New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-02-18
THE PEOPLES COLUMN.

THE PEOPLES COLUMN.
brief Communications P.blished-Long
Ones Invariably Rejected-Tne Lditor not
Responsible for the Sentiments Expressed
in the Communications.
"City Floating Debt for Taxes"
EDITOR REPUBLICAN,:
A measure of relief to taxpayers, who
are delinquent not from choice, and also to
holders of the past due unpaid obligations
of the city, would be the passage OF an act
requiring the receipt of these obligations
for taxes; thus following in the wake OF the
State, the old taxes would swallow UP the
old floating debt due prior to January |,
1874.
With the passage by the Legislature of
this act and those proposed by the City
Council and Chamber of Commerce, an
economical administration of the city gov
eminent and the enforcement Of the collec-
ton of all delinquent city taxes, the city
could start without any floating debt on
the first Of January, 1875. except what
might accrue in The latter par: Of 1874.
which the licenses would absorb.
The great incubus that has dragged down
the city credit has been tho nnbonded debt,
and Che main cause of the increase of in.
debtedness, and grea: requisite 20 an
economical administration is TO come TO a
real cash basis. Don't spend the money
until is is actually in the treasury.
The City Council might be authorized 10
issue gold bonds at par for floating debt, as
a precautionary measure. in ease sufficient
taxes should be rigidly enforced. and bond.
ing should not be resorted to, unless abso.
lutely necessary 70 retire al! the floating
debt.
These taxes we're levied principally 70 pay
the cash obligations Of the city. there is
nobody hurt except it is the older cash
creditors Of the city. and if they are satisfied
who should be dissatisfied:
This is 2 measure of relief 70 those who
have trusted the city. for the larger part Of
this Indebtedness is due to the original
creditors of tho city, and it is no more than
just to them to make these securities mar.
ketable az as good price as possible with.
ont injury or loss 70 the city. Many have
done good service, waited for years for their
money. and they sacn!d no; be turned away
with stone.
4 TAXPAYER AND ORIGINAL CERTI-
EgCATE HOLDER.
.->-.
\ True Reformers
CDiToR REPUBLICAN:
The picayunc refers TO the services Of Mr..
Henry Shepherd in behalf Of the several
measures OF reform in our city admiuistra.
ton. and notes the fact that Mr.. Shepherd
is the agent and representative Of the
largest taxpayer in this city. Blu: the
Piccyune failed to remark upon the good
sense and judgment Of Mr.. Shepherd in his
mode Of appyoachin: the members OF our
Legislature.
Soiiiferen: from that OF the great majority
OF his class. instead Of standing aioo: from
the members of the Legislature. especially
the co!ore,! numbers. and ;rea;in. them as
interiors. like men only to be approached
with brides or other corrupt appliances, Mr..
Shepherd has addressed himself 10 the
reason. the patriotism and good sense OF
tbs members, without regard 10 trace,
color or previous condition" and has thus
obtained a respectful hearing. ana has. in.
deed. exercised large influence in behalf
0: the measures which. in the interest of
the taxpayers. he has advocated. Ii others
Of orr citizens Of the same class 9; Mr.
Shepherd would pursue like sensible
mode. there would be little difficulty in
directing our legislators 70 such course
~ would satisfy tbs demands Of these
quasi taxpayers who desire wise legislation
and effective remedies !or our pr.ssn: cod.
fica:ion. We iaa.n from members Of the
that Mr.. Shepherds efforts
have been directed especially in favor Of
proposed! iy the Chamber of Com.
,ueyce. par !sIia-ly thc following. the ad.i-
;ation Of which he believes would give gen.
era! satisfaction. ana would accomplish
" Ia: has been for many year. attempted in
vain in the way OF iegisiation:
!. The limitation Of the city debt iy con.
s;i,utional amenimen: srspenains. for the
present. tie sink;n.: fund.
>. The payment in cash o; the costs of
irainage, no gold bonds to be used 70. that
purpose.
). A more satisfactory mode Of assess
nens OF property. for which q ILL has
been prepared and presented 20 the Legis.
aturc.
1t is hardly necessary TO say that Mr.. |
Shepherd has no other object whatever in !
advocating these several propositions but !
hose of good citizen deeply interested in
he general welfare.
4 REPUBLICAN.