The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-02-13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1869.
asa&e W.. City Revenues and Expen-
SN~SS dlluF0a

roo,alature to transfer the revenue derived
from tavern licenses and mercantile taxes in
pbiIsdslphia to the City Treasury, instead OF
,ataining il in the Golfers Of the State. This
nrouesitiou deserves the earnest support of
svsrv Senator and Representative of our tax
r;ddsu citizens, and IL can be supported by 50
MANY oogent arguments, that proper effort
an their part should secure its adoption.
Ths amount of revenue derived by the Com
r,ooveanh from the sources designated during
ths year ending September 80, 1868, might
easily be spared from the State
Traasurv. 1t consisted of sl62, ,476.O6 paid
for tavern licenses, and Sl27, ,40S'3l for
ratailers' Licences, or total of
1893. .ss4.37. This sum would of itself be an
important annual contribution to the City
Treasury, but II the power was given to Coun-
oils 10 increase at their discretion the amount
derived from the existing licenses, a new city
revenue Of from half million to million of
dollars could be obtained without imposing a
Rrisyous new burden on single citizen.
Its q striking Characteristic of the modern
development Of our political system
that marked increase in necessary muni-
oipsl expenditures has occurred, while
the necessary expenses OF the State have been
constantly diminishing. Every year adds to
the burdens of city government and diminishes
the real burdens Of State government, under
the system which prevails in Pennsylvania.
Before the adoption Of the new Constitution,
power was in large degree centralized at
Harrisburg, in the Legislature and officers of
the State Government, with corresponding
liability to large expenditures. The
Governor appointed all the judges,
and nearly all leading county officers,
and hs exercised commanding influence in
many affairs which are now under exclusive
local control. On the other hand, when
money was to be expended it was raised by
State taxation. When canals and railroads
were TO be built, the people Of the whole State
were charged with the cost Of their construc-
tion. The debate on the Free School system
would not have excited such intense interest
If the belief had not prevailed that the chief
portion of the appropriation required to sus-
tain it would necessarily be drawn from the
taxation would be levied.
Now all this is changed. If roads are to
be built, townships, counties, cities, or private
corporations must provide the means to con-
stEuOt them. The sum appropriated by the
Legislature to all the free schools of the State
is soarcely half as much as the amount ex-
pended for this purpose in Philadelphia alone.
The burden of psuperism and crime falls so
sxclusively on local communities, that if the
triAing contribution made by the State for
such purposes should be suspended, no per-
oeptible increase in local taxation would BE-
necessary in single city or county.
The State makes no appropriations systems-
tioaily, and as recognized duty, except such
as provide for the interest and gradual reduc-
tion of the State debt, for legislative and
executive expenditures, for the salaries of
Judges, and for the partial support of free
schools, or for charitable and correctional in
stitutiops.
There is not another State In the Union
which contributes less, in proportion to its
means, to any important object involving the
general welfare, than the Commonwealth OF
Pennsylvania. Many illustrations Of this
niggsrdly tendency might be given, but one
viii suffice. The other loyal States assumed
very large proportion of the war debt aris-
ing from the necessity of raising bounties and
providing for the families of volunteers, while
In our Commonwealth the whole of this heavy
burden was thrown upon local communities
Tha natural q 4hfa pnlfav
oompanisd as it is by a greedy retention
many sources Of revenue which should only
enrich treasures that assume corresponding
obligations, is, that while counties and cities
are sorely pressed by debt and taxation, th'
state enjoys larger revenue than ID neces
sary TO defray its legitimate expenditures
The Legislature is thus subjected TO stand
ing temptation to make extravagsnt appro
priations, as acts of grace or benevolence' o
under the impulse of more quesuonao'
motives.
Philadelphia, on the other hand' mus
spend great deal OF money, ana even 'n
greatest economy is exercised much large
sum will be needed to defray her municipa
sxpenditures than Is required by the Com
raonwealth. The citizens OF Philadelphia
cannot escape the pressure OF their heavy wa
debt, or the cost OF maintaining public schools
the police, the almshouse, the prison, an
various other expensive departments, an
they should receive all the incidental aid tina
tina State can safely grant, to enable them
support their heavy burdens.
Especially should the revenue from taver
ana mercantile licenses be paid, under tn