The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-11
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ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION.

The importance of just intelligent and
equal assessment of property to the progress
and prosperity of Indianapolis cannot be
Overestimated There is no more vital topic
than this to all our people, and the Journal
cannot serve the city better than by doing all
in its power to secure equal and exact justice
in this matter for. this community. Some
amelioration is certainly within reach, but it
may be that some evils are beyond remedy
for the present. What can beremedied should
be, and for what cannot be reached now
determination should be entered into by those
interested that will provide remedy at the
first possible opportunity. An intelligent
appraisement of property is prime
necessity, and that this is not
secured by the present system is beyond argu-
ment For instance: We have been furnished
with the appraisements placed on few pieces
Of property in one square on Washington
street, within short distance of the court
house. Tho figures given are for the land
alone. The lot on the corner Of Washington
and one of the main north and south streets
is appraised at 1926 front foot. The lot
next adjacent to the west, and nearer the
business center of the city, is appraised at
5000 foot The next lot at 1920, the next
at 1923 the next at nearly $500, and the next
at little less than 5000. The absurdity and
~ IF ant
parent on its face. The ground appraised at
$500 has not such good buildings upon it as
that appraised at 5000, while no mortal man
can give valid reason why one lot should
be appraised at $500 and the one Immediately
adjoining it at less than 5000 foot. We are
further informed that the deputy who made
figures, an appraisement made in 1880, and
which has stood, with its gross Irregularities,
for the past six years. We know, also, that
some of this very property has been offered for
sale recently at $175 foot. How canit'be ex-
pected that Indianapolis will thrive and pros
per with its property weighted down with as
beSSinenlS Ike lneSei InlS Is not an eAIfaof-
binary case, but is a part of one block on our
main business thoroughfare, selected at ran
DOM
We alluded the other day to the paddock that
had been placed upon Indianapolis property
by reason of the limitation law. Those who
were most persistent in advocating that meas
nre, thinking that thereby economy was Sc
cured, can now see what folly it is to expect
frugality and efficiency in public administra-
ton through the medium Of such measures.
How does this law work? Marion county
must have about SO much money to carry on
its local government, and to obtain it under
the tax limitation the aggregate Of
the appraisement must be swelled be-
yond all proportion and justice. Then,
upon this inflated appraisement, the
State taxes are levied as we'll as the local, and
50 Marion county pays vastly more than its
pro rata of State taxes for the benefit of other
counties where, unfettered as is Marion
county, they can keep their appraisement
down to the lowest possible figure There is
much to be thought of in connection with
this matter of appraise ment and taxa
lion, and of local administration. The
Journal has suggested the only certain and
efficient way to secure economical local
government and that is by the election of
intelligent, honest, practical, experienced men
to local Offices. No artificial, arbitrary law
will accomplish the desired end. The
time is already here when the pocket nerve is
being affected, AID We confidently expect TO
see developed much greater interest in our
local affairs than has existed for years. When
that comes about tho prosperity of Indiarap-
oils will be assured. One thing more the
Journal has often advocated: The man or
men who will frame scheme for local admin.
Istration. simple economical and efficient
will confer benefit upon the community that
viii cause him or them to be blessed No
other work could so we'll engage the thought
and attention of tiase gentlemen. of both
parties, who are or may be named Cor mem