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Letter to Editor
April 20, 1831
Providence Patriot, Columbian Phenix
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
A grocer writes to fellow grocers, criticizing Lemuel H. Arnold for not supporting their opposition to a doubled town license tax last spring, and praises James Fenner as their advocate, urging votes for Fenner to avoid future oppressive taxation. (Providence, RI context implied by names and events.)
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FOR THE PATRIOT.
TO THE GROCERS.
An article in the Daily Journal of yesterday, signed Samuel Young, has attracted my notice, and knowing the object of this gentleman, I take the liberty of calling the attention of my brother Grocers to a plain statement of what I believe to be the truth, with such remarks as this extraordinary document from its nature and intended effect, deserves.
When the Town Council in the spring of last year, undertook to compel us to pay a Tax, of nearly double, what we considered right, a meeting of "the Grocers" was called, by those who felt a deep interest in putting down this attempt to impose a burthen on us, contrary to a spirit of Republican Government and unquestionably unconstitutional. I ask Mr. Young if Lemuel H. Arnold aided us, at any meeting we held. I ask him, if at any time of the great excitement, up to the day of the last town meeting, Mr. Arnold either by "word or deed" sustained our cause? I ask him, if Lemuel H. Arnold voted for us at the last resort?
No my fellow Grocers, he did not--when we stepped forward to put down this Aristocratical measure, I ask where was Mr. Arnold? Admit if you please, he took no decided stand--but was he, and is he not now with those, who would compel you to submit to the dictation of a few Rich, and would be, great men?--
"He that is not with me, is against me,"
is a scriptural doctrine, you should this day bear in mind, and act up to its fullest extent.
In the heat of the battle last spring, James Fenner was your advocate---he called the act of the Town Council an oppressive one, and his friends, and his influence was exerted on our side. I know this to be the fact, and can you hesitate then who you will support? I trust not. Vote for Mr. Arnold and his influence will be exerted to make you pay Fifty or One hundred Dollars for a License.
Give your vote to James Fenner, and I pledge my life, no acts of the Legislature will ever have his sanction to Tax you more than any other interest.
I have no intention of injuring the feelings of our friend Capt. Young--but you all know, whenever he mounts a hobby, he rides down all opposition--and it is not wonderful he should support a good customer.
A GROCER.
TO THE GROCERS.
An article in the Daily Journal of yesterday, signed Samuel Young, has attracted my notice, and knowing the object of this gentleman, I take the liberty of calling the attention of my brother Grocers to a plain statement of what I believe to be the truth, with such remarks as this extraordinary document from its nature and intended effect, deserves.
When the Town Council in the spring of last year, undertook to compel us to pay a Tax, of nearly double, what we considered right, a meeting of "the Grocers" was called, by those who felt a deep interest in putting down this attempt to impose a burthen on us, contrary to a spirit of Republican Government and unquestionably unconstitutional. I ask Mr. Young if Lemuel H. Arnold aided us, at any meeting we held. I ask him, if at any time of the great excitement, up to the day of the last town meeting, Mr. Arnold either by "word or deed" sustained our cause? I ask him, if Lemuel H. Arnold voted for us at the last resort?
No my fellow Grocers, he did not--when we stepped forward to put down this Aristocratical measure, I ask where was Mr. Arnold? Admit if you please, he took no decided stand--but was he, and is he not now with those, who would compel you to submit to the dictation of a few Rich, and would be, great men?--
"He that is not with me, is against me,"
is a scriptural doctrine, you should this day bear in mind, and act up to its fullest extent.
In the heat of the battle last spring, James Fenner was your advocate---he called the act of the Town Council an oppressive one, and his friends, and his influence was exerted on our side. I know this to be the fact, and can you hesitate then who you will support? I trust not. Vote for Mr. Arnold and his influence will be exerted to make you pay Fifty or One hundred Dollars for a License.
Give your vote to James Fenner, and I pledge my life, no acts of the Legislature will ever have his sanction to Tax you more than any other interest.
I have no intention of injuring the feelings of our friend Capt. Young--but you all know, whenever he mounts a hobby, he rides down all opposition--and it is not wonderful he should support a good customer.
A GROCER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Taxation
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Grocers Tax
Town Council
James Fenner
Lemuel H Arnold
License Fee
Republican Government
Unconstitutional Tax
What entities or persons were involved?
A Grocer.
To The Grocers.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Grocer.
Recipient
To The Grocers.
Main Argument
the author urges grocers to vote for james fenner over lemuel h. arnold, arguing that arnold did not support them against an unconstitutional town tax on licenses last spring, while fenner advocated for them and would prevent excessive taxation.
Notable Details
References A Meeting Of Grocers Against The Town Council's Tax
Quotes Scripture: 'He That Is Not With Me, Is Against Me'
Mentions Samuel Young's Article In The Daily Journal
Criticizes Arnold's Association With The Rich And Influential