The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-09-04
YAZOO CITY RAILROAD.

| To the EditO. Of the Comet
| do not understand w. III. H. c., in
the Clarion of last Wednesday, to say
the only way to build this road is by
taxation, but that it is the way he re-
commends.
He gives, as IL reason for this plan,
that it would distribute the burdens
equally among property holders, and
claims that building it by subscription
would be unjust because all are inter-
ested in the increased business it
would bring to Jackson. am hearth
! ly in favor of having the road, and in
having it as speedily as possible, being
fully persuaded that it would bring a
| large increase of business. But [ do
not believe in the correctness CT the
principle of building railroads by tax
alton. IT is neither equitable nor just.
1t distributes. the burden equally
enough, perhaps, among property hol-
ders, while it imposes no burden on
many who are best able to bear it. A
moments reflection will call to mind
widows and poor men who own moth
ing but their homes, whose resources
are limited--to whom taxation for Il
railroad would be a grievOus burden,
and to whom the enterprise would not
only bring no return, but promises
them permanently increased eXpendi-
ture for taxes.
There are Others largely interested
in business who would derive most
benefit from the road which cost them
nothing to build.
Besides, are we not already in debt
as much as prudence dictates? Add
ing the Natchez Railroad subscription
of 5000, 900 to the old funded debt of the
county, and tax Of not less than ten
mills will be required to meet the in
terest, and to create a small sinking
fund annually to meet those bonds at
maturity. Besides this the current.eX
penses of the county government and
the school tax must be paid. To this
amount "a liberal share of which must
be paid by our city we must add our
present city Indebtedness.
The road is not wanted alone for the
business it will bring to jackson and
Iazoo City, but would be profitable
institution in itself, provided there was
common prudence in the construction
of it, If it will bring the increased |
business that is claimed, $4,000 net |
profits would be moderate estimate.
which would be ten per cent. on the
cost of construction.
Building by subscription is not i'm
We have our Compress, and we
mean TO place ourselves abreast with
the spirit of the times, in dealing di-
rect with the great commercial centres
Of the world.
You can count upon Your fingers ten
firms, or names, who would probably
subscribe 5000 each, and five firms
who would subscribe $4,000 each va
100 City, perhaps, would do the same,
md something might he expected
rom liberal minded property OWL
rs along the proposed route. In this
way n combination would he made
hat could readily borrow remainder
1 low rate of interest on their first
Mortgage bonds, and such body of
tO"khOlders would see to a careful I
of the construction, and q
hat the road did not pass into the .
ands Of a few individuals who would :
m it for the expenses, dividing the ,
into divers plump salaries. +
To undertake an enterprise of this
lagnitude by taxation would burden l.
ie city to such a degree a. TO deter
lterprisiHg men from coming here,
nd the establishment Of industries ,
nj 50 defeat the Ostensible object for
hich the road i 10 be built.
We want the road. We want and !.
,pect to see the business Of Jackson !.
'ubled ia five years; but we want a :
faithful steady growth. 4 spas :
o,lic, fictitious prosperity may be !,
I'd by increasing large debt without
le regard TO principles 81 justice and
uity to all concerned. but time y
Duld inevitably bring a correspond u
g reaction and day Of disaster.
w. II. p. ID
Who DO YOU love ~ said Jnnes 20 :.