Is Called Government!

Under the aegis of our Constitution, we have made wise and, as we believe munificent provision for educating the children of the State, by setting aside one-fourth part of the Revenue Fund for that purpose; realizing, with some additions provided by law, about $500,000 a year. With still greater fortitude the districts tax themselves in addition more than $1,500,000. The 'Superintendent gives the total for 1875, as $2,189,860. But this, it will be seen, is nothing like the sum annually expended for intoxicating liquors—a mere bagatelle compared with the munificent endowment of the dram shops—those nurseries of debauched youth and palsied old age.

The aggregate wealth of the whole State, as shown in its fiscal report for 1876 is $560,777,361, and on this the limit of taxation is about 1½ per cent, in the rural sections, and 2½ in the towns and cities. At times the burden reaches 3 per cent., and then it is felt to be insupportable. But as shown, the annual expenditure for alcoholic beverages is nearly double that or 6 per cent, of the whole capital. With such a tax upon our resources as this latter, can we afford to live honestly or pay our debts?