Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-01-11

This table shows that in ten years
the State taxes have increased thirty
three per cent, and that local taxes
have increased almost one hundred
and seventy per cent; in other words,
that less than one-tenth of the increase
has been in State taxes, and more than
nine-tenths in local taxes.
The increase of local taxation has
been far greater than the growth OF
the State in business, population, OF
wealth. It is not to be doubted that
this burden has grown to dimensions
which seriously threaten the prosperi-
ty Of the State.
No full and exact statement can be
made from the official reports rs to the
amount annually collected from the
property-holders Of the State in the
form OF special assessments for what
are termed local improvements, but
it is certain that this burden is also
great and rapidly growing.
The Auditor of State reports cases
in which such assessments have been
made, amounting to half the cash
value Of the property on which they
were levied, and, in one case, which
he refers to the assessment was double
the value Of the property.
In respect to these evils II Is un-
doubtedly easier TO find fault than to
provide q remedy. No single meas
ure will remove them. Probably no
system of measures which the General
Assembly can adopt will of them
selves accomplish what is desired. 4
complete reform is impossible, unless
A nfN
are disposed and thoroughly compe-
tent to 10 the work Of cutting of every
unnecessary expenditure.
Much, however, can be accomplish
ed by wise legislation. Let the Cen
erAl Assembly firmly adhere to the
policy Of the Constitution, and refuse
to enact special laws granting powers
TO tax or make assessments. Let such
powers be exercised only in pursuance
Of general laws. Local authorities
IbouId be empowered to levy no high
er rate of taxation than Is absolutely
required for practical efficiency under
ordinary circumstances. In eXtraOr-
binary cases general laws should pro-
vide for the submission Of the pro-
posed tax or assessment to the people
to be affected by it, under such regula-
tions that it can not be levied unless
at least tWO-thirds OF the tax payers
approve the measure.
LOCAL INDEBTEDNESS.
One of the most valuable Articles Of
the present State Constitution is that
which prohibits the State, save in a
few exceptional cases, from creating
any debt, and which provides for the
payment at an early day Of the debt
already contracted. I am convinced
that ii would be wise to extend the
same policy to the creation Of public
debts by County, City, and other To-
cal authorities. The rule, pay as you
Ro.n leads tO economy In public IS
well as in private affairs, while the
power 70 contract debts opens the door
to wastfulness, eXtraYagance and
corruption.
In the early history Of the State,
when capital was scarce and eXpen-
aive, public works were required for
transporting the products Of the State
to market, public debts were probably
unavoidable. But the time, believe,
has come when not only the State,
but ell Of its subordinate DIVISIONS
ought to be forbidden TO incur debit
The same rule on this subject ought
to be applied to local authorities which
the Constitution applies to the state