The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1869-07-15
Communicated
The Corporation Tax Bill he IDde.
cent Haste In It's Passage.
WAsHINGToN, July u, IS

WAsHINGTOs, July 10, ievV'
Mn. EpIroR-sir: viii you permit me,
through the columns Of your valuable paper
to express my views, as well as those OF a
great majority of the taxpayers OF this city
In regard to the unprecedented legislation Of
our City Councils last Monday evening, con-
corning the tax-bill for the year 1860. Never
In the annals Of this or any other city was
there such rude and thoughtless legislation
enacted upon SO important measure, as
was exhibited In our City Councils last
Monday evening. tax-blll was introduced
by one Of the Aldermen Of the Third ward,
and rushed through without debate, not
withstandlng the enormous burden Ii sub
jects people to; while, instead OF being np-
piled to tho liquidation OF the corporation
Indebtedness the point upon which the said
Alderman 'pleads the great necessity oil 80
aaormous tax-the greater portion 10 np
piled for other purposes, or is to be held In
the city treasury subject to some future raii-
road scheme, or some other hobby, which
will doubtless arise from some fertile brain
that wishes 10 lmmortalize his name at the
expense Of the people OF this poverty
stricken town.
The said Alderman claims that II Is abso-
lutely necessary to levy and collect this
heavy tax, In order to preserve the credit OF
the corporation, which his remarks upon
the subject seems to indicate Is paramount
TO all other objects. Yet II does not require
close scrutiny-in view Of the fact that the
amount allowed for a sinking fund varies
but tribe from last years tax, which In TIT
aggregate was full my per cent. less thar
the one In question-to show clearly the
utter insignincance OF that object.
But let us look further and see the down
right Injustice this bill will inaict upon h un
dreds OF poor people, including Government
employees, who are struggling along upor
meagre salaries, making monthly payments
upon their houses, so that they may en)o!
t6e comforts OF a home. Many who un
fortunately have been thrown out OF EN-
ployment, and have not the means at thel
disposal 10 pay their taxes with at speel
aed time must be bed to the tune OF y
per cent. per month, In addition TO the al
ready oppressive burdens for every month
through sickness or want OF employment
and are compelled TO let 1t remain unpaid
Was there ever such injustice inflicted upo
civilized people since the days OF Adam
IL is not only unjust, and extortlon In 1t
worst form, but Illegal, and II carried Int
our courts that penalty clause would b
swept away like chat before the wind.
Let me ask, why the necessity OF having
two branches to our Council, known as til,
upper and lower Boards, II, as was the cast
last Monday night, such important bills Al
tax-bllls are to receive the sanction and In
dorsement Of the lower Board without an!
consideration or Investigation on their part
simply because II passed the upper Board
Such legislative action is simply an admls
sion of their inability to discharge their duty
or else they dare not entertain an Idea tina
will conflict with the great intellect and ".'
dom Of the upper Board.
As there Is no other remedy do most sin
cerely hope and pray that His Honor, til
Mayor, will lnterposc his veto power, an
thereby alleviate the sufierings Of many an
check the rulnous effects Of hasty legislation
JUSTICE.