Middletown transcript., 1875-01-09

less than from most other property, AMI
whatever reduction may hereafter b
made 10 the amount Of taxes collected
should be ein relief Of that species O
property which is least remunerative.
In making this suggestion, do moi
wish to be understood as favoring any
policy that would leave the State with.
out the means to meet current ordinary
expenses, and At the same tune provide,
beyond contingency, for the prom pt
X liquidation Of every liability now out
standing. A wise foresight dictates the
payment Of the present State debt at
the earliest possible moment that it can
be effected without embarrassment to
the people.
1t is impossible to forsee what exi-
gencies may hereafter arise. requiring
every resource which the State car
A command, to protect its citizens from
ills not now anticipated, but which may
befall them hereafter Fortunately for
us, at the commencement of the late
civil war, the State was free from debt
and able to furnish the means for the
relief Of those conscripted into military
service. Had the State at that time
been encumbered, even with the pres
ent debt, the relief so anxiously de-
manded. and so opportunely afforded,
could not have been extended While
it is to be hoped that no similar neces-
sity will hereafter arise and that our
people may long be exempt from every
affection that could mar their happiness
or retard their prosperity, still wise
craftsmanship ,aad prudent regard for
the public good demands that the
Treasury Of the Stste be placed as soon
as possible with convenience to our cit
izens. in condition where its aid
could again be invoked in any emer-
gency which may hereafter arise.
The present revenue system of the
State. if undisturbed. or not seriously
iuterfered with, will extinguish our
present debt within the next ten or
twelve years, and leave the people free
from any necessity for contributing, BY
the payment Of taxes. to the support Of
the State government under which they
live. A7 - ''ssi
/ It is gratifying. in transmitting the
last biennial message which shall have
the honor Of sending to the General
Assembly. to be able to announce 80
large reduction of the debt existing
at the commencement Of my admins
tration. and that the present financial
system Of the State promisesTan early
extinguishment Of every outstanding
obligation. xiIH@R YlIEa5k
COLLECTION OF TAXES. s.fol
The collection Of county rates and
levies is. in my judgment, too expeu-
sive and might be reduced considerably |
by proper legislation. stsad IA
There can be no good reason for the
payment Of 50 large, a per csntage of
the taxes levied for the collection Of the
same. Some plan oughtto be adopted
which will adequately compensate the
officers appointed to receive and collect
the duplicates Of assessment placed 10
their hands. and at the same time en-
able such officers to performs their duty
with less labor thar is necessary Under
our present system. 5ai,.s, -iia
In some States q receiver Of taxes Is
for each collection district,
with graduated commissions upon all
sums voluntarily paid within, specified
LINES. and an abatement allowed to
such taxables as pay within the time
6xed by law for such abatement.
| have not given to the subject such
as enables me to recon-
mend with confidence any definite plan
If collection, but commend the. matter
o the consideration of the Legislature
Is worthy Of their serious attention. If
my alteration be made in the law re-
ating to the collection Of taxes at the
present session. great care should be
Exercised to secure to all equal facili-
les to comply With the law. All the
Of the Act Of Assembly
,assed at the last session, i relating to
be collection Of taxes. 20 far as the
anne may BE applicable. should be re-
aimed, with such further safeguards as ,
vill clearly define and limit the duties
t the revenue officers. and at the same /
ime protect the right Of every, citizen
. pay his tax with IS, little inconven-
ence to himself as possible.,.sR rat e
=.
supRsMs COURT Dscts1oN. 7ao II
Within the, last year an important ,
ase. in which this State. though not
ominally. was in reality party. has {
cen decided in the Supreme Court Of
be United States, The sase referred t
. was that of William Minot, jr,. al /
in the p. Wa b. Rail- .
Dad Company. against William, J. :
'larke. late State Treasurer, and VIM. t
I. Ochletree. collector Of State Tax Z
) under the Law Of 1869. The bill 6led !
, the Circuit Court prayed an injnnc- /
on to restrain the said officers from 4
roceeding to collect from said railroad d
ompany certain taxes imposed by said q
w upon railroad corporations in this a
tate. upon the assumed ground that o
i'd law was unconstitutional and void o
j various reasons, and among others i,
lat it impaired the obligation Of con- a
act alleged to exist between the State d
I'D said company exempting the latter Y
ON taxation. - ''''i..l : n
The decree Of the Circuit Csnrt sus- n
ined the coustitutiopslity Of the law 2
oresaid and the right Of the Stats to 5
< the corporation, and, upon an ap- ii
,al from said Decree taken by COM
aiuant, was affirmed by the Supreme !,
ourt. h
1t would be difficult to overestimats {,
eyalue Of this decision to the State 9,
disposes effectually Of the claim on S
e part Of the principal railroad corpo- s
tions existing within our limits to ex-a oi
nnfinu froa, favofinn = a nd he, main L