The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-24
CORPORATION TAX ORDINANCE.
Cabinet Meeting To-MOrrOyv VIII Con-
slider the Matter-The Hnx Market

Cabinet Meeting To-MOrrOw VIII Con-
slider the Matter-The Hay Market.
The question of taxing corporations will
be considered at the cabinet meeting to-
morrow Mayor Denny said yesterday, in
speaking on the subject that he did not
believe in placing burdensome tax on the
corporations, but that he thought the time
had now come when such an ordinance
should be considered. The electric light
companies already pay per cent on their
gross receipts from arc lighting and 2h per
cent. on incandescent receipts. He be-
lieves that is as much as should be ex-
pected of them, but that other companies
should pay a similar tax. The Consumers
Gas Trust stock Is now selling at a prem
ium, and he thinks that as this company
has now had two years of grace without
any special tax it is time TO make 1t pay
something. Under the ordinance creating
the trust no special tax could be levied
for five years. 1t has now been seven years
since the trust began business. He believes
that the other gas companies are equally
able to pay a special tax on their mains
None of the companies having wires on
the streets pay any special tax except the
light companies. and the Mayor does not
think it is just to tax them and allow the
telephone and telegraph companies to es-
look upon the matter in another light. They
claim that the business will not Justify a
tax as proposed of cents foot on the
mains in the streets. They claim that such
tax would take all the profits from the
business.
The matter of hay market will be pre-
costs the city SO month for rent and Sl00
a month for the weghmaster, while the
total receipts are only about SIPS month,
making Ii cost the city about $31 month
to maintain a market which was supposed
TO be self-sustaining. The Mayor will sub
nit the proposition that the hay market
be discontinued and arrangements be made
with individuals in different parts of the
city 10 maintain yards without expense to
the city, for the sale of hay. Under this
plan about four yards would be established.
Each person would be required to take out
a license with only nominal fee and be
sworn TO make correct weights. His scales
would at all times be subject to the in
spection of the proper city officer. 1t is be-
lieved that such arrangements could be
that could be had at very small cost by
some dealer in the neighborhood This
would be more convenient for the buyer
and seller, too, as neither would be COM
PEELED TO go the distance that is now neces-
sary to get to the market
No Pavement for Clifford Avenue.
The government has no money with which
TO pay for street improvements is the
cheering news contained in a letter received
from Senator Turpie by the Board of
Works. He says there is no fund from
which such expenses could be paid, and he
very much doubts if an appropriation for
the purpose could be obtained. This puts
an end to the prospect of paving Clifford
avenue this year unless the contractors
would be willing 10 take the contract and
trust to getting appropriat tom TO pay
for the part in front OF the Arsenal There
has been some talk OF allowing the con-
tractors TO bid enough TO pay them for the
work without collecting anything from the
government, the property owners 10 take
their chances of being reimbursed by the
government. The plan is not feasible be-
cause IL would necessitate the unanimous
consent of the property owners, and some
OF them have already filed a remonstrance
against any kind of pavement.
Pavement Inspectors Appointed.
+. c. Lingenfelter and j. T. Owens were
appointed pavement inspectors for the en-
ginear's department by the Board OF
Works yesterday. in accordance with the
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