The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1876-02-09
THE EXEMPTION POLICY
Manufacturing in Mississippi.
a FLOOD OF LIGHT.
Both Sides Of the Question Ably Dis
cussed.
Letter from Hon. y. VI. WessOn-
fn Favor Of Exemption.

EDITORS CLARION lis it suicide, or assas-
sinaton. or botn-or can man commit SUI
icide and assassination at the same time, in
political economy: | think he can.
The legislator who tries 70 pass laws that
will prevent manufacturing ia the State
the manufacturing of cotton and wooden
goods, which gives honorable employment
to children of both sexes. whereby they, at
ten years old. can make decent living,
(leaViny out at this part of the argument
the benefit it NAV be to the State -is cer-
tainly committing suicide; and If his acts
are to be viewed aud considered by enlight-
ened statesmen, by that act, he most GER
tainly does assaSsinate the widows and or
phans OF many poor Confederate soldiers
whose bones are now bleaching upon the
battle-fields of the Lost Cause, and for
whom his predecessors pledged them
selves and all that was sacred, that
they would adopt these widows and
orphans as the wards of the State--a
pledge they have never attempted TO redeem
Since their State went down in defeatA
But now, by unfriendly legislation, to go
back into the dark ages OF ignorance, and
defeat the only way whereby these neglect
I'd wards OF the State could make an indie
pendent and reputable living, which they
can do in cotton factory, is simply STAY ing
them in the dark, without giving them IA
chance to speak for themselves. This un-
friendly legislation not only deprives these
poor orphans of their food and raiment. but
money in business of all others the most
desirable for the benefit OF the State.
History is written, that succeeding gene
ratouS may read and be bene fitted by the
experience of others; but DR.. franklin says
that experience is a dear teacher, but that
fools will learn from no other. Twenty
eight years ago, Georgia passed laws eX
empring all machinery in that State from
taxation, and at that time she had $4,000
spindles running. She did not Only do this,
but she passed laws offering liberal bOun-
ty on articles not then produced in the
State. She offered premium of five dol
lars pound on raw silk. The effect was
that Mr., A. II. Stephens went to the United
States Congress the next year, dressed in a
suit presented to him by the ladies of the
State, composed mostly OF silk.
Georgia is now known as the empire State
of the South. She regained her nationality
after the war before any OF her younger or
oIder sisters did. SHELVES upon her m rits.
Her craftsmanship stands forth as bold as
lion. She is a leader worthy to be followed,
while the flag of Mississippi is trailing in the
dust for the want of enlightened legislation
We have right to expect from the present
Legislature liberal and intelligent legisla-
ton.
/ hope that / can claim exemption from
all personal considerations, as | never have,
and never intend to hold any sort of office,
but l am the oldest manufacturer in the
State. l have made the subject a matter of
study and business in my youth and early
manhood. 1 think unfriendly legislation is
the most deadly blow that Was ever made;
it is destroying the most vital interests in
the State; it is drawing the very life-blood
of the nation. The preseRt Legislature
should not only exempt all machinery of
every kind and description from taxation,
but it Should go further and offer bOunties,
Your oh't sery't,
j. NJ. WEssON.