The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1875-01-07

Board might be exempted from the Latter
duty as we'll as from jury service.
1t is believed that if no compensation
were allowed, no citizen would seek the
Office, but that the people could find,
without difficulty, a sufficient number of
the very best men 10 discharge the highly
honorable and responsible duties Of mem
hers OF the Board OF Supervisors. But
if this be deemed wrong, then we sug-
gest that the compensation Of the mem
beers of the Board be reduced 70 twenty
FIVE dollars per anuum, and that each
member be required 10 give bond and Sc
curity in the penalty of two thousand
dollars. at least, by which he shall be
bound to n faithful performance Of the
duties of his office, and in which he shall.
lie liable for all illegal allowances Tor
which he may have voted. And il shalt
be provided that in every instance where
an allowance or appropriation OF money
Is made, the names Of the members vot-
ing for and against, should be recorded,
and that such names voting for such mp.
preparation, be embraced IN every war
rant issued on such appropriation. And
in case the alternative of "A salary, Is
adopted, then it should be provided that
n0 warrant for such salary should be is
sued in any case, except where there l.
money in the Treasury sufficient 10 pay
it after first paying all prior warrants or
pertd by the Board.
The necessities Of the people demand
further time within which to pay their
taxes for the year 1874. A delay OF
sixty or ninety days would afford great
and neediul relief; and if then the lands
of delinquents have to be sold, the pc
riod Of redemption should be two years
and the damages twenty-five per cent. for
each year.
We feel constrained to call your atten-
ton to the many thousand acres Of land
now held by the State under sales for
taxes in arrears and unpaid. Practical
w, these lands are a burden to the State,
and useless for all revenue purposes -
Many Of them were sold during the late
war, aud some in 1913. If the titles
could be depended upon at all, il would be
wise to husband the resources thus pro-
vided and await the developments of the
future; but the tax titles, we may fairly
assume, are all worthless. The great
object to he secured Is, 10 make these
lands available for purposes OF revenue,
and we suggest that the owners or parties
interested therein, be allowed TO redeem
them on payment of the State tax for
lS74,--and if not redeemed by the lst
July next, that they be sold to any one
upon the same terms. Nor would we re
restrict any one as to the right 10 pur-
chase; and would allow any man 10 buy
in any quantity he might desire. This
policy would defeat the purpose Of those
who suffer their lands to he held by the
State because OF the invaiidity Of her
tax titles.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion we beg to assure your
honorable bodies that in thus exercising
the sacred right of petition, we have not
intended to cast any reflection upon this
or former Legislatures, nor have we been
influenced by any motive Of gaining
party advantage. The members of the
convention which presents this petition
belong to all parties. We regard the
great interests Of the State and her peo-
pie, so much impoverished by the abuses
we complain OF, rs too high and sacred to
be made the subject OF party contests.
Mississippi has n soil unequslled in
Ierullty aud III the variety OF It's products.
Our climate is genial and healthy. Ev-
cry element OF high prosperity and of
material and moral advancement exists. !
But Notwithstanding all this, every BUSH
ness is depressed, the people discomfort |
ed and paralyzed. We have the benumb- |
ing influence of despair and threatened |
ruin in lieu of the healthy and vigorous
activity and energy of hopeful progress.
And there yet remains the saddest truth
Of all. There is distrust and want of
mutual confidence between the different
classes If our population and a deep and
wide gulf separating the rulers and the
ruled. The taxpayers do not desire
this, and they now make this respectful
petition and appeal To the Legislature in
the hope that that body may receive it
in tl@ spirit in which it Is made, and |
that such action may result as will speed
lily put Mississippi on the high road 10
which shall bless all classes .
and conditions and extend to every sec /
ton of the State.