Evan Rees Pulls the Tollgate to Pieces

From the Cambrian:

About , Mr. Evan Rees, carrier from Shrewsbury to Aberystwith, was proceeding with his waggon laden with timber from Aberystwith to Llanidloes, when upon arriving at Pantmawr turnpike gate, the toll-collector demanded the customary toll; in reply, Mr. Rees offered the half, which was refused by the gate-keeper. The stubborn Cambrian waggoner then ordered the servant, who accompanied him, to hook the team of steeds to the gate-posts. The much-frightened toll-collector, sooner than have his gates and posts dragged to pieces, immediately opened the gates for her ladyship Rebecca to go peaceably through. But the matter did not end here, as, shortly after, Mr. Rees was visited at the Black Horse Inn, in Aberystwith (which said house he is landlord of), by a bailiff, informing him that the magistrates of the hundred of Llanidloes were desirous of having an interview with him on a certain day in the tillage of Llandinam, near Llanidloes. Mr. Rees being a man of stomach, properly attended upon their worships at the time desired, who after examining into the business, gently informed him that they would deal very leniently this time, but if he made his appearance before them again upon such occasion, that the utmost penalty of the law should be inflicted; at present they would only impose upon him the sum of five pounds and costs, which was immediately paid. Mr. Rees then bowed and left the court.


A note from a minor tax revolt in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, from the El Paso Herald-Post:

Juarez City Council Hits at Tax Rebels

The Juarez City Council struck back at tax rebels by levying fines against 203 bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.

Although Mayor Humberto Escobar said the action was not a reprisal, the fines were ordered after the Bar Owners Union announced it would refuse to pay tax increases totaling 400,000 pesos ($32,000).

The fines, ranging from 200 to 500 pesos, were assessed for a variety of reasons, officials said. Charges against the owners included selling of liquor without a license, improper display of licenses, and illegal use of juke boxes.

Pablo Torres, spokesman for the cafe proprietors, said the owners would be willing to pay the tax increases if there was any assurance the money would benefit the public. “We don’t want to sacrifice our businesses so that certain persons can add to their private fortunes,” he said.