Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-09-24

IL order to make the doctrine "to
the victors belong the spoils," avail
able, il is necessary 10 lay on the peO-
pie heavy taxes and burdens grievous
to be borne. Unless the treasures are
first filed, it is difficult to get anything
out, and the fuller they are the better
for the spOilsmen. They are no bet
ter than common thieves, who rob all
the same under the cloak of legisla-
ton. The only difference between the
two classes Is, that one takes the risk
of being convicted and punished, and
the other evades punishment altOgeth-
or. He who Obs his neighbOr by legis-
latiOn, only does in another way what
a highwayman and thief does in his.
If resistance to tyrants is obedience
to God" we see no reason why resist
ance to such tax-gatherers is not ODE
dience also. They are the instruments
of the tyrant, and resistance to them
is resistance to tyranny.
In our neighboring State of Arkan-
a the Little Rock Gazette states that
the taxes average outside of Little
Rock from fre to serel per cent" In
der CIAYTON's administration, official
stealage goes on on a large scale, and
corresponding taxes must be levied to
support the operation. The Gazette
does not propose that warlike resist
ance which would be morally justifa-
bic, but proposes to make the best Of
a bad case, and throw every Obstruc-
ton possible in the way, take every
legal advantage, and do everything
possible to be done consistently with
obedience to law, and in resistance to
this guestiOnably legal spOliation law.
The Gdzehe says:
We do not p warlike resistance.
We warn our friends against the commits
sion of the slightest act of violence except
in defense OF person and property assaulted
without the color of law. Acts of viO-
are weapons for our enemies. But
do say that our people should not pay
the unjust and outrageous taxes assessed
bv those who are fattening on adver-
for the year 1863, until the validity
Of the imposition is legally determined.
We shall resist the payment Of that tax
By every lawful means in our power. We
counsel the people of Arkansas to a all
.egal steps tO determine its validity. 1t
has been unlawfully assessed. 1t Is i viO-
of our Constitution, of every free
constitution, of every just principle Of
government. Ii is not an act of govern
ment. 1t is spoliatiOn: it is practical con-
the destruction of the property
denial of the freedom of the citizens. /
Ii is the e-nslavement of the entire people
If this State, and their ruthless cOmpul-
sion. by the forms of pretended laws, to
work for memorable task-masters here al
he capital, who have long been driving
Is, by means of heavy taxes, as the an
lent Egyptians drove the Israelites, to
bricks for them without recon-
1ense In the assessment of the new tax
IF 1858, which is developed by the state
nents coming from the several counties
If this State, to average, outside of Little
Rock, from pre- to SeUen per cent. upon the
raluatiOn, they say 10 rs as the Egyptian
ask-masters were commanded:
A" Ne shall no more give the people straw
o make brick, as heretofore; let them 90
md gather straw for themselves.
Anu the tart VI pIAAhS. ultn Lllch O44 ]
make heretofore, We shall lay upon them;
re shall not diminish 8Ught thereof: for
hey be idle: therefore they cry, saying,
ct us 90 and sacrifice to our God.
let there be more work laid upon the
men, that they NAV labor therein; and let
hem not regard vain words"
Such has been the language of tyranny
n all lands and at all times. To our re-
nonstrances against such oppression, III
1eply, our masters say:
1--WE know that the Democracy Of the
have taught the people TO hate the
party; that they denounced it as
party of prescription. The laboring
White man of the South has always been
into the belief, so far as the De
nocracy could delude them, that some
,ody way up north was about TO rob hin
f some right. whereby he would be placed
over in the social status han the slave
r free negro. 1t has been the policy Of
heSe men who are now DISTINGUISHED, to
rray the Southern men against those of
North, and many men oppose the Re
'ublican party for no other reason than il
riginated in the North"
Their only escape from conviction Of
he truth of Our charges is by an appeal TO
prejudice, Of course, and to the
trength Of party.