The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1877-12-27
Public Money.

We hear that it's Lake township
which has been leaning public-money,
to private individuals, this time. We
hope 1t will "pan out" better than the
Elk township loans have; for 10 much
has been said about taxation In Lake
county, that it's plain to be seen that
those who bear the chief burden OF tax
es, and so have Alright to feel Interested,
do not really approve of this way OF
using meney. Or, rather, the idea Is
Just here: AS q rule, taxpayers are
not I'm favor of paying money into the
township, county or State treasures
for the purpose of creating large fund
which is not necessary for carrying the
legitimate expenses. 1t has not been
the case i'm Lake township, but Is the
rule in some others We might name
to manage to use every dollar that
came into the treasury, and thus make
it necessary to impose heavy burden
of taxes every year; when, If simple
economy, such as men of good judg-
ment always exercise In the conduct Of
their own affairs, was practiced, the
townships would have enough on hand
to provide for emergencies, besides re-
ducing the per cent. of taxes to cores
pond with the condition Of the town.
ships. Ifa township has large surplus
of public moncy-a fact, which really
never ought to exist-bccause no more
burden should have been imposed Oh
the taxpayers than that necessary to
provide for the actual expenses there
should be decrease of the levy, and
that surplus should be consumed down
to prudent, reasonable amount.
What we desire, Is, that the people
become awakened to the necessity Of a
proper management of public affairs,
I'm order to ensure the prosperity all
desire. Heavy taxation is the enemy
of all industry. 1t crushcs out the cn-
ergy and enterprise of both rich and
poor alike; although the distress Of the
poor man, generally, is greatest. ii
it is desirable to have settlers come IN
to the county; If it Is desirable to have
capital which shall manufacture, Ol
shall move the products of the county
inducement for immigration and in
vestment of capital must be given
Such inducemcnt never has its basis il
unnecessary taxation.
| How long ere we have people en-
deavoring, as n mass, to pay strict at
tcntion to an observance Of the law il
both its letter and intent? When tn,
golden rule will be the rule of action
and thus inducement given to capital
intelligence and labor to come and set
tie here?
| We have said more than we intend
ell to ut the outset Of this article w,
do not intend to convey the impression
that we are alluding to Lake TOWNSHIP
as one in which the tax money Is mis-
applied; for we have every reason t
believe that the affairs of the town
ship have been honestly and econom
ically managed; and further, ii is preh
able that the levy of taxes will be re
duced until the surplus Of money ol
hand will be consumed. We desir
more especially to reason with thos
townships where affairs are not judi
ciously and economically managed
but at the same time to impress upol
the minds of one and all the injustic
to taxpayers in levying taxes beyon
the amount necessary, thus accumulat
Ing hundreds Of dollars in the treasury
"a temptation to thieves, to defaulters
to ring jobbery, reckless expenditure
| and .,thar ayila