The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-02
A PEDDLER'S UNPAID TAXES.
Merchants Take Steps to Have Him Pay for
the Privilege of Competition.

The merchants of Indianapolis have for
several years beer annoyed by q class OF ped
dlers who come here with large stock of goods
and for a triling license fee obtain all the priv
ileges OF the city without bearing any OF the
burdens OF tax and other municipal assess
ments made upon the property of local dealers.
Several weeks ago A. Friedlander, from New
York City, came here with large aad costly
stock OF fine linen laces and other valuable
fabrics He carried his goods in fifteen
large trunks, and the total value of
his stock was estimated at $50. 900.
While Friedlander peddlsd bis goods from door
to door. he did it in style and manner far above
the ordinary men of his class. A part OF his
outlay fine span of horses and cab, in
which he carried samples among his customers.
who were not the families of the poor. but among
the wealthiest residents or the city. He sold
silks at 81 and So dollars per yard, table linen at
800 per set add lace curtains at $l2 so. In one
family alone his sales amounted to $3.50.
A knowledge of Fredlander's extensive sales
came to the notice of several local merchants.
and some inquiries were made to ascertain what
amount of license he required to pay for
the privileges he enjoyed. The fee proved to be
$40. 1t did not seem right TO them that an out
slider should reap the profits of the best trade
the privilege. little investigation
showed that the peddlers stock was
subject to taxation, aud the assessor
and county officers were notified of the fact.
Assessor Quill sent of his deputies to the
Bates House, where Fredlandsr was staying,
with Instructions to list the stock. Friedlander
apparently aware that he evading the
law, for he offered the deputy $50 to drop the
matter. The goods. however. were listed at
81, 900. but when the report for this amount was
made to asse ssor Quill he refused to accept it,
and raised the valuation to SIC, 900, upon which
he levied a tax of $3.50. %. According to Fried
landers statement he has been coming here with
a similar stock for the past ten years, and upon
looking up the delinquent tax lawlt was learned
by the officials that he was subject to the col
lection of delinquent taxes since 1881, making
the total amount due from him to the county at
the present time 81. 1884. 3d. and this amount
stands charged against him on the audi
warm for the peddler. he intimated to Bates
House employee. last Saturday morning. that he
was going to leave the city in the evening. This
information carried to County Treasurer
Loftin by of the merchants and he prom
ised to send deputy to secure bond FROM the
delinquent or.to levy upon his goods. The dep
uty was seen going in the direction of the hotel,
but for some reason he failed to perform his
duty, and that night Friedlander quietly left
the city for Louisville
The merchants indignant that the delin-
Quent allowed to escape, and they complain
that Treasurer Loftin. for reasons unknown to
them, was very indifferent whether the taxes
were paid or not, and after consultation with
attorney they have decided to take legal.
steps against him. with a view of holding him
liable for the amount of the tax. The aggrieved
say that they have no objections to
any engaging in competition with them who
Is willing to accept the condition imposed upon
not only going to ask for their rgats. but exact
them.