Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-10-17
now TO REDUCE TAXATION.

Among the many remedies suggested
for high taxes, none that we have seen
or heard appear more practical than
are contained in the circular of Captain
S. C Hodges, the Conservative nominee
for the State Senate from the Second
district. While we may not agree with
him in every particular, we certainly
indorse the matter of fact way in which
he deals with the subject. He says:
The State debt, which is large, is to be
paid, at least so much thereof as is found
TO be Just after investigation. The gov
eminent is to be carried on, and this re-
quires large sum. How can taxes be
reduced2
answer in several ways.
There is about one-6fth of the prop
erty of the State that has never been
taxed-the railroad property. Tax this,
and you reduce your taxes one dollar in
every FIVE.
But bear in mind that your county
taxes are heavier by far than your State
taxes. The chief reduction must be
made in your county taxes.
How can this be done2
/ answer, in many ways.
Il costs you too much TO prosecute
your criminals. | would so modify our
Judiciary system as to give Justices of
the Peace jurisdiction over misdemean-
ors, and let such cases be finally dispos-
ed of before them, giving them the right
if need be to impanel juries for the
purpose. Thus would be saved to every
county thousand of dollars in the way
of costs. With such a modification as is
suggested above we need have no more
than two terms Of Circuit Court year,
and perhaps not more than one Grand
Jury term a year We might also find
competent men who would be willing
to serve as Judges for less than the
salaries paid at present.
A proper modification Of our Judiciary
system will save more than ten per
cent. Of our taxes. State and county.
A large number Of our officers, such as
sheriffs, clerks, ETC., receive far more
for their services in the way Of perqui-
sites, allowances, ETC., than men Of equal
competency can make on the farm, al
anvil or at the workbench. / believe
there are good men 10 every county who
would Eli these Offices for us for much
less than the incumbehts receive at pres
ent, and who would turn the excess over
a good paying salary into our country
treasures. Thus might there be saved
to the taxpayers thousands OF dollars
l think this would be right.
Some officers we have whose services
might be entirely dispensed with, and
their pay saved to the tax payers.
All these things count in dollars and
cents; and believe they may be made
to count TO the extent Of fully half Of our
present rates oftaxstion without any in
jury whatever to the public service.
If the next Legislature should be able
to reach this result, they viii have done
more to 'preserce the credit Of the State
than all the funding bills" and assess
meut laws" ever passed.
Such condition in our financial af-
fairs, State and county, would soon be-
come known to the world. Then would
foreigners turn their eyes hitherward in
search for homes. Until something like
this is brought about, all our efforts to
induce immigration will be in vain. This
will bring capital and labor to our as.
sisiance. When men from other States
and countries begin to search for homes
among Us, our lands will begin to rise in
price aud value. Money expended BY
them for our surplus lands will remain
among US as surplus money, and will be
invested in better stock and tools better
houses and barns, or in manufacturing
and banking institutions.
Thus also will the mechanic find more
work 10 do, the railroad more freights "a
carry, the merchant greater demand
for bis goods. Thus will every interest
of the country advance together on the
road 10 greatness.
Captain Hodges is lawyer by profess
sion, but was raised to hard work on
the farm, is a practical and successful
farmer and thoroughly understands the
wants and feelings Of the people in his
section. He regards the agricultural
interest as the chief interest of the coun-
try, aud concludes that therefore what
ever benefits the farmer benefits all
classes. Some Of his recommendations
may be open 10 constitutional objec.
tons, but they nevertheless point in the
direction Of public sentiment and suq
gest the shape of future nol;o;o.