The Morse Speller Volume 1; Dictation and Spelling in Correlation with Other Subjects for All Grades (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1896 Excerpt: ... XXVII. One of the greatest reforms in our government, made in recent years, has been in the method of filling appointments to office. Ever since the presidency of Jackson, political offices have been the prizes of party service. Every new president, upon his accession to office, has been beset by hordes of hungry place-seekers. Senators and representatives insisted upon their right to distribute salaried positions without regard to qualifications or efficiency. The abuses under this system were of such magnitude that an" enlightened public conscience expressed its abhorrence. Civil service reform has made such progress in both national and state governments that the change amounts almost to a revolution. XXVIII. The expenses of government are met by taxation. The citizen of any town or city usually receives one bill annually from the tax assessors for his share of the expenses of the town, county, and state governments. These taxes are computed at a given rate per cent. upon property, real and personal. The national government is supported by indirect taxation, that is, by a tariff on imported goods and a tax on various home products, which is known as internal revenue. Public sentiment has greatly changed its opinion concerning the question, What are the legitimate purposes of taxation? Education and the requirements of public health and convenience make increasing demands upon the public treasury. XXIX. "Taxes, no matter how collected, are ultimately paid by the producers of the country, the men who, by manual or mental labor, create commodities. By far the largest proportion of taxes are, therefore, paid by manual labor, crude and skilled. The cost of maintaining the federal, state, and municipal governments, and the payment of indebtedness, principal an...