The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1871-02-16

2UH,z6zs OOuDtteSS Kansas spends
fourth this amount annually for
these articles, (or has for the last year
or two). I have taken some pains to
obtain data upon which to base an es-
innate Of the amount of money sent
out of the State in year for agricul-
tural implements, machinery and
wagons. 1 find that 5000, 900 worth
has been sold at Atchison. Now, un-
less we conclude that Atchison sells
more than one-ffth of these articles
used in the State, we must conclude
that this State pays to other States a
million dollars year for tools.
Again, the liberality by which
Kansas appropriations for benevolent
and eleemosynary purposes are char
acterized, is an evidence of strong faith
in the ability Of her people, as well as
in their benevoIence.
But to conclude: Two years ago the
State had outstanding warrants to the
amount of $500, 900 and not dollar in
the treasury. Gov. Harvey says in
his last message, the outstanding war
rants will be all taken up in January,
and a considerable balance left in the
treasury. Thus over a half million of
debt has been paid within two years,
besides bearing the heavy burdens of
State, city, county, township, school,
and in many places, an exOrbitant To-
cal tax. The ability to accomplish
so much in so short time is, certainly
the strongest evidence of prosperity.
Hereafter, one-half the per cent. that
has been levied the last two years will
be ample to defray the expenses of the
State government, and we may expect
lighter taxes.
And now I am reminded of my
friend, Mr.. J F. Moberly's, reply TO
my last letter. 1 would say to him
and his friends, I did not intend my
remarks as a criticism, nor as. gossip
OF course he had a perfect right to
come to Kansas and return to Ohio
again, and all l meant, was to show
that some were highly pleased with
Kansas on first arrival, and continued
to be; while others were disappointed
and would leave without a very ex-
tensive trial of it. l used names be-
cause 1 was once familiar with the
folks, and l have a. habit of using IA
miliarity. In speaking of Moberly, l
might have said Mr.. .@, but 1 did
not think it best, for story is more
interesting by its having real names
instead of fiction.
I thank Mr.. Moberly for the cour-
tesy with which he replied to my let.
ter. In reference to the first cause of
his leaving Kansas, (Which is high
taxes), would say, the taxes in Leav-
enwOrth county are enormous, as
taxes usually are in counties where
young cities exist.
According to the statement of his
tax, they are more than double that of
Atchison county. But in Kansas,
taxes that are not paid till after the
10th of January are subject to 10 per
cent. penalty, if not paid till the End
of May, so per cent. interest added.
This may have been his unfortunate
fix, and may account for the large aug
mentation of which he speaks. But
be this as it may, think a man liv-
ing in some parts of Ohio is not much
better in that respect, judging from
Gov. Hayes's message. He says:
"The increase of local taxation has
been far greater than the growth of
the State in business, population and
wealth. 1t is not to be doubted that
this burden has grown to dimensions
which seriously threaten the prosper
ity of the State"
In speaking Of special assessments
for local improvements, he says, again:
"The Auditor of State reports cases
in which such assessments have been
made, amounting to half Of the cash
Uulue of the property on which they
were levied, and in one case, which he
refers to, the assessment was double the
Uulue Of the property"
l wonder if somebody won't come to
Kansas to get rid of nigh taxes in
Ohios
Mr.. Editor, intended to speak of
many other things, but should take
up too much of your valuable paper
by so doing, so I shall desist, promis-
ing to let you hear from me again,
with your permission.
A. J. EVANS.
Lot