New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-02
ruy TRUTH ABOUT THE TAXES.


TIE TRUTH ABOUT THE TAXES
rh. Democracy of this State will rely upon
+,.,c tbinas in the approaching canvass for the
control Of the executive and legislative offices.
These two things are
n, A corruption fund Of big proportions
raised by the rum power and
(2) False pretences in regard to taxation.
THAT whiskey's Governor cOnfden .ly expects
the saloons % rally round him is emphasized by
the terms of the call for the Democratic con-
vention. The call is a bIazen bid for their
srnnort Not those interested in ballot reform,
in tbe prison problem, in our great canal sys-
tenn, in popular education or in any other great
matter looking to the promotion OF the pubic
veal are specially invited to be represented at
Syracuse. But the liquor dealers are specially
invited. Why? For precisely the same reason
that whiskey'S Governor vetoed the bills passed
nv a Republican Legislature placing wholesale
restraints upon the liquor traflic-the hope Of
retaining the money and influence of the rum
mower in the service of the Democratic party.
Wbiskey's Governor and the rest of the Demo
cratic bosses firmly believe that the saloons
will bleed copiOusly and continuously for the
Democratic ticket in October and vote solidly
for it in November.
So much for that shameful reliance of the
Democracy lis other reliance, as we have
said consists of false pretences in regard to the
State taxes. It is an easy task to punctdre
these pretences. The tax rate this year is
higher than il was in 1898. Democratic news
papers. by stating this fact and craftily declin-
ing to explain it, are striving to fool the voters
IL Il. oil 4nN- Il. I'll
mate; that it stands for extravaganza on the
part of the Republican majority in the Legs
atme in appropnating the peoples money
| Obviously this trick is quite worthy OF party
which has fallen so low in this State as to ac-
knowledge whiskey's Governor as its cher
leader What ia the truth about the State
taxes? The tax rate is higher than it was last
year: first. because it was regarded as the part
| of wisdom alike by Republicans and Demo-
crats-including the chief fiscal officer OF the
| State. the Democratic ContrOller-to increase
the srplus in the Treasury; second because
a large sum had to be provided TO meet the
claims for the restitution Of taxes inequltably
assessed and collected third, because the city
Of Newly ork withheld $500, 900 Of its portion
of the State taxes pending an adjudication
|
public resources by that amount; fourth, be-
cause 10 was necessary to appropriate large
sum to revive the industries Of the State
prisons, TO make good the loss resulting from
the idleneSs Of the prisoners at the Elmlra re
formatory, to provide for the expenses OF the
new Court Of Appeals and the enforcement OF
the new Compulsory Education Acts fifth, be-
cause. with n view Of taking proper care OF the
National Guard and on the recommendation OF
its chief officials number of needful appro-
pIiations were made for armorieS at Brooklyn
and at points in the interior: sixth, because in
response TO the patriotic sentiment OF the State,
a generous sum was appropriated for the Cen
tenna Celebration.
Here il will be observed arc many new but
necessary items with which the tax rate of last
wear was not bmdened and from which that of
next wear will be free, but which are as en-
tirely above criticism rs the regulation appro-
p1iation to pay the Governors salary. In the
aggregate these new items stand for most OF
the increase Of taxation. OF the remaining
items none are open to suspicion The people
at this end Of the state including all our lead
ing Judges, asked for an appropriation for
lelormatory for women. and the Legislature in
serted an item in the supply bill Of 500 600.
ANYTHING wrong about that? And so num-
Der Of localities made a strong and successful
appea! for additional Normal schools THE
TRIBUNE and other newspapers argued that
there was danger Of making the supply of such
institutions greater than the demand. But the
public will be apt to conclude that if the pas
sage Of bills providing for additional educa-
tional facilities was a fault it was fault Of
the venial sort. OF the other items it will
suffice to say that there is no faint upon any OF
them. Some Of the appropriations might have
been postponed until another year but We
challenge any Of the Democratic organs which
are pretending that the tax rate was improperly
raised to place It's finger upon an item Of which
the Republican Legislature ought 70 bc
ashamed. Governor Hill, as we all know, vii
90 far cut of his way TO make point against
his political opponents. Yet the very wors
he could find to say in regard TO most Of thu
, items which he vetoed was lit is not deemed
cxpedient to make the proposed expenditure a
this time" I'm the old days whom the Demo
Gratis had full control at Albany in all branches
, Of the Government the Supply bill was an
nually stuffed full Of items reehing with fraut
{ and corruption. The appropriations of 1889
cut Of which whiskey's Governor is desperatel,
, endeavoring TO make some much-ncedcd capi
! tai for the campaign are honest and clean
] Let the Democratic. press proceed with il
! campaign Of false pgetences. The majority O