Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-01-26

From this table, it appears we have re-
duced our ordinary expenses to a satisfac-
tory point. Indeed, sir, the estimated ex
penses for this year, which l am satisfied
are not too low, are such as to reflect credit
upon our Legislature. We may we'll be
proud Of such record. Our constituents
cannot withhold their applause at our sue
cessful efforts to reduce these expenses of
their government. They cannot fail to ap-
preciate our wOrk-nOr to accord the due
need of praise for what we have accom-
plished in their behalf Let them but COM
pare orr estimated expenses for 1872 with
the actual disbursements for 1S69-'7O, and
they cannot avoid the conclusion that we
have faithfully redeemed our pledges. Re-
trenchment and reform have been our
watchword, and right we'll have we fulfilled
our promises. l hazard nothing in saying
that our State government is to-day less eX-
penSiVe and more economically admins
tered than any other in America.
Permit me for a moment to institute a
comparison between North Carolina and
the State of New York. Our property, real
and personal i'll 1861, was about $3.50, 0O0,-
900, now it is about 1925, 100000. We
raise about 81, 900 for State and county
purposes, or about one dollar per capita
New York raises $11 s. per capita, eleven
times as much.
Our per cent. tax is about 81 cents on
the hundred dollars. New York raises
81 46 on the hundred dollars !. or more
than three times as much as we do. The
property Of New York State is assessed at
81 800, 100000, with revenue of 10000
90. What are our taxes compared with
theirs?
repeat, sir, by our economy and reform
We have brought our expenses down to a
| lsk 1 - L
| continued hereafter with that zeal which
has characterized our action until it is
pressed Oh the memory of every official with
in our borders that ''lawful taxation con-
sists alone in depriving citizen of his prop
erty for the public good,'' and that "to take
property by taxation for any other than
necessary expenses" is highway robbery
under the forms of the law.
But, to return, sir, to the subject under
discussion, because of our large reduction
OF the expenses of the government, we car
the more easily raise the 100000 interest
On the proposed bonds. And, sir, thus
aftOr a careful examination Of the subject
! ana OF our resources, it seems to me that
this interest may thus be provided for ac.
cording to the terms of the constitution
without taxing the people beyond theil
! power Of endurance. Having made these
remarks, sir, perhaps l should add nothing
more, but cannot refrain from alluding tC
the course of inactiOn proposed to be pur-
! sued in reference to this subject.
| fear 1t is All error. The leading events
of 1871 are still fresh in our memory and
it conservative members are computed tC
any action it Is to arrange this interest
But, even if this were not so, the conSttu-
ton is not silent as to our duty in the IRE
misses, and for that reason we are about tC
ask the people to strike out the clause i'm
! posing this duty from the constitution. II
/ we feel at liberty not to perform this duty
why ask that the constitution be altered in
this particular? But even were the con-
stitutiOn silent OIL the point, still it would
be All error to leave our finances exactly as
we found them i'll 1870, with the debt un-
changed, save increased by the additional
! interest. This is not what the country de-
names Of uS-it is not satisfactory to oul
| constituents,
| Gentlemen are fearful Of i'm posing the
tax necessary to raise the interest. They
cannot ignore the legitimate consequences
of such inaction. Will our successors as
semble under other circumstances than
those that exist to-day? Will the condi-
ton OF the State he materially change lin
one or five years?
Will the next Assembly be more likely
to levy all interest tax than ourselves
structiOn of constitutional obligations
| Will they be more callOus to popularity
more indifferent to unpOpularity than we
are? Will not the same motives that
prompt our course also operate with equal
force upon each succeeding Legislature
In our inaction we follow Only the prece-
dent set by the corrupt Legislature OF
1869; but should we fail to perform this
| unpleasant duty the next Assembly
| fXV( TO
Radical-One Conservative. Will they in
the face of these precedents, and uncom-
United to such a course as we are by olll
legislative, address, dare to incur the Odium
of leyying this tax? No, sir. If we fail tC
adjust our finances, it is highly improbable
that any future Legislature will take cogni
zance Of the subject. Future Legislatures
will not deviate from the road we mark
out-and this road leads to population
utter, entire, unequivocal reputation
| There Is no escape from this cOnclusiC H.
Now is public opinion prepared for repudi
alton If we fail to act, we are RESPONSE
lie for it, and will your constituents sustain
| you in such a course ? Are the people q
honest old North Carolina so changed i.
sentiment as to accept such a Geplorablt
result without murmur of dissatisfaction:
These are questions that demand Yolu
earnest consideration. But even if it were
sO-even if the misfortunes of the past have
hardened the hearts Of our people and rem
dered them Indifferent to their good re
pute-even'if the deadly influence Of ous
corrupt State and Federal Governments hay,
been successful in destroying the health,
tone of public sentiment, yet we as Repre-
sentatives would lie inexclsable shouIe
we yield to the assumed popular wish
should we pander to a perv, rted publ,
opinion; We have grave duties TO perform
the chief of which is, s.to take care tha