The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-08-01
TaxesI TaxesEI

We submit 10 a candid public whether the
subjoined correspondence does not manifest
condition of things that demands speedy
and certain remedy. 1s .
In 1850, the taxes paid by the people was
twelve and a half cents 10 the hundred dol
lars to the State, and not exceeding one-half
that amount to the counties on sworn EAlu-
alton of their property. In 1867, the rate Of
taxation was fifteen cents to the State and
seven and half cents to the counties, on the
one hundred dollars worth of property.
Now we pay at the rate of So 20 on the
hundred dollars to the State and large pro-
portion Of that rate to the counties Besides
this onerous taxation, those who live in cities
have to pay still another tax. aHH
When the rate of taxation was, as in 1860
and 1867, we had an abundance of money to
carry OF the affairs of Government In
those years, the State was not in debt, save
to a small RHybunt-which could and would
have been paid off without material in
crease of taxation.
The question at once addresses itself to
every thinking man, TO every tax payer,
can the administration be honest, which re-
quires so much money to carry it on2 II
honest, where the necessity of such vast
sums, over and above what was needed to
carry on a cash paying government in the
years gone by2 Where does the money go
to7 Into whose pocket, and for. what ex-
pended2 The answer is as ready as the TO-
quiry. The administration is not honest,
The money of the people is not expended
properly. Dishonesty rank and bold, is
about-is in high places, clothed in the
robes of Office. The people of Texas are
being robbed-their money is going into the
pockets of men, and in sums that the law
condemns al -.r.r
If the people approve honesty 10 public
men, and in their hearts denounce and con-
denim profigacy or peeulation, they should
turn the present administration out OF
power. Whatever the democracy may do
when it takes charge of the State Govern
In and under present management, there are
bankruptcy and ruin combined, bankruptcy
to the public credit, and ruin to the citizen
Read the correspondence and reflect:
OFFICE COMPTROLLER PUBLIC ACCOUNTS,
AUSTIN, June %, 1871.
Hon. JOHN HANCOCK, Austin, Texas:
Sir: am in receipt of the following COM
municstion. viz:
| AUSTIN, June "a, 1871.
Hon. A. BLEDsoE, Comptroller, etc., Austin,
Sir: Will yOu please inrorm me from the
papers and records of your Office
lst. The amount of taxes assessed and
collected for the year ending the 3lst of Au-
gust, 1860, and the amount OF money ex-
pended to carry on the State Government for
the fiscal year ending 3lst August, 1860.
| I'd. The amount of taxes assessed and COL
lected for the fiscal year ending 3lst August,
1867, and the amount of expenditures to
carry on the State Government for said year.
Sd. The amount of taVes assessed and COL
lected for the fiscal year ending 3lst Au-
| gust, 1870, and assessed and required to be
collected for the year ending 3lst August,
] 1871, and the amount of money expended,
and appropriations of money to be expended
for each of said years to carry on the State
Government.
4th. What was the outstanding debt of the
State exclusive of indebtedness to the School
Fund, on the 3lst of August, 1867, and what
it will be, as near as you may be able to
determine, on the 3lst of August, 1871.
ask this information in the interest of the
| public, and shall esteem it favor to obtain
| it at your earliest convenience.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
(Signe33' JOHN HANCOCK.
In reply give such facts as can be hastily
CLEANED from the records ETC., of this Depart
ment, in answer thereto, to-wit:
Amount of taxes assessed for the year 1860.
AdVAlorem.. 1857 1884 55
| Occupauon 59, l63 "
roll Tax......... ......"........." 27,740 90
...." S454, ,s05 q
Amount expended same year.. S7l0,724 n
Amount assessed for the year 1867.
AdValofem .........'"... ...."$224,5 ,507 81
Foil Taxi. ......."................. 95,S95 90
| Income and Salery. 23, ,905 S5
| Total ......................."...$ $344, ,209 sc
| Amount eoilected...... 44S, 1875 43
Amount eXpended....... ........... 470,67S 80
The assessment of taxes for the current
year it is estimated will reach SIS, ,s37 1853 ss3.
The rate oftaxation in 1860 was l23 cents
per 500; in 1867 it was 10 cents per SlO0,
and in 1871 it is 81 25 per 100.
The value of taxable property in the State
for the year 1860, was
In negroes....... ...."S l06 ,66S, 800
Other property. ..................... 1s7,626, 1853
FOR 1867 u Was.....,'.. l70,O05, ,645
For 1871 it is estimated at...... 259, ,4G4, ,6l7
Amount paid for arrest o: fugitives from jus.
uce IN lS7O......... S3, 1903 90
Expired portion of 1871 ............... 9l6 &c
1871. Amount expended and appropriated
to be expended by last Legislature 81, 200, 900.
.. Yours, respectfully,
A. BLEDSOE, Comptroller.