California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, Volume 7, Number 22, 13 June 1857 — Tax on Industry. [ARTICLE]

Tax on Industry.

Among the many ways which the Supervisors of San Francisco have devised to raise money to meet the wants of the county, we note a tax upon all bianches of manufactures, and it includes all the minute branches of industry that are springing into existence in our State. The necessity of raising money in this way we do not question, when we look at the county 11assurer's ofliee as it now appears to the citizens with its closed -butters and guards at its entrance —but this only reminds us of "shutting the stable door, &c."—the fable is clear ; but the wisdom of such a policy we very much doubt. The manufacturer and mechanic need encouragement, great encouragement, in this country, and not hindrance, There are causes enough at work to hinder his efforts, without this onerous tax upon his genius aud labor. We sec too by the list of articles upon which this tax is laid, that it embraces every branch of industry that most particularly demands the fostering care of a wise government, and it must work most seriously against the future prosperity of the county of San Francisco, by driving from her borders many manufacturers that would otherwise preserve a business that would lend much to the prosperity of city and county. A little reflection should convince those in authority that it would be far better to encourage her working citizens and do all they can to make them prosperous, and thus enable tbem to succeed in their business, and help them to pay their slready heavy taxes, arising from the enormous waste by public plunder. Hut this new. unwise and unjust burden will do more to paralyze the hand of industry and drive citizens to othercouuties, than any act that could be performed. We trust those in authority will reflect upon the consequent-OS of this unwise law. and take immediate measures for its repeal; and we hope the manufacturers and mechanics will not rest until they have examined the causes that ltd to its enactment, and will look to its effects upon this arm of industry, and unite and labor for its repeal. Of what use is it for the national government to impose a duty upon foreign manufactures, to protect home industry, if our State or city authorities add a tax that more than balances it ? We ask where another city in the whole union can be found that has such a law to oppress its own laborers. Mechanics! as your friend, we ask you to look to this question.