The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-03-31
TO TIE TAXPAYERS OF AVOY-
ELLES PARISH.

O o0SS"i oh h"'oS'sA1 anu NV
kill the horse, unless dismounted"-
seems to have been verified by The re-
cent Legislation of our Hon. Police Ju-
ry. They, indeed, must have felt rich
in prospectus of handling the peoples
money-when they ask the people to
saddle three mill tax upon them
selves--for a purpose which seems CHI
merieal. The proposition to build
three iron b1idges, forcibly reminds us
of the wild schemes of reconstruction
days, when beggars were in the legis-
lative saddle.
This three mill tax, to say the least,
is marvel of economical legislation,
and will be a grand monument Of
folly, to the memory Of our Hon. Po-
lice Jury. A three mill tax, as spe-
cialty, upon the already overburdened
and oppressed Taxpayers is really a
palatable dessert Our monied crop
of the Parish selling at mere nominal
prices, in most instances not paying
expenses for marketing, with depres-
sion of trade and scarcity of money, it
would seem that our Hon. Police Jury
was making successful search for
the last straw to break the tax-payiDg
camePs back.
Mr.. Editor, give me space to give
a birds eye view of the necessity and
demand for these. three iron bridges;
let US see if the advantages to the peo-
pie and Parish will be commensurate
with the outlay. Ten years ago, when
all the exports and imports of the Pa
rish was by way of Red river-when
this stream was almost the only ave-
nue. to the outside world, this PROPOSE
ton of iron bridges might have ap-
peared plausible-but at present, we
find the Parish revolutionized by diff
ferent lines snd channels of commerce
which, by convenience, have entirely
superseded the old Ways. The people
of Point Maigre and Avoyelles prai-
rie, Marksville included, have Red
river at their doors, which is sufficient
for all purposes of commerce. Does it
apdear reasonable that they would
seek other and more inconvenient
channels, just for the pleasure of cross
ing iron bridges' This question. l
would like to have answered by prac-
teal Marksvillian tax-dayer. On the
other hand, the low land people have
the Atchafalaya and Bayou Des
Glaise, with the Morgan and Texas
and Pacific railroads. These conve-
niences of trade and commerce are at
nearly every one of our doors. Does
it look reasonable that we will turn
to Red river as in days passed-even
if the iron bridges extended to its very
banksa Then if these bridges are not
needed for trade and commerce, why
build them? Where is the, plea and
argument that the interest of the mass
es, and the great interest of the Parish
will be enhanced? Fellow taxpayers,
the argument in favor of these iron
bridges is not yet delivered, but is
trembling upon the lips of a little vii
lage, which by progress of the people,
and by accident of her location, has
suddenly woke up to the fact that she
is on the ragged edge of civilization,
and is ready to cry out even with
tongues of iron-''make me of easy
access or l will be forgotten"
The only people who would be ben
Gifted and convenienced by these. brid-
ges would he the hapless low land jn-
rors and witnesses who have to make
their biennial visits to the seat of JUS
tice. These are not many, and the
trip only twice a year, SO all who ex-
pect to serve the public in said capac-
ity, at any time during life, will vote
against the tax. The way-farers who
come among us must play the part of
noble Romans, and do as VIC do-take
the ferry-boat, and be sure to settle
with the ferryman.
Another view which might be taken
of this three mill tax and these three
iron bridges, is the social view. Cur
honorable Police Jury, with happy &C.
cord, may be preparing for big Eek
pertinent" in this line. 1t may be that
they desire closer relation between
our coasam Choupique and cousan
Marksville, which would so completely
harmonic the blood of consanguinity