Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-04-01
THE INJUSTICE OF THE GAS AS
u 49, ASSESSMENT.

-. ASSESSMENT.
The policy Of supporting the city gov
eminent out OF the revenue derived
from the gas works, is contrary to the
established usage and principle that
property only should pay the taxes.
Wherever there has been departure
from this rule it has only been in the
case Of granting special privileges from
which a pro6t-a business income-was
10 be derived. A different rule must
necessarily work injustice, as it does in
the matter Of gas. The city puts such
price upon it as that the surplus over
the expenses OF the works, goes good
way toward defraying the expenses OF
the city. Property is relieved to that
extent. Men who own large amounts
of real estate and who are not only
able, but equitably bound 10 con-
tribute to the support OF the city
government for the protection 1t
affords to their large interests, may not,
under such a system, pay as much as
the poor tenant who does not own
foot of real property. If the principle
were carried far enOugh-that is, If the
price of gas were advanced sufficiently
to pay the entire expenses of the city,
property, which is always recognized as
the legitimate subject of taxation, would
be entirely exempt, while the burden OF
taxation would fall upon those whose
business or convenience compelled a
large consumption of gas. The mer-
chants, many and perhaps the majority
Of whom are simply tenants, would pay
a large proportion. The prOprietors OF
hotels, who do not own them, would
share heavily in the burden. The
churches, public halls and public insti-
tutions would have an unjust burden
upon them. While the capitalists
/ and the landlords who lived upon
their rentals might be occupying
COSY little houses lighted by one or two
Jets which pay no more tax than the
humGlest citizen in the community.
This we say would be the result il the
present policy were carried to its utmost
limit. The principle would not be
/ changed. Nor would it be less unjust
and oppressive ii the owners OF real es'
tate were all occupying their own prop
erty and paying an exhorbitant tax Tor
the gas which lights it. That would
simply be imposing double taxa
ton upon them, while those who owned
no real estate or burned no gas, would
escape altogether.
Nor is the present policy carrying out
the original design in the purchase OF
the works by the city. The object was
TO reduce the price, and secure to con-
sumers the product of the works at the
cost of manufacture. But a private cor
poration would readily agree to furnish
gas at the present rates. and regard it
as nice speculation. SO is it only a
speculation on the part of the city. We
have, heretofore, shown that a surplus
of from twenty-five to forty thousand
dollars per annum can be saved out OF
the present rate OF charges, and that 1t
has been done. There can be no excuse
for maintaining these speculative rates.
I Consumers are entitled to Il fultillment
OF the contract or understanding upon
! which consent was given for the puri
chase. They are entitled to the mini
mum rates at which these works can be
maintained free OF debt. And we be-
lievo that a reduction OF 80 cents on the
present rates will amply sustain them,
and any higher rate is an unjust and
unequal assessment upon the commune
".