AT A GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE 18, A.D. 1796. THE UNDERWRITTEN REPRESENTATIVES DISSENT FROM THE BILL FOR ESTABLISHING AN ESTIMATE OF THE VALUE OF RATEABLE PROPERTY IN THE SEVERAL TOWNS IN THIS STATE..

[Providence]: Printed by G. Wheeler, 1796. Broadside, 7-5/8" x 12-7/8". Light uniform toning, old folds, Very Good.

This rare broadside objects to the General Assembly's "arbitrary and capricious" assessments, particularly for Providence and Bristol Counties. Providence is "estimated at more than double the Town of Newport." It is signed in type by fifteen Representatives, headed by Welcome Arnold. Also printed is a unanimous Resolution of the Providence Town Meeting held on June 23, 1796: "That no Assessment of this Town's Apportionment of the State Tax, as ordered by the General Assembly, at their June Session, shall be made by the Assessors of this Town; such Apportionment being manifestly unconstitutional." Beneath that is another Vote of the Providence Town Meeting to publicize the foregoing Protests.
"A minority report of representatives dissenting from a recently enacted tax law; signed by Welcome Arnold and fourteen others. Followed by attested records of town meetings held in Providence June 23 and 29, 1796, declaring the act was unconstitutional" [NAIP].
Evans 31095. Alden 1491. NAIP w010487 [4]. (Inventory #: 33703)