1883.] TRANSACTIONS. 



prevjtil, in the long run. And we have but to 

 relief from an invidious and illegal discrimination^ 

 <iultnre; or to overthrow the entire fabric of injustice 

 ready top-heavy, has no other support than the " miry clay 

 sectarian or doctrinal, exemption from a burden that should be 

 borne by all, as it enures to the common welfare. 



The levy upon your property, A. D. 1882, amounted to the 

 sum of $838.00; A. D. 1883, $877.20: are exacted from you in 

 order, as the Constitution of Massachusetts puts it, — 



" to cherish the interests of Literature and the Sciences, &c., to en- 

 courage private societies and public institutions, rewards, and immuni- 

 ties, for the promotion of agnculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, 

 manufactures, and a natural history of the country," &c., &c. 



At the same time, the Assessors recognize, as entitled to ex- 

 emption from Taxation for the support of a Fire Department ; 

 the Police; or Government generally; under the» following 

 classification : — 



Real Estate. Personal. 



Literary Institutions $301,700 $69,500 



cSair " }:;;::.::;;;::;::::: 32,300 



Scientific " 1 36,500 40,000 



Houses of Worship 1,47<S,700 



Agricultural Societies 76,600 



$2,022,800 $112,500 



* Total $2,135,300 



Although published in the plural, there is but one Agricul- 

 tural Society, so-called ; as you are well aware. And that, be- 

 sides immunity for its valuable tract of land, is in the annual 

 receipt of a Bounty from the State that nearly equals the sum 

 extorted from us ! % 



You will observe the description by the Assessors : — Literary ; 

 Benevolent; Charitable; Scientific; Devotional; Agricultural! 

 What then are we, if none of these ! You have read of " a man 

 without a country," You have heard of Mahommed's coffin 

 miraculously poised betwixt Heaven and earth. But were you 



* A. D. 1882 : the valuation of property exempted was #2,046,600. 



