The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1875-02-16

Hon. J. M. Stone has introduced in
the Senate bill to regulate the collection
of Railroad taxes. Until the past year,
the property of railroad companies
has been exempt from taxation in this
State. Such exemption was based upon
considerations of sound public policy.
The roads were struggling into existence,
and in view OF the great public benefits
which they conferred, the State could
well afford to refrain from taxing them
in order to secure their construction.
But these considerations no longer op-
crate. The roads are completed; and
though they are laboring under the same
depressing influences that are operating
upon all the industrial enterprises of the
South, thereisno reason why these compa-
MES should not contribute their share to the
support of the government which affords
them protection alike with other interests
that are taxed for its maintenance.
To this proposition, we understand,
no objection is urged by the compa-
MES which are now paying taxes. They
are perfectly willing to bear a just pro-
portion of the public burdens.
One of the objects of Senator Stones
bill is simply the collection of these
taxes, and to require. that they shall be
imposed. in the form of a privilege tax to
be paid directly into the State Treasury,
IN lieu of the present intricate, cumbrous
and expensive county agencies of assess
ment and collection. The mode pre-
vIded by this bill in dispensing with these =
forms will save to the taxpayers and the
companies the enormous per cent. which >
now goes into the pockets. of third par
ties, and besides will insure q more .
prompt collection of the tax.
There is another benefit to be derived u
from this measure. 1t is claimed by one N
OF the companies in this State (the No L
bile d Ohio, that its property is exempt e e
from taxation, and on this ground it has re- =
sisted the collection the tax imposed un-
der the present law. This exemption is IN
ust to the State and to the other companies. -
1t is contrary to the Constitution more
over, which forbids exclusive privileges g
% any class. Besides, this privilege, if
was granted by a Legislature
Which was acting for former generation CT
nd which had no right to bind the pres F.
mt. Since the passage of that law. VIZ
new order of things has been BROUGHT or
1to existence. The Constitution itself
that day has been swept away and an
Their has taken its place:representing the
'verelgn will of the people. 1t is the Fo
leory OF this Constitution which as the -
lpreme law supercedes and over-rides -. 49,
Il others that there shall be no exclusive br,
nylleges. 1t is manifestly contrary to Ey
e supreme law, as well as to the fun 90
'mental principle of equal rights which o or
institute the basis of Republican gov m n,s
'nment' for one set of men to enjoy fou
immunity from taxation for the support un
the government, not enjoyed by an oou}
ner though engaged in precisely the 1!
me pursuit. To tax one road, or set e e,Or
roads, and allow another to be nm. unf
xed, is to give the latter an ADVANTAGE trif
liking its tariff of charges, and besides ]
destroys the competition which is the so",
OF trade and is essential to the nrotoo Lo
N OF the other portions of the commp. by
y And to these considerations Is 70 and
ADDED the paramount one that II do. all
ives the State of rovon - ue' offic
ones 70 :. WHICH justly Ions
I
In view of the objects of this bill 70 due
nomlze and simplify the collection of and
es, enhance the revenue, and eousl. natl
the burdens of government, we can @
lglne no reason whyit should not re. and
'e the sanction of the Legislature. prep