The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-01-24
WHO ARE THE TAx-PAYERs:s p

WHO ARE THE TAx-PAYERS:s
The discussion of taxation seems to be
always in order, though there are special
seasons when the epidemic of "tdr talk
RACES with more than usual violence and
virulenee. 1t may be laid down as an
automatic proposition that taxation under
lies progress, and is not therefore to
be regarded or treated as a calamity.
We conclude from our general readings that
it is not taxation that just now so much in
terests the people. or that warrants the ex-
tended discussions upon that and collateral
subjects On the contrary, the conclusion
Is justified that the trouble comes
from a different source. The judi
oious and honest expenditure of money
raised by taxation is the urgent
demand The enterprises that are brought
TO the attention of communities, demanding
money. are numerous; in some instances
perhaps too numerous, but as a general
thing most of them will bear the severest
scrutiny and stand approved. A city de-
mands good streets, properly graded and
paved These cost money. and call for
taxation Next there is a demand for
light water etc. The progress of
the city, its growth in business, popula-
ton and wealth make these enterprises alb
solutely necessary. Prudent men see this,
and there is no contention about the pro-
priety OF levying taxes to pay the bills. But
in regard to disbursements, there is gener-
ally we'll founded complaint. 1t is
a miserable apology for bad lc-
count keeping, the injudicious Sc
selection of men as the custodians of the peo-
pies money, to intimate that taxation is rU-
inous because, forsooth, men who are not
propertyholders exercised their right to
vote, and this fact brings into the sharpest
prominence the question, Who are the
taxpayers? "0nly property owners" says
one BY no means, We respond.
That superficial idea long since ex-
plOded. In Indiana all men are required
to pay poll tax, rich and poor alike. This
is the equalizing theory of the law. But
beyond this, the theory is that only property
is taxed. The proposition, however, when
subjected to an analysis in the crucible Of
DOllliCdl = AONhN W w ~
roneous and vicious. 4 owns a house
occupies it and pays his rent
The rent takes into consideration
value of the property. insurance, taxes,
wear and decay, and pays his full share.
The fact is mathematically demonstrated
and has long since been incorporated into
toe best works of men OF thought We could
locrx IL A.rf, 10
would only be an effort to make
more clear a selfevident proposition.
We conclude, therefore, that all men are
taxpayers and have right to vote upon all
questions that directly or indirectly affect
the social political or material interests of a
community or state. 1t is the grand demo
cratic level as opposed 10 the depths of deg
radiation that under autocratic and
kingly rule, recognized the rights OF
man only through large estates, no
matter how they were acquired-an
effort in these latter days to inaugurate
casts in society, in which those who, what
ever their importance to community, their
intelligence. culture and brain power, shall
have no right to a vote in levying taxes.
This, we conclude, is the theory of the Jour
nal OF this city.
Ii discusses at some length the municipal
indebtedness of the state for various pur
poses and estimates the amount at $40, 600,
Geo. bearing interest at nine per cent.
giving an annual interest indebtedness:
OF 81, 100000. The Journal takes strong
grounds against legislation that permits the
people to expend their money for such i'm
proyements as they may deem prudent anC
advisable, and adds, There is neither ju:
rice nor equity in this legislation. By on
law il is provided that counties or town
ships may make donations to railroads q
sthe amount of two per cent. of their taxa
bile property on vote of a majority of tn
legal voters OF such township or county
This leaves 1t in the hands of men not own
ing one dollars worth of property, and pay
sing no taxes, to vote tax upon the residen
spropertyholders that may be the. means Q
absolutely robbing them OF their property
There is no justice in this" II will b
seen that the Journal knows of
class of men. the constituents of 18th
present intelligent legislature" VIII
are not taxpayers and whose vote al
an injustice to some other elias
and upon this class it throws the odium {
the s2O,OO0,O00 municipal Indebtedness.
NAV suit the Journal to tell this INTEL
gent Legislature" who these worthle
yagabonds are that have caused such.fnanci
disasters to the state, and 1t may deem
prudent to point out in just what resar'