Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1876-08-04
xew FOR THE STATE ELECTION

Tennessee terminated yesterday, ana
the State canvass viii commence at
once. The Democratic State conven-
ton assemblies ct Nashville on Wednes'
day next. 1t is hoped this convention
will be governed by prudence and good
sense. Without harmony there can be
no earnest and cordial cooperation.
The way to secure this object, 30 essen
tial to success, is for every delegate to
be ready to make some concession, and
to refuse TO accept the dictation OF any
one man or set Of men, seeking to force
their peculiar views upon the conven-
ton, without respect for the honest sen-
timents Of others as true and reliable as
themselves. A partisan convention is
held for the purpose Of comparing notes,
and eliciting an expression Of major
ityss to men and measures, and coDcen-
trating the.strength Of the party. Shell
by county, with her vast population, in
telligence and wealth, has had no poten-
tial influence in our State conven-
tons. This has been made the theme
of dispArsging comments. This want OF
influence does not originate from any
disposition on the part OF our delegates
to monopolize rover and place, for,
while paying large proportion Of tax
es, Shelby county has received few hon
ors. Our want of influence is because
we have no Sconcert Of action; be-
cause we have impractical
BILE leaders. If the Shell.
by delegation on Wednesday engage in
wrsngling as usual among themselves as
to men and measures, and prop ose
schemes by which, through the subtle
alchemy OF the intellect, airy nothings
are to be transmitted into solid gold,
they will be divided and defeated, and
our want of influence Sgain sneered at by
other sections Of the State. The duties
devolving upon the Democratic State
convention are few, but they are Of grave
importance. The most prominent is the
tax question. 1t is evident from the
tone of public opinion, as developed
through the press, that the convention
will refuse to adopt the views Of either
the extreme high tax or low tax sdvo-
Gates, and reaffirm the resolution Of 1874,
which reads rs follows:
That we deplore the existence of all
Indebtedness, federal, State, county and
municipal, and demand that no more
taxes shall be laid upon the people than
shall be found to bs essentially necessary
for the support Of the State government,
administered on principles IF most rigid
economy, and for the payment Of its
lust debts and obligations, and for the
preservation of its credit and honor I'M
furnished, and are therefore opposed to
an increase of taxation.
This resolution favors the present rate
of taxation, which is forty cents on one
hundred dollars, and will no doubt be
readopted by sn overwhelming MAORI
ty. II the Democracy of Tennessee
place themselves on a platform in the
present canvass fsvoring a reduction Of
the forty-cents-tax to twenty, repudis-
ton would be the inevitable result, for
it is easy to reduce taxation, but difficult
to increase it. Let the next legislature,
fresh from the people, do as Virginia
and Alabama have done-confer with
the bondholders, and we believe some
arrangement can be made.
II the bondholders would reduce the rate
of interest to four per cent, a tax Of
forty cents, with economy in the adj
Of the government and
collection each year of portion Of the
millions Of dollars already due for past
taxes, the State would be able to pre-
serve its honor. We hope the delegates,
such county as Shelby
which ought to have great pow
or in the State convention, on
account of its wealth. its posi-
ton, its population and its commercial
importance-will be very cautious and
prudent in the steps which they take on
this vital question. Upon consultation
with delegates from other portions of
the State, they can so shape their policy
as to benefit their county and not run
counter to the expressed will of the
Democracy Of the State. It is true, here
In Memphis, we are ground down with
heavy municipal taxes, the result of
Encouragement, if not downright fraud
In former years, but let US remember
that the State tax is very Insignificant
part Of what we pay, aud, further, that
it to twenty cents would afford
40 relief, and bring upon US the odium
If reputation and the displeasure of
,ur Democratic friends in all parts Of
ne State. We are satisfied, no matter
What may be the action of our delega-
ion at Nashville, that the Democracy
# Shelby county are willing |
o let the present rate of
State taxation remain with the hope |
hat something may be done toward |
diving our financial difficulties. We
re against reputation, against an
of debt and increased tax
ton. Whatever position may be taken
y the Democratic convention next
Veek, we intend to sustain it, but we
arnestly hope that our delegation, to
Vhom is intIusted for the time being
he interests Of the Democracy of Shell.
y, viii not place our peo-
lie in false position. The con-
ention will have no trouble as to
candidate for governor. There is
Oms opposition to the nomination of
Governor James d. Porter, but not
nough to defeat him. The APPEAL has
niformly favored the reelection OF
Governor Porter, and in doing 30 we are
the traditions of the Demo.
ratio party In this State. The early
overnors Of Tennessee were elected to
'cond term when they desired it. Az
II serving two years, Governor Carroll
Esired an indorsment of his admins.
alton. The party stood by him, and
g was reelected by large majority.
ames X. Polk was twice the
'ndidate Of his party. The