Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-02
In FAVOR OF FUSION.
Many Who Would Like to See Alle-
gheny County One Big City.
ARGUMENTS ADVANCED FOR II
By Those Who Want the Twin Cities to As.
sumo Their Proper Place
IN THE COUNTRY'S BUSINESS LIST

The wave of popular opinion favoring the
consolidation of Allegheny and Pittsburg
is assuming more signif cant proportions
daily. Merchants in both cities yesterday
discussed the matter in all its phases. The
prevailing sentiment among leading manu-
facturers and business men is to 60 even
further than the consolidation of the
twin cities and incorporate the whole
county.
One of the most prominent citizens of
Allegheny, Mr.. James B. Scott commented
as follows last evening: "The incorpora-
tion of Allegheny county as one municipality
would be step in the right direction.
1t would systematize and expedite matters
to such an extent that every borough
within the domain of the county would re-
ceive all the advantages attendant upon a
centralized government. Philadelphia,
Chicago and Boston include within their
limits any number of small adjoining towns,
and there is no reason why Allegheny county
should not be made into one city. Under
that arrangement there wild be wider scope
for legislation in the way of improvements,
and we would then rank among the most
powerful cities of the Union"
"Broader ideas in the management of
affairs OF Allegheny would prevail if it
were annexed to Pttsburg," said Mr..
Walker, the well-known manufacturer.
1.-THE objection raised bv some regarding
the supposed higher taxation in Pittsburg
should not have any weight in the discussion
when it is considered that the taxes of Alle-
gheny would be just as high if it possessed the
fine water system and street Improvements of
its sister city. Chicago, which does not
take in quite all of Cook county,
but includes a generous portion of it, has
placed herself in the list of leading cities by
that method, and we would be among the first
II we adopted the same policy"
Mr.. Thomas Carlin, engine manufacturer,
observed: "Certainly, Allegheny and Pitts
burg ought to be consolidated, and think it
would be proper to take in entire Allegheny
county,"
lows: I'VE. who have factories in Allegheny,
hut live in Pittsburg, are interested IN the COM
man wslfare of both cities. L would like
ures feel confident that Allegheny taxes
are higher in proportion to those in
Pittsburg. This is apparent beyond
the shadow of doubt. The bridges should be
purchased by the city after Pittsburg and
Allegheny became one, and be free to the pub
lie. 1t could be ARRANGED that Pittsburg could
pay her own debt. Unquestionably, annexa-
tion would be good thing"
William P. Bennett, bookbinder and pub
Usher, gave his views on the question. He
said "All this talk OF higher taxation in Pitts
burg than in Allegheny is easily demonstrated
to be without foundation Take Federal street
property, in the heart of the business center,
and it is just as high as property on some of the
principal streets of Pittsblrg. l am taxpayer
In both cities, and favor annexation"
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED.
Frank D. Smith. the prominent steel manu-
facturer of Allegheny and formerly member of
(t.rrr, 1Oft tba+n nif Hn od
this opinion of the matter: Allegheny needs a
little heavier taxation in order to improve the
streets, and several other departments which
are sadly in need of it. My experience in
Councils showed me that it would be the
best thing for the city to consolidate with
Pittsburg. The people should do it before the
issue forced upon them, as the indications
now point out that 1t eventually will be- Allie
gard to taxation think the valuation here is
unequal. Considerable property in Allegheny
is appraised in totally inaccurate Manner
Ohio street merchants were interviewed yes
terday afternoon. and many express themselves
as advocates for annexation. George Meyer
ssid: If we had one important city ther would
They separate US more than anything. They
should be made free"
Mr. Hollander, tailor-"We would miss the
fun of electing a mayor and members of Coun-
Gil if we became part of Pittsburg, but that
is all right. l favor the proposition"
NJ. Black, proprietor of a millinery store said:
ALLEGHENY does not hold an enviable position
Just at present, in the rank of American cities.
and think she would do well to try annexa-
tion."
Mr. Klopfer, merchant tailor-Most assuredly
this city should be united to Pittsburg.
THE SENTIMENT GROWING.
Along Federal street the sentiment for an
nexation is steadily growing and more names
are added daily to the list of those favoring the
project. Said c. II. Renter, cigar dealer:
Travelling men all regard it as strange that
the twin cities are divided when we are virtu-
ally one city. 1 do not see where we could lose
by annexing to Pittsburg, and have everything
to gain"
Charles Horne, restaurateur, remarked: 81
have heard citizens discussing the matter pro
and con. From what the advocates for an
nexation say, am convinced that it would be
a good thing. and has a variety of strong argu-
ments in its favor"