That Five Thousand Dollars

If any one of these questions can be anBwered in the negative it ought not to be raised. Let us consider them separately. Is sucb a tax legal? It is entirely outside of the usual purposes of taxation, and if legal must be ao by virtue of sorue special act of the legislature pertaining to our city or its charter. One of the moet reliable and thorough lawyers of the city, lately remarked that he had examined them all, and found no warrant for such a tax. it hardly needs the skill of a lawyer to determine that such a tax, and all asaessed with it would be invalid. It would be unjust and illegal. Doubtless it would increaae the value of real estáte, and enrich those who have building lote for sale. It might increaae business here, at least for a time, but it would bring in others to help do it, so that it is very doubtfal whether it would be of any advantage to the present merchante, and shop -keepers of the oity. We shoud be a little more like Detroit and Chicago, having the rich, rioher, and the Foo.r poorer. A long article might be written on the inexpediency of such a tax, but only a few thoughts in relation to it will be indicated. Manufacturera and mechanica should be welcomed, but any system of hiring them to come, or stay, is wrong in principal and injurious in practice. But it is said that other citica all over our state and country are doing the same. This is the more reason why we should refrain. The country has been sufferiug for years from over-production. Now, if as alleged there is a boom all over the country still further to increase their products, there must come a crash, and those who have entered into it must largely will be the greatest sufferers. A prominent business man lately stated that more capital was sent out by residents of Ann Arbor for investment, and business purposen than we used in the city. It would bo more reasonable that tüoy should use it here, than to cali upon the people to tax themselves to increaae business in this city. Ann Arbor has heretofore had a natural and healthy growth, and consequently bas not had to take the back track. She is an educational center, but can never be a business center. Eqüity. We can't say that we take much stock in the communication of "Equity." If he is opposed to all improvements, he sbould take up his bed and walk to some other place. It ia safe to say that his tai would not be increased $1 by the voting of that $5,000. Think ot the little village of Owosso voting to jjive Gov. Ashley 825,000 if he would only lócate the car shops in that place. Every citizen should feel that the way to boom a town is to induce the location of manufactories in our midat. Look at Battle Creek. Thousands of dollars have been given for such enterprises. Taxes for years have been remltted, and to-day her people are happy. -Ladies are not entitled to bare arms when they have to load them with powder.