The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1876-03-10
Mr. EDITOR: In the last number of

some of my ''fallacious reasoning" says:
What contributes to the well being
and prosperity of my neighbor, in some
way benefits me-" Upon this axiom he
then attempts to build a castle. But
giving him the full benefit of this origi-
nal idea, let Inc ask, if what benefits
him much may incidentally benefit me
little, am | 20 be taxed the same as he in
paying for these benefits? If the erec-
ton of iiue structures upon lots adjoin
ing mine will enhance the value of my
lot. am 20 contribute equally with the
owners OF these adjoining lots in ;;.e
erecTinI nG r!i-.>- -:ructurr>2 Tie Nus
tice of compelling rii to contIihHtr alike
for that whirh especially benefits hu, "a
few, is w'ra' PR - against
Air-.tis ;li,. .-,i If special and local
taxation ii5> 'ss-r1ra-i such proportio rs
that both Gov Alien and Gov Hayes in
their last messages to the Legislature
lifted their warning voices against it.
have attempted TO show that the benefits
of this proposed measure would be only
nominal to those living in a large part of
our county. My arguments have been
met by the statement that my reasoning
is fallacious. If have advanced single
argument against this measure, cannot
think it has been weakened by this kind
of a reply to it. 1t seems to be admitted
that all cannot be equally benefited by
this proposed improvement, though all
are to be taxed alike for it, But those
who can hope for nothing else are as
sured that, in some way, although, per-
haps, to them unknown, they may re-
ceive some incidental benefit therefrom
The building of large edifice in Findlay,
at cost of two hundred thousand dol
lars, might, in some way, perhaps to us
unknown, directly or indirectly, benefit
every person in Hancock county,
whether we recognize the fact or not.
What objection, then, can any taxpayer
have to building such an edifice, even
though call the money expended be tn
ken out of the county, instead of being
distributed back again in greater part to
those who paid it, which is not an insig
nificant consideration" 'If the oppo-
nents of this measure can advance a
single good reason why a tax (for this
purpose) should not be levied, shall be
willing to concede that they are not en-
tirely actuated by short-sighted consid-
erations" moments consideration of
this incidental benefit argument divests
it of all its force. The equality of tax
alton, and the equality of benefits re
sulting from it, are principles so firmly
fixed in the sentiments of the whole
people, that every departure from it is
looked upon with the closest scrutiny.
Exact equality in all things may be i'm
possible, and especially so in our civil
affairs, but the nearest practical ap-
proach to it is demanded by every con-
sideration of public good. All road
taxes are to be applied in the road dis
tricts from which they are collected.
Such is the law. Findlay township is
not called to build roads in Orange town
ship, and oice cerSa. The bridge fund
is levied upon the entire county, and its
application is left to the discretion of the
Commissioners.
In a former article spoke of men who
would favor this measure from self
interest, i. e. men living on or along the
line of one of these proposed roads, or
having material to be used in their con-
struction. Now, if | am not much mis-
taken, Mr.. q. w. p. comes very near
being one of the men then referred to.
think a part of his many acres lie in
Findlay township, and all are along one
of the leading roads that center in Find
lay. What influence, II any, this may
have in giving him Il clear conception of
the wants of the entire county, is ques
ton which will not presume to answer
But some one of the lone hundred miles
of stone roads" to center in, and radiate
from, Findlay, would be quite likely to
pass through or along his premises
Besides this, lie may have material that
could be very conveniently used in the
construction of a stone road. He asks
what motive | have in opposing this tax.
If my feelings were not the very essence
of kindness, | might ask what motive he |
has in favoring it? But fOrbear The |
evident selfinterest of Mr.. G.. w. p. |
does not detraet one iOta from the force |
of any argument which he has advanced |
in favor of his pet project, and when We |
take into consideration the fact that his |
efforts have been larded with editOriaI |
unctiOn, it would seem highly pre-
in me to question that which |
is sustained by such high authority The |
limit of these stone roads having been
editorially fixed at one hundred miles,
let Ine inquire if Mr.. q. w. p. would be
with so small blessingl If the
thing is SO desirable the people ought |
not to be stinted In their allowance.
Finally, is G. w. p. in favor Gf mac
adamiZing all of our roads. or ONLY the
Lima, and few other Leading on 9.
Let us have definite information upon
this subject Let him also be kind
enough to tell us what is included in the
term leading roads" and where these
roads begin. and where they terminate.
There should be nothing left in doubt
about this matter Before we enter up
OH this great enterprise, let US lave some
means of knowing its extent and magDi-
tude, and about when and where We will
come out. Those who knew should be
prompt to give the desired information.
Let no selfish consideration induce them
20 withhold the light from thos. who