The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1897-08-19


As to the patrons representing 20
pupils that have not paid their poll
tax. We do not know whom they I
are-and do not know whether it is
their fault their poll taxes have not
been paid, or whether it is the fault
of the collector. Let this be as it
may, it cuts no figure in public
schools, as the law does not intend
that the child shall be deprived of
benefit of public education because
the father fails to do his duty. How
ever, will add, if any one agreed to
pay his pro rata to supplement tie.
teachers salary, and could do so, and
did not, he did not do right.
Speaking of our petition not repre-
sentipg majority of patrons Of Ben
ton High School who support schools,
let us see about this. He admits that
% patrons paid $11 25 per month
this itself is no bad showing, as only
$25 per month had to be made up
being nearly half. But from the &C
count rendered me by the patrons on
our side, they certainly paid more
than half of the S25, and also paid
something on the contingent fees.
It is remored that We represent the
plebian and non-tax-paying element,
and in fact have had it twitted at us,
and judging from the tenor of Mr..
Thompson's article l presume he
thinks so too; we do not particularly
desire to deny the ''soft impeachment
of being poor, as it is no crime. But
for the benefit of the public, let US
see how the respective factions stand
as to wealth and taxes. Upon exam
nation of the Tax Roll of 1897 we
find as follows:
OF the IS patrons on the IIuddle list,
&c are property tax payers, aud
I represent an assessed value of---.$ 10 470 90
IL supporters claimad for MIR. Hens
ley stand assessed for. 10 ,260 90
neutral patrons at................ 5,625 90
Total assessment. So, 1886 90
81 mills levied by State and Parish
on 3I0470 90, uiakes our school tax $1ol II
i. Same on $1926O % makes their
school tax. ~ Y
J Same on $5625 90, neutrals school tax 81 %
, Total school tax $245 OS
OF course we pay poll tax in same
:, proportion. The balance patrons are
non'property tax payers, but suppose
, most of them pay their poll taxes
, they are good citizens and their chill
. dren have the right to attend the
r public schools.
q The people on our side have neve,
: refused to pay the supplement to the
! teachers salary, to the best of theil
, ability, with probably two or three
exceptions.
! Concerning the gratuitous flint al
me for non attendance at church, &c.
I suppose it was intended to throw 6
glamour over the cause my friends
4 and represent; but it won't work
O too many good people are with me il
r this fight. It is also a straw tina
y, shows how intolerant some member.
. of some churches would be had the,
:, the power. But, thank the Lord, il
r. our Republican form of government
every man is the keeper OF his owl
conscience, and has the right to wor
~ ship God according to dictates O
J., the same. I have always respected
f. every mans religious opinions, ant
T. have a regard for every member o
the church whether he be Protestant
:. Catholic or Jew, as I have warn
friends in all these denominations.
n While my friends, T. and W., are 81
|. lackadaisical in their religion the,
A should remember the divine injunc
e ton to ''sweep before their own door
n first"
g. Notwithstanding we are so largel,
IS in the majority, we have always bee,
d willing to make any compromise hon
If orable to both sides. We have pro