The Hancock Jeffersonian

The Commutation Tax.

We hear a considerable deal from the pseudo Democracy about the "oppressive militia commutation tax."

Their complaints were well answered by Col. T. W. Higgins, of the 73d O. V. I. (formerly of Toledo,) in a speech recently delivered at Jackson. He said:

The Democratic party of the State of Ohio opposes the four dollar militia commutation tax. and declares that it is oppressive and ought to be repealed. Now if the Democracy of the State of Ohio had been in the army, they would be exempt from this tax; but as they all staid at home, as they are almost the only ones who have the tax to pay in consequence of staying at home, they think it oppressive. Poor souls!— They are to be pitied for their many and sore afflictions. They can avoid paying this oppressive tax, however, by joining the Ohio National Guards and drilling a few days in the year, and why don't they do it? They might practice at target shooting as a recreation if nothing else, for they must have had a deal of ammunition on hand, as they have expended very little during the last four years.— They have burned scarcely any powder in battle, and, save what was used in shooting returned soldiers and Provost Marshals, and what was expended in rejoicing over Vallandigham's return to Ohio, they must have their entire stock of ordnance yet on hand. Then let them, by all means, join some military organization, and save the oppressive tax of four dollars, of which they complain so much.