Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1877-10-04
Plymouth, Ind, Oct. 4, 1877
VOICE FROM BOURBON.
Concerning the discussion between
Tax Payer and Commissioner Barnaby.

Concerning the discussion between
Tax Payer and Commissioner Barnaby.
Editor of The Republican:
I am a reader OF your valuable
paper, and have carefully read the
various articles by "Tax Payer" and
a. Barnaby, and /, like many others,
undoubtedly, have formed an opinion,
relative to the important subject un-
der discussion between them; and at
the risk of your frowns, will give to
your readers some conclusions aimed
at by me concerning the same. /
will first say that am tax payer"
either delinquent or undelinquent-
when it matters mott am also a
resident OF Marshal county, aud as
such am interested, and take pride in
her growth and general prosperity
very much Of which depends upon
the honest and economical admins
tration OF finances. And / think all
will agree with me that honesty and
capability are as essential qualities
in an official, as they were when the
great Jefferson promulgated this
golden rule, and that with an honest,
faithful administration and low taxes
its seqlent-no. better advertise
nent can be given to our county.
Entertaining such old fogy notions
as these, have been an observer of
the paper war" between @Tax
Payer" and II. Barnaby, and from
such observations base the opinions
! herewith give. II I have observed
Alright TAX Payer" charges that the
last levy for COUNTY taxes was ex-
horbant, and unnecessary; and that
the levy at the same time for paying
bonds was not needed. Also that
taxes had been collected long in ad-
vance Of the demand for them and
thereby had accumulated large bal
ances, which had been used by the
officials, or some bank, etc. And Mr..
Barnaby, who Is one OF the county
commissioners, and responsible for
such state OF things II true, denies
the charges Of @Tax Payer Now, IL
the public are to decide the case as
as a lawyer would say according to
the weight Of evidence" the observa.
ton from any standpoint would be
that TAX Payer" had made out
presumtive case, which must stand
in the judgment Of the public. unless
overturned by Mr.. Barnaby. And
without attempting to give the
reasons FOR my convictions, for fear I
might weary you, ana compelled to
say that ~Tax Payers" charges and
showing of figures demonstrate to
the satisfaction Of one observer that
there was at least some foundation
for his charges, witch ought to be
explained. The explanation given
by Mr.. Barnaby in his several COM
munications will scarcely be re-
cieved as sufficient reasons for the
levy, and his exhibition OF temper
against "Tax Payer" will not be con-
sidered as a sufficient eraser to oblit-
crate the damaging figures arrayed
by @Tax Payer" to sustain his theory.
Tom Benton, believe, said that
Figures wonthe,' but surely the logic
of figures II true cannot be over
turned; except by stronger figures
and logic. II there are large delin-
quent taxes as shown by ~Tax Payer"
it disproves nothing il Mr.. Rarnaby
has found out that "Tax Payer" is
delinquent; but on the contrary adds
further testimony to sustain the
charge OF @Tax Payer" against the
treasurer. II ~Tax Payer" is delin-
quent he should be compelled to pay
II he is worth it. 1t Is not right to
continue TO levy taxes and collect
from the willing and let the delin-
ouent go free. If @Tax Payer" has
been such a successful "buildozer,"
as suggested by Mr.. Barnaby, that
he he has kept back his property from
the assessor, would inquire why Mr..
Barnaby, as one Of the county COM
missioners, who are the body for
equalizing taxes, did not make deiin-
auent aTax Payer" SHOW up and
give in all of his property? That is
what the board OF equalization Is for,
and IL Mr.. Barnaby did not do it
knowing it as he now says. he failed
in doing a plain duty. Such Is the
opinion OF one viewing it from an
impartial stand point. 1t is also bad
argument to disprove that taxes are
collected before needed, and more
than the public necessities require,
and that large balances are kept on
hand for the benefit OF the county
officials or some bank, by saying
that ajax Payer" skulks behind an
assumed name; is likened unto a
a abarking village cur or that his
taxes are delinquent; all OF which be-
ing true disproves no fact or figure.