The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-01-16
Wednesday. Jan. 16, 1889.
MisunderstOOd Us.

The Columbia staff editor Of the Ne,os and
Courier, we think, misapprehends our re-
marks In reference to the Comptroller -Gener-
ais circular. We did not, and do not, GEN.
sure the Comptroller-General for any thing
which his circular contained, butwe criticised
1t for what 1t did not contain. Our intention
was to call attention to the fact that, as far as
we are informed large capitalists in the State
not only escape a just assessment, but some
OF them, If we understand the expressions OF
the Ne,rs and Courier, have openly and pub
licly announced their determination not to
list their property as required by law.
Such statemants by the capitalists, We
think, indicate a fearful state of affairs, and
pronounces the most damaging stigma upon
the Government of South Carolina.
II a bank President. with quarter of mil
lion OF dollars in surplus money, may de-
family tell the Auditor, the Comptroller
General, and the Governor of the State, by
publication In the most widely circulated
newspaper in the Commonwealth, that he
will not list that money for taxation, does he
not override the laws of the Government, and
place its officers in the greatest contempt be-
fore the people?
When the capitalists Of the State are suffi-
ciently powerful to beat down the Govern
ment, and to set It's lawful officers at defiance,
does not the knowledge Of that fact have the
most demoralizing effect on the citizen,
whose lack Of money, impudence and power
forces him to submit to the demands Of off,
GERS who will not make their richer neighbors
pay their full quota Of taxes?
We have not the slightest objection to any
thing contained in the Comptroller erals
circular. The Auditor Of this county adopted
the plan therein suggested, years ago, and no
complaint has been made, or will be made to
its requirements. Our people are willing to
pay their full share of the taxes, but they are
not willing to be unfairly treated.
They are not willing to see their trusted
State officers excuse the rich citizen, the
banker, the railroad company, or other cor
poration, from just assessment OF their
property.
We have published facts and figures to show
without the shadow Of q doubt that our State
officers have not pressed the bankers, the
railroad companies, and the other capitalists
with the same energy that they have pursued
the poorer classes.
We ask categorical question.
Hos the property Of the Clemson estate been
put upon the tax books Of Oconee? If not,
why not?
Has the surplus million dollars in the banks
Of Charleston been put on the tax books? II
not, why not3
Are the railroads assessed at anything like
their value? II not, why not?
Are the holders Of mortgages properly as
sessed? II not, why not?
In case the State officers or the newspapers
cannot answer, or will not answer, we leave
tho reader TO draw his own conclusion, which
he can readily do.
No, we do not object to what was in the
Comptroller-General's circular. 1t is what
was omitted, to which we object.
The Columbia Reotster has expended much
energy in showing that many farmers are tax
dodgers.
The Ne,0s and Courier OF last week shows
falling Off of the assessments in thirteen
counties, to be S1,247,s5s, from last year. Is
this not the legitimate result OF the action OF
our officers in allowing the bankers, corpora.
tions, and railroads to dictate to them what
amount Of taxes they will pay?
It Is notable that of the thirteen counties
which have reduced their assessments, ten OF
then are In the low country. Only about
$58,l25 reduction has been made in the up.
country, while the reduction in the low coun.
try has been about 81, ,247,o0O. Do they not
catch on to the methods of the Charleston
capitalists with wonderful alacrlty?