Daily globe., 1879-01-23
REDUCING TAXATION.

TIE Public Deeply Anci0us that the Conn
anittee of az" Mag Haze a Safe De-
Iivery.
To the Editor of the Globe
There is no diguising the pregnant fact
that what the people clamor for is emphat-
ically substantial reduction in their taxes.
This is the practical issue throughout the
country. Taxation is word which has a
deep significance. The past history of over,
unjust and unequal taxation is written in
feuds and broils and bloody revolutions. At
present this country, too, has come to Pc
riod in it's existence when the taxation ques-
tion has taken hold of the peoples minds
so tenaciously that, like Banquo's ghost, Kit
will not down. If economy be the source
of wealth to the individual, it will be found
to be most assuredly a mighty lever to lift
the country at large out of absolute need in
to healthy prosperity. The "Committee of
IT. were appointed to economize the public
expenditure.
Up to date what practical good has re-
suited from it's deliberations? With single
exception or so, it has ended in smoke or a
pleasure trip to ''White Bear to locate
camp meeting ground. To the point, to the
point, gentlemen Of the committee. Reduce
our taxes. That's the question for your
consideration. You were not called upon,
nor appointed to increase our burdens; to
multiply the officeholders at the public crib
and thus enlarge the demand upon our
scanty means. Don't impose upon us any
more of these expensive articles-of1ice-
holders. We have too many now for our
own good. Simplicity is the one great need
n o1o1 ~
Two very practical methods are proposed for
your consideration as means of effectually
relieving the people. One method you will
find clearly pointed out in the corn exchange
committees report printed in last Sundays
GLOBE under the Minneapolis heading. The
other is very simple and easily within your
reach. It consists of a substantial reduc-
ton in the salaries of the servants of the
people.
Let the universal law of shrinkage in val
ues and wages be here rigidly applied. With
regard to this last method the subioined
schedule will furnish food for Digestion:
Municipal Court-Salary OF Judge $1,000;
clerk 5000; court officer $72O; incidentals 5000
total so, 700. Abolish this office.
Ihls institution was established to econo-
mise the expenses Of the city. Experience
condemns it. Attorney Marsh, no mean au
thority on such matters, says that most of the
cases for the trial of which this court was an
pointed, have been carried into the district
court, proving thereby the insufficiency and
expensiveness of it. Go to the records and
they will show the injustice of maintaining it
any longer.
Mayor Present salary, $500. Should be $3.50.
City clerk-Present salary, $500; report of
births and deaths, $3.50; total, $3.50. Should
be $3.50.
Aldermen-$1O0 each, making 5000 in all.
Ought to be made 1915 each, or $675 for all.
Chief Of police, with rewards, etc.. about
$1,000. Should be $500. Given his rewards,
and his position would be worth 81 900 at the
reduced salary.
Engineer of fire department, $1,000. He is
only called out four or five times year to fires.
His pay should be $3.50.
Street commissioner salary, 5000.
Should be 5000.
Three policemen, $50 per month. Sl,SOO.
They ought to cost but 81 ,440. Only $40 per
month is paid in Milwaukee.
Ieamster for the fire engine, 5000, Should
be but $4SO.
City Schools-Now cost 1927. .490, 40. Should
cost but 1922, 600 without in the least DESTROYING
their efficiency.
Total cost of the city government as now
conducted, $37, ,840.40 Reduced on the above
basis it would be but 1927, 1856.
Add to this a like reduction in county sal
aries and we would have the considerable
sum of about $4,000 saving! This is the
practical way of doing business and of be-
coming the friends of suffering hu1nanitx,
We must bear in mind that this is a govern
lnent of the people, by the people, for the
people. Submit this matter to the popular
vote of the city at the spring election. and
see IT the issue will not be as herein stated.
Gone WHO HAS RIGHT TO SPEAK,