Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-08-25
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desire to follow up more in detail, though
briefly, the ideas expressed 10 my former letter
as to the qualifications requisite, in my humble
opinion, In representative of the people. 1t
is only by weighing in the proper balance the
ability of the candidate, his business qualities,
practical everyday business habits, bis sound
Judgment his own interests as identified with
the Interests of the people whom he represents,
his having an eye to the development of the
resources OF the State, his disposition to so
vote as to represent the will Of his constituents
fairly expressed that We can select the mao
equal to the duties of legislator. A primary
duty Of representative, | believe, is to see
that the revenue laws be so framed as to
make the duties of the assessors more impera-
tive in assessing the property, real aud person
al OF every inhabltant or property. holder. To
do this would impose special penalties for
every onlssion-that each property holder be
required, by more stringent laws, to give full
and fair list of his property and income, max
log the failure so to do, subject to foe that
would deter dellnquents all delinquent tax
lists to be presented to, examined, approved or
corrected by the board of supervisors of the re
spective counties, they being better acquainted
with the taxpayers aud their ability to pay
each delinquent tax to be accompanied by the
bill unpaid, as voucher, to be again put into
the hands OF the treasurer for collection. By
this course much that Is sent to Richmond, to
remain on tile for five years, would be collected
and brought into the State and county treasu-
ries respectively.
In amending the road law | would, so far az
is consistent with the Constitution, have mix
ed system OF taxation and labor, especially as
much real estate is held by non-residcnts, who
do not pay mill towards keeping 10 repair
even the roads contiguous to their land This
should not depend upon the petition of few or
many; not be subject to the approval of the
courts, or to be annuled by them, but absolute.
The farming Interests, especially the raising
of sheep, should be encouraged aud protected
by some judicious law, imposing greater re-
strctons and penalties than the one given US,
appointing officers to kill dogs not taxed and
imposing hoe on every man, woman or miuor,
who keeps dog, not taxed appropriating the
taxes arising FROM this source to pay for sheen
killed, at so much per head, as they are really
taxed or valued by the owner, when assessed.
the funds to be disbursed by the treasurer I'D
90 the proper certificates, for no greater com
mission than is allowed for disbursing other
county funds-not ten per cent as is at present
allowed.
In disbursiDg the county revenue, it should
be provided that all money be paid out on the
order of the County Court or Board of Superv-
sors, (tbe latter preferred, and not upon the
order of either, as at present. Even at the
risk OF extending my letter to too great length,
must suggest, as matters of economy, biennial
sessions Of the Legislature; sessions limited to
sixty days, not to be extended except in cases
of great emergency, and then by the Govern
or's proclamation; no milage 10 the event of an
extra session, except for actual travel reduc-
tion of the per diem of mem bers to four doars
and the publication of no laws 10 the Code, ex.
cept those of public nature, with rigid ecouo-
my 10 the public Offices, and strict accountable
ty of public officials. Such reforms, with wise
head at the helm, an honest crew to man the
ship of State, economy inscribed on her penant,
she cannot fail of a prosperous voyage, worthy
OF her former renoWn, and an example for her
sisters and daughters. X,
Fairfax Court House, August "a.