The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-24
THE SALOON-TAX REVENUES
Some of The Good Purposes to Which
the Funds May Be Applied.
Mr.. Denny Suggests that 1t Should Be Used
in Improving the South Side. with
the Aid of the Railroads.

Yesterday afternoon a Journal reporter me
Mayor-elect Caleb S. Denny, and. propounding a
series OF questions connected with the saloon-tax
Council. received the following information:
II prepared the ordinance for the additional
saloon tax. 1t specifically provides that this ad-
ditional tax shall be paid into the general fund
of the city treasury. 1t is, therefore, to be used
hereafter just as the general revenues of the city,
derived from ordinary taxation.
"You ask me about the viaduct. If the Coun-
Gil hereafter sees fit to build a viaduct, or any
other special public work, they will have to make
provision for it as they doin the case of ordinary
matters Of that kind, but so far as any of this
particular fund being used for that purpose,
there was no provision in the ordinance. and, so
far as | know, no such thing contemplated by
any of those who supported tho measure.
This additional saloon tax will add about
81 1000 a year to the city's revenues. The city
has been unable, or, at least. has not succeeded
in getting along for the past few years with the
ninety-cent tax, and has been compelled to borrow
money each year in anticipation of the next
years revenues. The efficiency of the fire de-
partment, and needed improvements in the city,
have brought this condition of things about,
and while it would be possible for the city to
run on the ninety-c limit, and while the mem
bers Of the Council, so far as I know, are all
determined it shall, this additional saloon tax
will aid materially in naying a large amount Of
interest upon the public debt and in keeping up
the departments of the city to what they
should be. The fact that Indianapolis covers
much more territory in proportion to her popu-
lation than almost any city in the United States,
adds very materially to the expense Of keeping
up her streets and maintaining the fire and
police departments.
IF it is possible for the city, with the reve-
nues derived from the ninety-cent limit of taxa
ton and this additional saloon tax, to provide a
the railroad tracks on Virginia avenue, it should
be done at the earliest possible occasion. The
crossing at that point, where there is a vast
amount of travel, is very hazardous. Besides
this, property on the South Side is much de-
preciated in value by that cause, and the city
annually loses a large amount of revenue,
which would DO derived from taxation on South
Side property if this improvement were made.
The growth of the South Side has been remarka-
bic, in spite Of this drawback, and with a safe
crossing at the point indicated, it would improve
and increase in taxables in a manner that would
astonish some of our staid old citizens of the
North Side. This viaduct question is no longer
one OF propriety, but simply one of revenue. 1
believe the railroad com panies could we'll afford
to contribute literally to aid the city in this
work. and that prompt steps ought to be taken
looking to the speedy erection of some easy and
secure means of crossing at the point named.
1.-THE taxpayers of this city, in my judgment,
Will soon begin to appreciate the benefits of this
increased saloon tax, and feel that their burden
has been somewhat lightened."