Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 October 1900 — Men’s Beards Subject to Tax. [ARTICLE]

Men’s Beards Subject to Tax.

In the time of Queen Elizabeth a tax was placed upon men's beards. In the first year of her reign a tax was imposed of about 85 cents on every beard above a fortnight's growth. The law, however, was never enforced, and bo It lapsed. In France a tax on beards was Imposed and enforced, and It Is said that from it a handsome revenue was derived. Peter the Great of Hussla also Imposed a tax upon "beard*; a copeck to be paid by peasants and laborers and 100 rubles by those of a higher station In Use. So strongly was this Russian anti-beard law resented that In more than one case It led to the spilling of blood. Officers were stationed at the city gates with swords, and If- any beard-wearer refused to pay the tax ht was at once submitted to the ordeal of a gratuitous shaving. Are you doing your children harm? Many parents (k> It.. Ask yourself the question, seriously, and answer It honestly. The gardener may abhor rice, yet he Is always Interested In the rake’s progress.