The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-07-08

There is no doubt that there arc inn
j perfections in the tax laws aud IRE.
] guiarities in the execution Of IT, Fol
| the present individuals have the right
| Of appeal against what they deem ;iu-
equitable and unjust, and nc have no
doubt such alterations and modiffcations
of the law as will be shownsto be me-
cessary, will be made. at the next session
of the Legislature.
But while unpatriotic efforts are being
made to induce our people to believe
that our system of taxation is oppressive
and ruinous, would Invite You to look
at its beneficial effect upon the pros
perity, the credit and the character of
the State. In affording satisfactory
evidence of the determination of our
people to pay its debts and meet its re
sponsibilities, it has lifted the credit of
the State from the verge of bankruptcy
to q respectable and prominent position
in financial and monetary circles. Our
bonds, which at one time could be pur-
chased for twenty-five cents on the dol
lar, now command seventy-three cents,
and are steadily advancing insomueh
that am in hopes by the 1st OF Janu-
ary they viii! be practically at par. In
this single item alone there has been
gam W tho pCopl0 VI RE,OUU,-
O0O; but the satisfactory vindication of
the financial resources of the State was
OF infinitely more value in enhancing
the value of property throughout its en-.
tire limits to the extent of many mil
lions, and attracting to it the attention
Of capitalists and emigrants.
The floating debt of the State has been
provided for and retired, and the bills
receivable, which furnished at one period
the only currency of our Treasury, and
which circulated at from twenty-five to
thirty-fve per cent. discount, are now
substituted by par funds. This discount
was so much loss to the State, as the
materials and supplies for our jails and
asylums were purchased with the depre-
clated funds, aud ut proportionately en-
hanced prices. The restoration of the
State credit has also revived the Blue
Ridge Railroad, which has 80 long been
lying dormant, and it is fully expected
that, In few days, it will be put under
contract to responsible parties, who will
energetically press it to completion. This
great enterprise will prove an important
artery of commerce and wealth to the
State, permeating every portion of it
from the mountains to the sea. Indica.
tions Of coming prosperity are apparent
on every hand, and all that is requisite
for its realization is the establishment of
peace and tranquility within our borders,
SO that the intelligent and enterprising
may feel secure in the investment of
their means in projects which, while ad-
vancing their own fortunes, contribute
materially to the wealth and resources of
the State, and that the sturdy and in
dustrious laborer may be unmolested in
his efforts to secure for himself and
family an honest livelihood.
May 1 not hope, gentlemen, that you
and every well-wisher of the State will
join me in aspirations for the realization
of this desirable result, and pledge our
earnest efforts for its accomplishment.
The duty of the officers entrusted with
the collection Of taxes is plain and i'm
perative It is to press their payment
steadily and perseveringly. and to rigidly
enforce the penalty of 25 per cent. on
delinquents. If these officers are inter-
rupted or interfered with, it is incum-
bent on me to see that the laws of the
State are promptly and faithfully exc
cuted, and none are more vital to its
safety and efficiency than those relating
to its finances. Should factious attempts
be made to embarrass the government
~ CHo iuIeIpoSitlOu OI Cue courts,
shall be compelled to convene the Legis-
lature in extra session, and to ask for the
enactment of such laws as may be neces-
sary, and when passed they will be
promptly enforced, with as much mode.
ration as is compatible with the attain
ment of the ends to be accomplished. 1t
may be that ropressive measures of the
character alluded to, should there be n
necessity for resorting to them, will add
largely to the burdens of the taxpayers,
and be productive of agitation and OK
citement; but, however much this is to
be regretted, the responsibility and
odium must rest on the thoughtless and
reckless men who have rendered them
necessary. A government incapable or
unwilling to maintain its dignity and en-.
force its laws, against open violence or
covert fraud: is unworthy of the name,
and is fit subject for the pity and con-
tempt of its friends, and the scorn and
derision of its enemies. By the blessing
of Divine Providence, and with the as
sistance and cooperation of our law
abiding citizens, am determined that
South Carolina shall not present this