A long discussion took place in City Council yesterday afternoon, on the School law. The discussion arose on a report from the committee of laws and privileges, relative to school assessment. A number of Aldermen took strong ground against the principle of the school bill, but the chief ground of complaint and the one on which the discussion mainly turned was the alleged fact that an important change had been made in the law without the City Council being consulted. A resolution moved by Alderman J. Tobin and seconded by Alderman Ackhurst declining to levy the assessment for schools as required by the act, was finally passed by a vote of eight against seven. Notice of reconsideration was given by Alderman S. Tobin.
There can be no objection to our City Fathers asserting their dignity in this way; and certainly the fact that a measure so largely affecting the interests of the citizens was passed by the Legislature in almost surreptitious manner and without consulting the city government, would seem to justify their vigorous protest; but while the citizens may protest we fear they will also have to pay. The law we believe, is sufficiently explicit; and obedience to its commands must be rendered while it remains on the statute book. If it is unjust or oppressive in its application, let the fact be fairly shown and the proper measures be taken to amend it hereafter; but in the mean time resistance, no matter how strong the incentive to such a course may be, cannot possibly do any good and may do a great deal of harm.
Halifax Citizen, April 15, 1865. Page 4 Column 6. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=D90uR9ClOh8C&dat=18660602&printsec=frontpage&hl=en