Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1885-11-27
TAXES IN CINCINNATI,


The voters of Cincinnati arc Justly giving
much attention and thought to the subject of
taxes. 1t might be well enough to consider for
moment the history of the increase of taxes in
this city. Prior to 1868 taxes were low. In that
year there began movement in favor of ex-
pensive additions to the parks. Up to that
time we practically had no parks except Twelfth
street.
Colonel Jones and Others fought for the cstab-
lishment OF Eden Park in the East End Mayor
Wllstach and others obtained Lincoln Park in
the West End. Both were necessary, both ex-
pensive and perceptibly increased the taxes.
Aftcrward came the purchase of Burnet Woods
for the north side-another pcrceptible increase
of taxes. But we have n quid pro quo. To-day
the three parks would sell for three times as
much as they cost, including the interest there.
on.
The East End-the West End-tho North Side.
all got something. Now came the demand of
the South Side. 1.-THE bottom" as we were
old, wanted the Southern railroad.
The brave Fred Hnssaurek, aided by n few
fought the scheme at every step. 1t was point.
ed out that ten million would never build the
road-that twenty million would scarcely ms
wer. The Enquirer at first helped IIussa,irek in
his fight, but subsequently its then quite younr
editor, tackled sail before the almost iluanimo,ls
demand OF the business element. The COmlfr-
ciat thundered its charges OF treason in the most
abusive language against all who opposed the
ten million grant. The retreat of the Eu9yirer
broke the back of the opposition and by Intrigue
ana misstatement even the larger part of the
Germans were carried against Ilassaurek
The ten millions carried-up bounded the
taxes Time wore on.
Permission was at last exclusively obtained
from the Legislatures of Tennessee and Ken
tucky to spend our ten millions. 1t was spent.
Then came the demand for six millions more.
HngSunrnk nj ln ftfxl,t -
the suicidal policy OF giving away more than
hall the rental OF Cincinnati real estate.
r,nd Ihe ght S was one Of the most bitter ever
The Enquirer hestated for few DAYS, but nj
last yielded to the entreaties and threats of the
business men,"
IIassaurek was Joined by Alexander Long.
John J. Glidden and n large number of othcrs.
Long headed subscription list donating money
nearly all the. others. Meetings we're held al
the Debot. A grand fight mas made.
a.. Amor smith conducted the campaign for the
sva snppor OF ths fhe Rad s sgEs
port Of the Enquirer and Of the GareHe Hns.
sa,irek, as the writer recolects 1t now, only had
his own paper--the Potksblan.
The contractors and others interested con.
tributed thousands Of dollars to n fund which
was littlo else than a corruption fund. Labor
ers were marched to the polls by hundreds
One hotel keeper. at the time In assignment.
voted his gang OF walters at four different polls
nangs went from ward TO ward In the down
, Ihe Germans stood by Hassaurek but their
honest votes were swampcd by the Southern
railroad laborers. The ''six millions more" was
carried. Taxes bounded up.
Tho Six millions moro rs Hussaurck prophesi-
ed did not finish the road.
Two millions more were obtained. The road
Is not Hnished vet. Taxes mounted up so high
us to rival the Thermometer In August.
In the meantime business was driven from
the city thus reducing the revenue.
The Streets as a matter of economy, were al
lowed To run down TO the lowest point and have
them remain passable. AT last they became al
most mpassable.
a number of business men among them many
who have done much for Cincinnati recon-.
nended the four million granite bill.
The predictions OF Hassaurek about the South.
ern Railioad have been verified. The taxes OF
the city are much too high, but the blame
should be put where 1t belongs Had the adj
vice OF Fred llassaurek been needed instead OF
the voice OF Halstead and the crowd that want
cd 10 do something for Cincinnati we would not
now be 80 deep In the mire OF high taxes
Let voters select men who have an interest I'm
no eity-men who have nn interest In protect
ing their own property from inordinate taxa
ton.
Not drunken fellows who talk taxes, but who
never paid dime Of taxes themselves either
here or elsewhere.
There are men on both the Democratic and
Republican tickets utterly unfit to be there
Let the voters examine the list OF candidates
and make Intelligent selections.