National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-03-31
THE PERSONAL TAX LAW.

The citizens meeting at Lincoln Hall on
Monday night resulted as we expected it
would in the adoption of calm and digni
fled rcmonstrance against the rigid enforce
ment of the obnoxious provisions of the
personal tax law. The character of the at
tendance was a sufficient guarantee that the
deliberations Of the meeting would result
exactly as they did, and although there
may have been some slight differences of
opinion regarding minor details treated of
in the resolutions, the unanimous desire
that the general benefit should be served
was sufficiently strong to prevent the utter
ance Of single dissenting vote. There
were capitalists present representing mil
lions of money invested in enterprises of
all kinds, who voted side by side with men
who are poor in everything but honesty Of
purpose and that kind of enterprise which
will enable them either to regain the losses
of the panic or build up fortunes for the
first time. 1t was an occasion, in short,
which enlisted the close attention and at
tractcd earnest interest from citizens of
every class. The Commissioners with
whom the committee appointed by the
meeting arc directed TO consult will do we'll
TO bear these facts in mind, because the
committee will represent q larger element
OF the citizens of the District, regardless of
party or Of previous local differences, than
was ever gathered together before for such
It purpose within our geographical limit
That the Commissioners will carefully re
consider their construction of the law in
question, no one who appreciates their
thorough desire to benefit the community
minister will doubt This, as we under
stand it, VIII be a sufficient and satisfactory
response TO the wishes of the meeting,
and if the further result shall be that the
Commissioners agree to modification of
their construction Of the law, every honest
friend Of the community will rejoice.
But we advise our readers not to expect
TOO much, or they may be subjected to dis
appointment. There is no power that we
know of TO suspend the enforcement Of the
law or respond literally TO the request en-
braced in the last one OF the series of reso-
buttons; but this branch of the subject is,
nevertheless, worthy of serious cOnsidera-
ton. Nothing should be done, however,
10 indicate design to repudiate or ignore
the law. This advice we urge with all the
force at our command, because we believe
the future of the District. e., the man
ncr in which Congress will treat District
affairs-may be ieopardized by indiscreet
action in this regard. We have a strong
case based upon the obvious intention of
the trainers cf the law, and we can rest our
arguments on that point alone, assured
that we shall receive an impartial hearing.
On the contrary, we hold that it will be
good policy, and the best policy, TO adopt
The suggestion which has been made to
show a cheerful willingness to bear our
share, and liberal share at that Of the
burden of taxation.
1t appears that the clause requiring an
inspection of private. business affairs is the
most obnoxious, although the provision for
the taxation of money on hand is open
10 serious objection. The idea that q citi-
zen may be compelled to expose the details
Of his private relations is more repulsive
than was the exposure of business affairs
under the income tax imposed by the Gen
eral Government, but all these things may
be remcdied in due time. Meanwhile We
repeat our advice that OR people shall sub
nit patiently and cheerfully, and make the
best terms they can under the existing
order Of things.