Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-01-17
WOOD AND LUMBER TAX.

3 The following remonstrsnce against IL
excessive tax levied by the Government o
wood and lumber is being circulated owe
the Territory for signatures
10 the Honorable the Secretary Of the In
terror, the Senate and House of Repre-
scntatives of the Forty-fifth Congress O
the United States, your Memoralist
wonld respectfully represent that:
WHEREAS, The citizens OF Montan:
have. during their residence in this Terri
tory, exercised the same privileges as set
tiers upon the public domain as have beer
sanctioned and recognized by the Govern
ment and time hOnored customs since thu
first settlement of land in the United
States and
WHEREAS. In the occupancy of the land
in new country where markets are no,
established in which to purchase the real
necessalies. such as fuel, building material
etc. it is rs n ltural to procure these in the
most convenient places as it is to breath
the tree air Of heaven; and
WHEREAS, In distant Montana, while
the settlers are improving and making val
liable the public domain and use the wood
and timber for domestic purposes only, a
tax of one dollar per cord on wood and
two dollars per thousand on lumber is
levied and collected by the Government
officials amongst us, which is Oncrous, UNI
just. and burden to all alike and
WHEREAS. 1t has been represented to the
Government that the people here were sat-
isficd with and acquiesced in The taxes
above enumerated. we positively deny that
any such satisfaction exists, and on the
contrary assert that there is universal COM
plant and widespread dissatisfaction. and.
believing the tax exorbitant and Distress
ing to the general consumer, we respect
fully ask that the Or1lcr for the levy be re-
scinded and in all cases where the tax has
been paid that the money be returned
and
WHEREAS, The orders, rs interpreted by
the officials here, work total prohibition
to cut wood and lumber hereafter, we re-
specially ask that they be instructed to
grant the sane privileges and rights in the
premises AS have heretofore prevailed in
this and in all new Territories and
WHEREAS. 1t is necessary in Montana to
cut wood in the winter, when the timber
is frozen. for the next years consumption,
the prohibition to cut wood tor any pur-
pose, rs now enforced, viii. in another
season. leave the people without fire to
keep them warm, and the mills and mines
prOtitless for the want of fuel and lumber
and
WHEREAS, The prohibition to cut tim
Der ignores and makes It impossible to
comply with the provisions Of the prc.
emption laws in acquiring agricultural and |
mineral lands where fencing, buildings and |
occupancy are necessary to obtain title |
and these can not be done without timber
from the public lands) works great hard
ship to emigants who come expecting to
settle and make homes on the public do
main in Montana, we respectfully and most
demonstrate against any tax
whatever on fuel md lumber while the peo-
pie here are struggling for cxistence in .
country cut of from the convenienccs and
heap living in the States. A. well might
His Majesty, the King Of Denmark levy .
'oyalfy upon tine blocks Of ice with which
lis subjects In Upper Aavic construct their
humble dwellings, a. to hamper by taxes
v lack Of legislation the pioneers who
arrc out and make valuable to the Gov