The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1888-01-11
DELINQUENT POLL TAXES.

The Act of 1884 after fair trial. having proved failure
my message of 1886 said and repeat that every citizen
exempt by law, should be required pay his poll tax
Every citizen who enjoys the protection and blessings of gov
eminent should contribute to its support If sufficiently
interested the affairs of State be prompt registration and
early the voting place declare his choice for public agents.
he should voluntarily pay the insignificant required poll
tax and he fails he should be forced The Legs-
ture has the power free from constitutional objection, make
it misdemeanor to refuse fail pay this tax, ami
imagine why CITIZEN not exempt by law should
be excused from such duty.
The enforcement and collection OF the delinquent poll tax
would not only compel dnty to society," but the would
it could be used for that purpose than deay the entire
expenses of the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institutes the
Hospitals at the Cities OF Vcksburg and Matches for the next
years. The lists Of denquents surprising will number
from seventy to eighty thousand costing the State and counties
sas ~. tsasE
ze the prosecution of the delinquent before Of he
Peace of the District notice of the default Sheriff.
(Which should be his duty to make to be relieved from a
V In such prosecutions the fine and costs should be limited
making the aggregate sufficiently small to be met by
quent.
This question in all its bearings has given much solci
tude and after the careful debeaton shall frankly sub
NIT my conclusion for your consideration and action.
The fact that than seventy thousand persons in the
State who exercise the right of suffrage and participate that
extent in the conduct of the government and refuse
tribute farhng to its support is most candalOus abuse OF
citizenship and needs be rebuked utter
disregard of duty demands at the hands of those who and
support the government decisive action
Citizens that protected in life liberty and propery-that
receive the blessings and protection of generous Christian
enlightened government should cheeruy pay the little pit
of poll and if they fail do they should be
which they give support For to be otherwise lowers the
standard of citizenship Let it be remembered that the
payers Of Mississippi furnish in way and another the pub
lie schools and State Institutions of learning nearly million of
dollars for their support and without regard color
In addition the private colleges and schools well paronzed
and sustained in my judgment every principle Of justice
violated unless others liable taxation contribute least the
smallest imposed for the support of the government
When the Commonwealth extends privileges and guarantees
protection to the citizen has right demand the discharge
of reasonable obligations.
l. therefore, recommend that the Legislature its present
session. submit for the consideration and of the people
amendment to the constitution making the payment the poll
tax condition to the right of suffrage, and in my Judgment
this recommendation will receive the approval of all rmnded
of both races.
well known that the greatest burden in the shape Of tax
alton is that of county and municipal and whatever
that will tend to lessen this expense should the uqua
fed support of every department of the So
pressed am that this and will add oppressive
pense is increased without promoting the public welfare
absolutely degree to lower the standard of
courts in the estimation of awbdng citizens who form and
constitute wellreguated communities that again. did
years call the attention of the Legislature the fact that
large part of the county expenses constitutes what known
as the Judiciary, the principal sum of which is