The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1876-04-05
The Pledge 10 Reduce Taxes Must
be Kept aE all Mazarda.

In taking hope from the failure OF
the Radical State Conventlon-its dis
cordant material-and the disposition OF
the colored element, which constitutes
Republican reliance in elections, to hold |
themselves conspicuously aloof-the De-
mocraey must not forget that what there
is left of the Radical organization which
they have driven to the wall, is meved by
the determination Of despair TO regain
their lost power Whatever else Is
doubtful, this fact is certain. These
baffled spoilsmen have not given up all
as lost. They are raging like famished
wolves around the folds from which they
have been driven, and are eagerly look
ing for a breach in the enclosure to effect
an entrance. They will again strive to
rally the colored element, which is their
sole dependence, by fair promises and by
false representations, and ii permit
ted, will repeat the old tactics of
leading them like trainbands to the
voting places to scof, insult and
crowd out the white voters, under the
belief that such license means freedom
The whites and conservatives must be
prepared for this INSCRIPTIONS game, or
they may as well make up their minds
to remit the State to the rule of the clans
which have devoured their substance and
substituted lawlessness and license for
order and liberty, and let the work of
confiscation and ROBBERY go on to the end
without an effort to stay it.
A great deal depends upon the Legis.
lature. The people must realize that
there has been a change of administra-
ton for the better. They must know,
by actual experience, when the tax gath
erers come around, Htat the tares haze been
reduced. 1t will not avail to reduce sala-
ries and curtail expenditures the taxes
must be cut down also, and the people must
realize that the burden on their shoulders
has been hghtened. We respectfully
but solemnly warn the Legislature that
unless this is done the taxpayers, whose
outrageous wrongs is the true secret of that
tremendous uprising last autumn, which
effected change of public servants, will
regard whatever else is accomplished as
tinkiing eymbal and sounding brass. 1t
is good to have competent and able
Legislature Of bona fde citizens. 1t is
good to have firm and patriotic Execu-
tive. 1t is glorious to have a learned,
honest and upright Judiciary. 1t is
splendid to cut down salaries and econo
mize expenditures BUT THERE MUST BE
REDUCTION OF TAXES.
The Legislature of 1874 had no more
right to lay the tax for 1876, than it had
for 1876. 1t was shameless, impudent,
lawless usurpation, which the representa-
tives of the people should trample as
dust under their feet if it stands in the
way of the redemption of the solemn
pledge of the present Legislature to cut
down taxes. Whatever else fails, this
promise to the people who won the
victory, # they are to be inspired
with the hope and courage to repeat
it, must be kept sacred as the ark
of the covenant To this end per-
sonal interests must be subordinat-
ed There must be a generous and
all-pervad:ng spirit among those who
have the destiny of the State in their
hands, to keep faith with the people.
This accomplished and permanent Dem
ocratic ascendeney assured, and the State
will be In a condition to meet every obliga-
ton which has been incurred in her
name otherwise she will travel the
downward road, aud all will be lost.
This accomplished, and the sapio super
human energy which inspired the people
to look doom itself in the face and con-
vert it into victory in the year of our
Lord 1875, will fortify their hearts and
nerve their hands for the election of 1876.