The Port Gibson reveille. [volume] (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1890-current, 1921-03-10

fact that our lands have been valued
too highly in comparison with the
lands Of similar counties, and particu-
larily IN comparison with the rich
alluvial soils Of the Delta. We feel
that a recommendation by you TO
Board Of Supervisors along the line is
necessary
Fifth, an audit Of the County's af-
fairs for several years past, so as 10
make comparative showings Of de-
mands on County for funds for schools
roads, bridges, courts, officials, etc.
year BY year. This audit should ex-
tend IN all fairness to some pre-war
period, say 1911 or 1912.
In conclusion, we would call atten-
ton 70 the fact that our State and
likewise our County is among the few
IN the United States that have gone
backward in population. If we had a
population Of 10000 instead Of $4,000
how much more lightly the burden Of
taxation would rest on the shoulders
Of each of us by reason Of the large
increase in personal values. The road
mileage would need by increased very
little for such a population. Most Of
our white schools have much smaller
number of pupils than the teachers
could handle efficiently. The same
number of County officials would serve
and very few, il any, more deputies
would be needed County expenses
would be increased only slightly. Our
greatest need therefore, Is PEOPLE.
more PEOPLE. Our tiny population.
under present conditions, is almost at
tempting the impossible. Let us real |
ize too that with National indebted
ness, whose interest almost requires
each family Of five to pay $500 per
annum, with a Congress whose appro-
priations for 1920 required OF that
same family close to $4,000, and Of
the sinking fund TO retire, our Nation
al bonds costing that same family |
another $1,000, the average family |
Of five is paying a National tax Of |
S350.00, directly and indirectly, as well |
as carrying the burden Of State, Coun- /
W and often Municipal taxes. Let us /
too, that we are merely an I
agricultural community producing the I
raw product, the lowest priced Of all /
and on which there is
the least profit, and these profits at |
present are practically non-existant. /
FOR the next several years these con-
iltions may remain with very little /
change for the better, hence, the
necessity for every economy and
thrift, the necessity Of Topping off
every expense possible that we may I
not in the end face bankruptcy. Com /
slider that we have a total out-stand- i
ng bond issue counting 100000 Of 7
Loan Warrants of $405, 100000, the in
crest on which must be paid when
iue, the bonds when due must be paid /
'r refunded. That refunding now
and for some years to come will be
lifiicult
Consider that schools, roads and
ridges must be maintained at point 4
u efficiency, and all other expenses
net when due.
Let us not, however,for one moment
iespair. We have passed through
many dark days before, and no doubt
hall do so again, but just as surely
ne brighter days will come again, Il
'nly We So do our duty by ourselves
md each other, and keep the faith
for years past we have, most Of US.
,layed the roll Of the drunken sailorW
The spending "spree" is over, period
4 moot careful thought, most ener-
yetie effert, Of ever lasting thrift is at
land, and the inevitable viii follow;
and Happiness.
The Exhibits mentioned IN the re-
lort viii appear later. They would
make the report too long to publish
his week.