Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-11-01
CHURCH, TAxATIeS-YEs.
An open Letter 20 the Teang Mems
Insiependent PeIlsical Cnub.

An open Letter 70 ihe Ysang Mems
Independenf PsIitieal Clab.
GKxrLKxxx-Havinq noticed your de-
cIaration 70 vote the above ticket, do
sire first 70 express the hope and belief
that IL ID with no wish to curtail the
normal influence Of Christianity or
lessen its activity in leading the world
70 q higher moral plane Of thought;
aud.
second, to express my full and sctive
sympathy With your decision. after q
careful examination OF churcn history
and q somewhat extended canvas OF
leading opinions Of the day.
The teachings of our Savior and the
history Of His people concur in the de-
cision that Church and State should
stand entirely independent of each
other, yet each friendly to the other.
" Render unto Cesar she things that are
Cmsar's," said the Master, when the
Jews hoped to get His sanction for re-
fusine tribute TO the Romans from the
Jewish church.
When his followers, ignoring their
Masters injunction, had established
religion upon the throne, though per-
secation ceased, corruption began, and
the church, still benefcent institution
in spite Of her tyranny. became a deg
pot which organized murder in the
name of the King Of Peace, and CON-
PEELED crowned heads to give allegiance
10 the representative OF Him who said
I" My kingdom Is not of this world"
Taxation represents the cost of protec-
ton which Ia furnished to our churches
In the assured safety of their titles, IN
the common protection against incendi-
arism, robbery or war.
This protection should be paid fer by
the protected in all cases. whether 1t be
a church, railroad, or United States
bond.
Churches, ii Is said, are poor and
struggling for existence for the purpose
of benefiting public opinion and lessen
ing public requirements. But history
shows that government patronage less
ems their spiritual activity and paralyzes
their heaven born powers.
Ii 10 said that churches are non-pro-
ductive, hens non taxable. So is Mr..
Yesler's palatial residence; in fact, if
occupied, il will treble his expenses, but
the assessors will hardly pass him by
easily.
II the church is a benevolent institu-
ton, lessening our county paupers, so
are Odd Fellows, Masons, knights of
Pythias, Jewish societies and life insur-
ance companies.
II il is but trifie to the State while a
burden to the Church, yet we are study.
ing principle which will stand for cen-
turtles, and must apply to the million
dollar cathedral as to the snug little
chapel.
II church property is exempted. the
tendency is to multiply non taxable
property and bind heavier burdens on
the remaining taxpayers. In some
parts of Europe fully one-third the
peasants crop has been taken for taxes,
while immense cathedrals and elegant
public buildings adorned the cities.
Such condition of affairs always
ripens rebellion and revolution. Some
day the laborers of New York city will
look upon the massive sepuiohres of
piety reared not 20 advance spiritual
religion, but to crafty architectural
pride and say to their religious leaders:
" We have asked you for bread and you
gave pile of stone," and revolution
will follow, as 1t has repeatedly done in
Europe.
Again: accumulation of property is a
peculiar calling of religious hierarchies
OF all kinds, and our government is
bound to make no distinction. III il re-
lieves Baptist churches, Catholic schools
and hospitals. IL must pass by Mormon
temples and tithinp houses, Chinese josh
houses, Oneida communities. and all re-
liaious associations, for Congress shall
make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free ex-
ersise thereof" and any discrimination
of churches is thereby made unconsti-
tutional.
Let Us look into the future aud beware
Of sheltering vast hierarchies from equal
burdens, by which We encourage their
growth to dangerous proportions. One
third of all the realty Of England was
once in the hands of the church. and IL
required all the nerve of the despotic
Henry VIII. 10 strip his kingdom Of it's
religious bands, while he surrounded il
with national chains scarcely less dam
eerous.
There are today &c. sos assessed to
church property ia Seattle, of which the
Roman Catholics hold s., 0o5. after re-
ducing their tax list from its first assess
ment x10,0OOi Next years assessment
will show a more dangerous proportion.
l respect their foresight and keen bust
ness talent. favor equal taxation of
all interests.
The entire taxable property Of our
country is $l6.902. go. 543. (See Comp.
xCensus, ,. lb0S) The value of church
property In 1870 (no statistics In l8S0l
was $si5A, 4SS, ISL, which, in round num-
bers, IL one fiftieth the entire amount.
(See 1xCensus. p. 5lt.l l don't regard
this a. dangerous. bat 10 shows that a
check on gathering non taxable prop
erty would be healthy 10 both Church
and State. A startling fact Is that IL
had doubled between 1850 and 1870, and
quadrupied since 1850; the estimate In
that year being So IS sol.
The churches Of Seattle will pay int
the county treasury about $I2O0 taxes
this year. This, IL exempted, would
amount 20 a government establishment
10 the exteni of $500 per year. This
would not burden the government, bot
encourages hierarchy. encourages de
pendence, and paves the way for church
corruption. The religion OF Jesus won
ice way amid hostile governments and
prosecuting heathen systems. Shall IL
MOI be satisfied with IT'S unquestioned
power with friendly State, without be-
ing fed from its eribg Religion saws
Hovey, " is from above. and ID lives BY
taking hold OF God ID grows by self
denial and self sacrifice. when it leans
on the sword, IL Is pierced; when il rests
IN the lap Of the State, IL is shorn of iis
locks" ID. j. PTKRcE,
Pastor First Baptist Church.
SkArTTk, Oct. -.