The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1875-12-31
From the Lansing Republican. December 2ls'
1875.
EQU.1LIZLNG THE BUHDE.N.

The suggestion of President Grant that
church property shouldbe taxed like other prop
ertv fexcepting perhaps church buildings, I'M
der some restrictions, and cemeterles) Is excit-
ING a brisk discussion. We are treated to the
old arguments in favor OF the exemption which
now prevails, TO the effect that the churches do
al much good in reproving, restraining, and
christianizlpg men that they more than repay
10 the community at large the taxes which 9TH
or property has to bear for their benefit. But
every good man, every noble woman, benefits
the community too. Shall their property es-
cape taxation because they make worthy use
OF it! 1t is clear that If all the property in
this State we're to be taxed, the average amount
of tax on real estate could be reduced about
80 per cent
Now, as the complete separation OF church
and state is an American principle, and Is the
only basis on which 80 many different sects can
get along together, this principle should be
rigidly carried out, and all property which re-
quires the protection Of the government be
made TO bear its share of the burden. Why
should magnificent temple, with its gorgeous
trappings and upholstery, open to select few
only once week, be protected at the cost OF
the whole community, while the novels OF
poverty, and even the COW which gives poor
family part OF their support, have to pay their
proportion OF taxes? There is neither justice
nor Christianity in such distribution OF bur-
dens and those who declare that the whole
world is of no consequence by the side OF a
] 10 ha tuflIt
their souls sakes, to pay such taxes on the
houses used for their weekly gatherings as
people have to pay on the houses that shelter
them from the elements.
The grossly unjust working of the present
system can be seen without going beyond the
| limits OF this city. Here are church lots which
never cost the society cent either for pur-
chase money or taxes, that are now worth
many thousand dollars and one Of them at
least has been sold for a large price, and the
proceeds put into another building. The IN
dustry, enterprise, and frugality OF the people
of the city at large including many non-pro-
fessors Of religion, enriched this society sever
al thousand dollars, by the advance in the
value Of the land.
Inc same tnlnS ID happening All oFei Tue
country. Only last year two rich Boston
churches sold their old buildings and lots for
business purposes at enormously enhanced
prices, taking part Of the proceeds and build,
ing more splendid temples Ito God, or NAM
mon y in the fashionable part Of the city. II
this church property had been taxed as other
property was taxed, it would have required a
little more sacrifice of filthy lucre by church
members, but would have saved the earnings
OF those who are not church members
We believe in all people bearing their share OF
the public burdens and it is not right to en-
rich religious society, holding tenents which
are not accepted by the mass OF the communi'
| t., at the cost Of that community.
In this country the heaviest owners OF ex
empt property are the Roman Catholic anG
Methodist churches, and we expect to see the
most opposition to this reform from those two
denominations. But 1t is right, it is truly
American, and will yet prevail, through state
enactments. President Grant Is mistaken il
thinking it proper to be regulated by the FEEDER
al constitution.