The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-03-03

dollars showing an excess Of expenditures
by citizens over those of the government
on tmproments on the streets, avenues and
roads, nine-tenths OF which are used exclu-
sively by the government of %, 2S6. All dollars.
Illinois shown that the real estate held by
the United States in the district OF Column
bia fully equals, il it does not exceed in
value, that owned by the citizens. 1t is sug-
gested that were plan adopted by which
the government would reimburse TO the
district the amount of outstanding ndebted-
ness of the United States on account Of i'm
provements, and annually thereafter
contribute just proportion to-
ward the current expenses as
well as eXtinguishment of the local debt.
Such an arrangement would be in Accord
ance with strict equity, and would compare
favorably with the lbeI atty exhibited by
other governments toward their capital
cities. Under the acts of congress and the
legislative assembly 81, l50, 2S2 worth ofprop-
erty belonging 10 churches, &c, is exempted
from taxation. The only aid granted
by congress in defraying the current ex-
penses of the District is an annual appropri-
alton toward the support of the police. and
1t is hoped that it will adopt a similar course
toward the schools, the fire department
and the lighting of the streets 1t is
suggested by the governor that au-
thority be given for funding the outstand-
| ing bonds into one consolidated
loan bearing fair rate OF interest, and that
the committee personally visi: and inspect
/ the various district offices and improve
ments in order that they may see for them
selves the operation of the one and the value
of other. The governor states that he had
effected negotiation for a loan based
upon the tax, lien certificates sufficient
| TO pay tor the salaries of the school
teachers and the members of the
police and fire districts, but owing to grave
ana unfounded imputations of the meunori-
alists affecting the District government, the
realization OF the loan was deferred. The
misrepresentation OF a few designing per-
sons have, the governor SAYS, cost the peo-
pie of this municipality hundreds
of thousands of dollars, and
MUCH SUFFERING.
Referring TO the sewer certificates, the
governor enclOses the opinion OF Messrs.
| Gushing and Black. to show their legality,
| ard as being in the nature of assessment
certificates, and therefore forming no part
of .he indebtedn ess of the District govern
| ment. The references made to the state
ment in the assessors report show that the
humber taxpayers have met their assess
ments uncompromisingly, and paid ten
twelfths of the entire amount. The report Of
The treasurer of the baard of public works
shows that they have received to the 18th of
February. Sl5,236, 232 and expended
Sl4,603,0 52. The assets of the board are
stated TO be S37, SOP 81, and the total liza
bilities, SIS, 529, SO. This is exclusive of the
amount due by the United States
government 1Or improvements on
Its property. Tine total amount of GER
tificates of settlement issued is$l75, 400 81 as
follows: For filling in purposes, in the pros
ecution OF special improvements done under
contract, 81, 294.094; for special improve
ments outside the contracts, including mater
ial furnished not included in the measure
ments, g, 655, $40; on account ofmiscellaneous
expenditures other than special improve
ments, and payable by special appropri-
atoms, 81, 1923 ,0l0; on account of contingent
. Il
on account of water fund, S37O,O79. The
answers of Governor Shepherd covered from
], 800 to 1000 pages of manuscript, and in
clude replies to all the points of inquiry.