The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-05-25
AGAINST THE INIQUIroUs SCHEME.

We the undersigned. citizens and voters oil
New Orleans. without any distinction Of parties
classes condition or color. having only In view
the welfare OF the whols people Of this commu-
nifty. do solemnly protest against the forced
contribution which 1t ID proposed to eatort
from the taxpayers by means of the election
ordered to take place on May as.
And we appeal to oil to rally and by an over
whelming vuts 10 defeat the tax ltion thus Ut
tempted TO be levied on tho overburdened tax
payers OF New Orleans.
We oppose the Railroad Tax for the following
reasons
!. Because we deem 1t fundamentally wrong
In principle TO levy taxes for other purposes
than those of supporting the government.
2. because 1t is palpably unjust. and q dan
gerous precedent. that those who pay no taxes
should decree Taxa ion OF W ich they are to
contribute no portion wha ever against parties
who. like women and minors. have no voice in
the election.
g. Because NO deny the proper right and the
justice OF even majority of the taxpayers to
impose taxation on the minority. for tho pur-
pose OF a priya1e ente prise. although IL should
be mpously heralded In the name of the pub
lie good.
4. Because II Ia particularly unfair and unjust
to force upon tho taxpayers OF New o leans
tax Of which tho proceeds are to be applied to
the building Of road between Marshall and
Alexandria: and although. since tho great OPP
position manifested ON that ground the direct
DRY has expressed an intention to bring the ter
minus on this side to New Orleans. we must re-
member that the enterorise as at fret presented
did locate the eastern terminus at Alexandria
the charter leaves 1t to the directory and rail-
road corporation to locate the said terminus
and New Orleans has Only been promised as
said terminus on tn eve Of the election under
the pressure q public opinion.
0. Because. when the said railroad was first
advertised. pub 10 represent ttions were made to
the effect that no aid or subsidy from state or
city would be demanded and that the road was
TO be built by means Of voluntary subscriptions.
on the strength Of Its intrinsi, worth; and but
few months afterwards q blu was smu Sged
through the Legislature for an election for this
forced taxation.
g. Because the failure Of the parties represent
Ing the road to adh re to these assurances, aud
their present further represent ltions that the
road will not be mortgaged for completion aud
that the stock certificates to the tax payers will
become q desirable investment. paying them
eight per cent annual dividend when all know.
beyond doubt. that the road will certainly have
to be mortgage /, and that tho sail stock will be
next to worthless. ami certainiy not pay the
promised dividend. justify us In our doubts as
to the other benefits and promised results to be
expected from the road.
7. Because we know. by past experience what
became OF the tax subscriptions to the Jackson,
Opelousas. and other roads, and feel convinced
that the present contemplated road will be los,
fx,t h.>rsa tai
8. Because. Mt tho very moment when this dis
tressed community emerg - from the darkness
OF legalized thunder. and the oppression Of
rings aud SO emes of all serts, We believe in
letting confidence be restored and public pros
perity b. established, without piling on new
taxatfons and burdens; and va cannot afford
to risk. Tor Jour years, an annual sum of six
hundred thousand dollars In the adventure OF
this new railroad scheme. to be mani ulated by
men in whose selection no voice vas given US.
We view the pacarded call for 1900 men at
good wages as an electoral move and we APP
peal 70 our workingmen and laborers to con-
slider what degree OF coufi ience they should ac-
cord 10 that call, on tn very eve Of the election
by men who until now. have preferred the la
Dor OF the penitentIary convicis.
We appeal 10 ali citizens and to all classes to
frown ON and vote down all such dangerous
schemes for tho extortion OF forced contribu-
tons from the people. We depre ate the at
tempted arraying Of the workingmsn against
the property holders. No true prosperity can
be made to dawn on US by such measures and
schemes. We say. down with the new rings.
The werkingmen. as all other laborers can
only be relieved by the steady legitimate and
gradual improvements In our affairs. now
bound TO be realized. Confidence once restored
by the popular, unmistakable condemnation OF
this railroad and other Ike schemes, capt.
will open its wings; activity in all branches will
be the order OF thu day. rail oais. when really
viii be- bull; by private m cans seeking
Investment. AID tn general Jaw of mand and
supply will secure profitable employment to O.
labor, in this legitimate eApausion of business
ana industry.
Braaish johnson. Henry Shepherd,
James Buckner. A Rochereau Il Go.
L Gubfrnator. Cbai3le. III D.
& eds Go, U Ma In mi,
Paul Foarchy. IL l. Turner.
' OemicheH. II Campbell.
I'd nond de erges. Quesioaze Bots.
Lan.sdorfr. /. Dillon,
!. H s ott John kousset I
laurent Utter, TIL, ache.