The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-27
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
a Case I'm Point.
To the Editor of Tho Appeal.


ment from men OF my trade--coming
from city far north of Memphis, viz:
Elizabeth, n. j., TO make my home here,
to raise and feed my family, and if posi-
bic, the aspiration Of every lhonest work.
ingman, better my condition in the world.
The city Of Elizabeth is loaded down with
n bonded Indebtedness, and strangeto say,
it was contracted for the purpose OF build
ing streets. left there. NJ hundreds OF
other mechanics also did, for the onerous
burden OF this bond debt had such de-
pressing effect on the building interest,
that il was virtually suspended, while the
coupOn.clpping bondholdcr was prosper
Gus and happy and WaXod fat in drawing
his seni.annual interest, while he PAYS no
taxes. When the debt was created, was
fool enough TO vote for bonds, as ] was
told workmen would get more work, the
city would be rapidly built M,
values would Increase and every
thing aud everybody would be
prosperous-just precisely the line OF ar
gumcnt used by the advocates oil the bond
matter in Memphis today, u clean case Of
history repeating itself What was the re-
suit in New jersey? The contractors who
took the work got the bonds, our property
was loaded down with debt aud declined
IN value 10 about one hall Of what II was
before the debt was created. Now, MIR.
Editor, | came TO your city, brought my
family, and settled down 10 DO one OF you,
induced 10 take this stepirom representa-
tions in your daily papers that your form
oil city government was Of such u character
ns 10 preclude the possibility OF creating
any additional municipal Indebtedness in
fact the only pay rs you go system Of city
government in tho country.
Your papers Endorsed It In the highest
terms, aud on their representation | came
here 20 escape the threatened coniiscation
| OF my little home, 10 work at my trade,
until should bc able to start for myseli in
manufacturing business ] believe Mem
| phs needs for her permanent prosperity
| manufactures, more than all her other
wants combined. But they cannot bo in
duccd to locate here " they find ut the
start they arc handicapped with 3 or 4
| per cent. tax on their capital, that they can
escape by locating In Chattanooga or Biz
mingham.
had about concluded arrangements
with friend here 10 advance me suili.
ciont amount OF money Ia start in tho
! manufacturing business when ] noticed in
some Of your papers whore the assessment
| OF property wis discussed, that there was
q disposition on the part Of some OF the
daily press to "bull dozo" the assessor
and threaten him with indictment II hc
failed TO place high value ON property for
taxable purposes. | was asionshed at
| this, and my fears were only nllayed when
| lgtor on the papers stated the rate of taxa
| ton would be decreased in proportion TO
the increase OF the valuation; but, what do
We see now Why, the very same papers
advocating measures that will increase the
| rate aud burden oi taxation almost 10 the
| point OF cDnhscaiion. You may need
streets, Mr.. Editor, hut tske my word and
| Now Jersey experience for II, your city
| cannot bo a manufacturing point with a
/ ratio oi either I or per cent. taxation.
| Tho manufacturer hunts Tor lcCi
rate of taxation. This assists him
| to place his goods on tho market, with the
same chances for building up trade that
/ his rival has. High taxes make high
! unts-a matter 90 boz seriously considered
| hy every WOrkingmln Ia Memphis who
! does not own his own house. lshall await
| the action OF the Tennessee Legislature
concerning this important matter before
investing In my proposed undertaking a.
! am materially opposed to taking 'lcaI
Ia the dark" The Taxing District lorm
oi government was originated aud organ
izrd as protest against tho methods that
obtained under thc old city charter, viz.
running blindly Ia debt, regardless OF
ability TO pay on the consequences that
followed such counc. In this bond
matter, Il is proposed 70 throw down the
barriers that have protected Ms thus inr,
anl go back tu the oil system that proved
sp disastrous to our municipal welfare. II
You do this. what improvement b your
boosted Taxing District syalom on the sys
ten oi 1875? Another matter iu
this connection. lt is proposed that Ia,
bouls Il VOTED, shall Boz at the disposal
AMI handling Ut q commission Why Il,
We intusl the welir, Of the city 90 "a,
Taxing District Commissioners and dem
them voice In a matter 10 important 10
this. and boo which. from their connection
anil familiarity with tho operation Of cit,
tnairs, They should bo important iactuu
Aud. finally. how will your city bc an i'm
proycmrnt on the Rusrd ~ Aldermen am
Council system that q iow ycau ago ~
throw overheard after We had experience.
at H. hands humilsling financial disaster
MEUns MECHANIC.