The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-07-31
Collection Of Taxes.

The necessity for a complete and
radical revision of our tax laws has
for long time been admitted by all
who have observed the workings of
the system. AS it stands now, men
who have the money will stand by
andIsee their property sold without
making the least effort to hold OF save
it. They care no more for tax title
against property than they would if it
were a bit of blank paper pinned to a
post and driven into the ground
1t is a great hardship to the
state, and results in all sorts of
inconvenience. Estimates cannot be
made with any certainty, and
cost delay and veXation plants stumps
in the way of the faithful officers at
every turn. We reproduce here the
remarks of Mr.. A. S. Fisher as worthy
of consideration. Mr.. Fisher said:
AS to the collection of taxes, the
many men will not pay their taxes,
ent system, the WorthlessnesS of tax
titles and their chance of redemption,
and Will stand by and permit their prop
erty to be sold, trusting in redemption
under sale, or knowing in the event
they should be sued for the property
under the tax title that the purchaser
would never be able to- get his tax
deed in evidence. see but one way
to remedy this; that is suit directly
against the defaulting tax payer, and
if it is IN the case of personal prop
erty, a personal judgment to be en-
forced by levy upon any personal
property that the defendant in execu-
ton may possess; and, if in a case of
lands, an action brought and decree
of foreclosure subjecting the land for
sale to satisfy the lien created there
upon by virtue of the taxes. The
effect of this will be to compel every
one to either pay their taxes promptly
or to incur the penalty of cost, the
trouble and veXation of law suit,
and perhaps the divestiture of title by
a sale under decree of court. How
many men, under such circumstances,
would fail to pay their taxes prompt
ly? This cannot possibly work a
hardship, because, under our system
of government, the government can
be maintained and conducted alone by
the will and help of the people; and
1t is the duty OF every good citizen to
see that the government has proper
support, and if there are any drones,
to see that they either contribute
their part towards the maintenance of
government or be driven and crushed
out. 1t is unjust that part of the
people should by taxation contribute
to the support of the government and
another part who are equally as abb :
contribute nothing.
The proposition to bring suit direct
ly against the owner and to make his
property, of whatever kind it
may be, subject to levy and sale, and
to make an absolute and valid title
without redemption, would settle the
matter at once. 1t is true. this would
constitute heroic remedy, but it is
such an one as would serve well the
purpose of the prompt collection of
the taxes. Mr.. Fisher does not go
about the bush in this matter. He
approaches his object boldly and
with confidence. The remedy he sug-
gests for the abuse of non-payment
of taxes is, though harsh, a
very effective one.
Whether this policy Is finally
adopted or not, yet all will agree that
something ought to be done. AS it is
there is too much difficulty IN collect
ing the taxes and the revenue from
such source too uncertain