Of State and parish taxes. by the
Sheriff, under process Of law. The blow
will fall heavily upon, by far, the greater
portion Of our citizens, Impoverished rs
they are by overaows and repeated fail
ures Of cotton crops, they know not where
10 turn for relief. But one hope only re-
mains, and we advise them to give it
their serious attention. It concerns them.
their wives, their little ones and their
homes. So we'll is this known and ap.
precisted here that our drift must be IN
1erstood at once. We desire relief and
turn with longing eyes to the only beacon
which sheds q ray Of hope. W. ask only
for time to meet the demands which now
threaten to deprive our citizens Of the
last and only chance they have Of ecur-
Jog shelter for those most near and dear
to them. Throwing aside the political
troubles which environ US. we turn to the
great work of the building of our levees
as one upon which the future prosper.
ity Of the a~lluvial parishes depend. That
object secured, there will be greater in
centives to exertion on part Of every one
whom destiny or chance has cast behind
the frsil barriers of the leveed banks Of
the Mississippi. Time is what we re-
quire, and if accorded, a ruined people
may yet raise their heads and bid defiance
to the storms of adversely. To deny this
now, we're to cast upon the cold charity
of the world, thousands, whose energies.
patriotism, and whose interest in the
public veal might be lost forever. The
picture is dreadful to contemplate, but
facts are stubborn things, and in this facts
plays the painter. We suggest for the
benefit Of our suffering fellow citizeusthat
a special session of the Police Jury be
convened. that that body may take this
matter in hand and address . petition to
Gen. Hancock, giving a fair and honest
statement Of our condition and pray .
stay in the proceedings Of the Sheriff in
the collection Of State taxes, until We
have had . chance for another years
cropping. TIE meeting should be held
without any unnecessary delay, and with
out waiting for senscless formalities.-
Cropping time is at hand, when every
man must do his utmost to provide for
his family's necessities. A little encour.
couragement will redouble the energy Of
all. No one has . heart 10 work with the
milestone Of doubt and uncertainty cling
ing around his neck. A respite of one
year alone will work wonders in this com
munity IS we know it will in every other
parish which has been inundated. Let
the appeal be general in this respect to
the military commander Of the district
give the facts IS they are in regard to the
condition of the people. and state frankly
their anticipations for the future. II in
the power of Gen. Hancock, we feel az.
sured he will grant the desired relief
If beyond that power, and he feels uuau.
thorized to act in the premises, then the
fault does not lie at BUR doora.
The importance Of this matter demand.
the immediate attention of our parish %.
thorities. Being all property holders they
know and we'll understand the difficulties
that surround US. At the last meeting ol
that body, the names of those requiring
relief from the Government, numbered
near seven hundred ! An appalling state
mept. but nevertheless true. How many
more will be added to that fearful list il
property should be sold for taxes at the
present time ! Ponder this we'll, fellow.
citizens-be who has shelter for bis fami-
~ today may have Zone tomorrow -
The Sheriff is not to blame. He does hi,
duty-notbing more. But while q chance
remains to prevent it. let every effort be
made to secure that chance.
The BUREAu ORDER.-So far we have