The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-12

The Committee OF Fifteen, appointed
from among our leading ctizeus at the re.
cent Merchants Exchange meeting, TO de.
wise ways and means, or recommend q
plan whereby our leading thoroughfares
may be paved have been called to NEE,
today in the directors room of the First
National Bank. So far their deliberations
have resulted in nothing, and it is under
stood that the sentiment is not altogether
harmonious ON the subject of how it is best
to provide for the public improvements.
Ono thing, however, is settled, and that
is the proposed issue Of bonds, upon any
plan, is disiavored and will not be con-
sidered.
Nor is II likely that any scheme looking
TO the increase of the city debt in any
form will be recommended
The suggestion has been made, and II
meets the strong approval OF numerous
long heads,o recommending an al valorem
tax on the property along the highways
needing pavements at least for two-thirls
OF the required outlay. In such case the
city would pave alleys and street crossings
out Of tho public funds. This plan has
not been formulated, but it is suggested.
IL is understood that decision of the
Supreme Court of Tennessee has pro-
nounced the front foot system of charging
for paving work not TO be in accordance
with the Constitution of our State The
Court said in effect that this course was
Illegal and unjust. An adjoining state,
however, has found that an assessment in
accordance with the estimated value Of
the property facing the proposed high
ways is in harmony with the Consttu-
ton. II this plan will stand the test in
our State It might be made to work for
the public good.
One OF the fifteen was interviewed yes.
terday and he said, in effect: "Why, sir,
| labored for years TO fund our heavy
burden ofindcbtedness at 30 cents on the
dollar and il is all the debt We ever ought
20 make. The streets should be paved,
but they should also be paid for as fast rs
they are done. Our burden OF debt is
enough as Il * and it will never do 10 in
crease 1t. | want streets paved, but not
ON a credit. \ large part Of our present
indebtedness, upon which we pay every
day OF our lives 500 interest, was largely
entailcd 10y street paving debt. Now, ac-
cording 10 the proposed method OF some
who advocate the issuance Of -, 600, 600 in
bonds, the interest burden would be in
creased to $50 per day and our citizens
cannot stand any such expense"
Another member OF the committee was
seen and he said: al have paved along
the front Of several pieces OF property
own in the outskirts, but 1t was not phi
lanthropy that caused me 10 do IL. ! had
1t done TO enable Inc 10 charge higher
rents, and the revenue has increased in ac-
coriancc with my anticipations. The out
lying streets in many instances were paved
ut the expense OF those who own property
facing the improved street, and in no ease,
a. far rs have heard, have those who
paid the bill complained. They would
rather pay for paycments than 10 tramp
through the mud"
Two othcr property owning members OF
the committee would not commit them
selves further than - express opposition
TO any system that might look 10 any in
crease Of taxation or Of going into debt.
Ono said, why, do you know that pave
mcnts will last but fifteen years, oven the
best of them, and II YOU issue bonds nj
thirty years, you will be- Obliged 10 yet out
another series fifteen years hence, 80 You
will have two sets of bonds on you all at
Allt HtNlf ulhNs luz w Nui'ifUh lildl Ilb-
posed looks well and may he the ono TO bo
recommended, but the committee has not
~ yet formulated any plan Us lar as
know"
still another member of the Committee
alluded 10 the fact. that under the proposed
tax Of 2.6O. together with about l.2j addi-
tional for State and County our tax rate
will bc 3.sj on the hundred dollars. and
man owning home assessed at say IS, 900,
will have 20 pay taxes at the rate Of about
S25 per month, besides his expenses for in
surance Interest, gas, water and other
items.
Tho suggestion 10 raise paving fundby
an AL valorcm assessment on tax appears
TO be the most popular ~ far as could be-
asccrtaincd, though no member Of the
Committee has been pledged TO any plan.