The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-14
r~pIHrcr TAX on LIGHT.


INDIRECT TAX on LIGHT.
The argument that it is necessary Tor the
city TO establish an electric plant OF Its own IN
order 10 retain the large income which 1t mas
been deriving from the operation OF the gas
works. is not one that bears a careful exani-
nation.
Upon the strength Of what principle has
municipal corporation the right to increase
its financial resources by supplying the peo-
pie at charges in excess Of the actual expense
to the corporation with what their needs com
pei them to use but which by the present
municipal policy they can only secure
through the agency Of the city!
IF the amount of funds in the city treasury
can be very much enlarged in volume by I'M
posing upon hOuseholders heavier rates for
light than it costs the city TO furnish it, 1t fol-
lows perfectly logically that this amount can
with equal consistency with law and justice
be further increased by the city taking posses
sion Of the markets and selling at higher fig
ures the meats and vegetables that are now
from these points distributed among the peo-
ple by the private holders Of stalls. The city
can with just ~ mach propriety create mo-
nopoly in our food supply US to create mo-
nopoly in our light supply. Food and hight
if not equally necessary to existence, are
equally necessary TO comfort and convenience
What would be thought Of the members OF
our Council and Board Of Aldermen If they
were to proceed to establish monopoly over
our markets and defend the act on the ground
that such a monopoly would assure large
income after paying every form Of expense IN
keeping these markets in operation! Would
not such an income as this be regarded as
form of municipal tyranny 10 be done away
with by the popular voice at the first oppor-
tunitv? Who would assert under these cir
cumstances that such an income was justified
by the fact that the general tax rate was
somewhat reduced 10y its enjoyment?
How is the tax rate lowered in the instance
Of the income from the gas-works or the income
that would be derived from a city electric
plant? 1t is lowered 10y taxing indirectly the
householdcrs Of this city. however humble
may be their walk in life. 1t Is the imposition
of a distinct and separate tax upon one diyi-
sion Of our citizens. and it is as unjust as II
the city presented direct tax bill for so many
dollars and cents to every individual in tina.
division without attaching it TO any form Of
property or making any adequate return.
Being confessedy in excess Of the expense
to the city in furnishing light. it is purely ar
bitrary in its application. 1t is essentially
unconstitutional whether legally so or not,
because it compels a certain number of our
citizens to bear disproportlonate share IN
sustaining the burdens Of our municipal gov
eminent. The general taX-rate is lowered
not by means that operate equally upon every
division of citizens, but by means that are con-
fined wholly to one division.
This being the case, the argument that the
city cannot afford to give up the income de
rived from its monopoly in light rests upon
an untenable basis. IL not only can afford to
give up this income, hut it should afford to do
so under the circumstances ii 1t wishes TO do
equal and exact justice to the people residing
in its limits.
We repeat, what we have stated on several
occasions already, and there is reason to be
heve that public sentiment sustains us in the
position, that there Is but one justification Tor
the city assuming exclusive control over this
question of light-namely, that 1t Will supply
Illuminating power at rates that are lower
than those at which private companies can
furnish il. Under no circumstances can any
sound reason be advanced in support of the
municipal corporation drawing clear profit
from its own citizens in supplying their
absolute necessities If the city wishes TO
reduce the general tax rate it should employ
means that are more in conformity with
those principles Of legitimate and conserya-
tive government which have been so long en-
forced by the Democratic party. Instead Of
creating a large fund by indirectly taxing
our householders without making any pro-
portonate return. let the corporate authorities
more strictly enforce the income tax. OF let the
original tax-late be restored. Either would
be safer than to the present method.