Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-03-08


we cannot free ourselves, and ought not to try,
if we wish TO hold our place smoDg nations,
what ought we to do? The answer IS very
simple-make no futile effort to avoid il-but
10 an honest, straightforward, and manly way,
| acknowledge it, and proceed to meet its de.
| mands.
Rec6rniz, the claims of the creditors without
distinction of class, putting them upon the same
footing, as they were contracted for consider
alton which belongs equally 10 all, aud the bene-
fits of which the Commonwealth is now erjoy-
iug, and without which it would be little better
than wilderness. Then find the means TO pay
the Interest, and 10 due the time principal, 10
the only way it can be done-by the imposition
and collection of taxes
Here comes 10 the trouble We all know
that taxes are hard to pay; there never was
| time when they were easy. And II high, the
burdens may be very grlevous. ito by No
means wish high taxes; for IN addition 10 their
burden, as have said 10 another paper, they
tend to hold back the prosperity of q State.
and prevent the advent Of capital and labor
But there are things that are far worse for q
nation than high taxes. | trust that those who
hold the destines Of Virginia, in their choice
may save us.
TO avoid high taxes as much as possible let
meut, Economy, retrenobment and self sacrl
fce.' Reduce its expenses 10 the lowest pos
sble standard, keeping in view, however, such
rates as will secure able. efficient and honest
men 10 discharge its lunotiouy The whole
session has been spent most diligently in this
work, and | doubt not your committees have
gathered for you data that will euablo you to
carry on the Government at the lowest rates
consistent with its efficiency and vigor.
| When this is done, and there is still de.
fcienoy 10 meet the obligation, the question will
arise with regard to an increase Of taxation
either upon the subjects taxed or by finding
new ones. As lar as my individual opinion
goes, I see no magic in the words fifty cents
on the one hundred dollars - and think the
people would not feel it, were it little more or
a little less A few cents more would meet the
demand, and not DO felt by tho individual,
whilst the credit of the Commonwealth would
be preserved. Who will hesitate 10 his choice ?
But, If the rate OF taxation cannot be raised,
are there not new subj eots on which taxes may
be imposed? Why cannot there be q stamp
tax? Why cannot church property BIO taxed ?
No one values religion ard its ordinances more
:: than myself. | believe there can be no solid
virtue and morality without them. There must
be sense of responsibility to make either good
citizens or good men. The uoblest lessons Of
this are taught by religion; seated at the heart
Of society, it rcrneatess it with Its gentle, but
powerful Influences. | am, consequently, 10
favor Of churches. and in favor of throwing
around their property the strongest muDiments
of defence. And, therefore. l. would have
them render unto Cesar tho things that arc
Caesar s"-and to come to the rescue in the
time Of the Status eXtremity-an Vlndlcae,
by practice, their noblo teachings OF instlce,
honesty and fair dealing Tho tax on each TO-
dividual Interested would be bur lew cents
and yot would speak loudly ~ behalf OF religion
as power tor good.
These arc few new sui jacls that occnr TO
me- many others doubt not will be suggested
by your wider knowledge. let every source
and subject OF taxation be reached to accomp.
lish the Object that rises 10 importance above
every other matter of legislation. | know the
property holders who have at last to pay tho
taxes, inasmuch as tho capitalion tax remains
cousitutonalIy the same, would. upon mo-
ment's reflection, most chcerluly respond. For
if the debt is not settled what becomes OF their
property Its agitation has deprecated its
value beyond calculation. And it Virginia does
not fulfill her obligations, farewell not only to
her greatness; but farewell to that confidence
out Of which her prosperity must grow, and on
which the value OF the property OF her cltlZ}ns
rests.
But should the General Assembly, after hav-
ing exhausted these means and after having
reached every subject Of taxation. conclude
that the taxes cannot he raised by reason OF the
Impoverished condition OF the country-rcsult.
ing from the public enemy and the act OF God
from war aud drouth and food, with all Of
which we have been vlslted-lt will then have
reached the only excuse for the nou-pOyment of
an homes. debt-inability. This is an excuse
that does not effect the obligation Of the con-
tract; it affects entirely its performance. 1t is
not settled by assuming defiant air, because
that is entitled TO no standing in the court eth.
or of morals or law; but by fair and honest, am
ioabIe adjustment.
| do not think it beneath the diguity Of a
State TO pursue this course. 1t was not be-
meath its dignity to 60 into the market. aud
sell its bonds, and use the proceeds for its own
purposcS-to build up its waste places and open
the resources Of its territory by chains OF coul
munioation. When misfortune has Defallen it,
it is not any more beneath its dignity to affect
settlement with those who trusted it 'satis
factory 10 them and honorable to the Common
wealth"
1t is hardly necessary fer us, a. against them,
to trouble ourselves about preserving the life
as it is to US that it should be preserved On
it depends the payment Of their debt. And [
am very sure, judging them by the motives
that ordinarily control human actions, that thore
will be no difficulty in reaching with them such
conclusion that life will be preserved and with
out loss Of honor.
Nor in arriving at this cod do thiok it will
be necessary to abolish free schools. They
have become part Of our political and social
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES through our organic law.
1t has not been necessary for mo, nor do | now
assai them. What | have before said, aud
what now say is, that if tho people want
them they must pay for them out OF their own
means. 1t is the only way to make them
valuable to this and coming generations.
Thus, after the expenses have been reduced
to the lowest rate after the subjects OF taxa
ton have been exhausted; after the highest
rate has been laid that can be borne and still
there is deficiency then comes the time tor
settlement with the creditors And this is to
| bo 6o,, ho cDirit of onnoilia ion no ma inc