The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-14
Thinks charter Methods Oppressive

Thinks Charter Methods Oppressive.
To the Editor Of the Indianapolis Journal:
The News deprecates all discussion which
differs with its views of municipal affairs;
nevertheless. the people have the right to
entertain opinions and to express them. that
al is not as 1t should be. 1t is an indis-
putable fact that taxes and special burdens
have largely increased since the adoption
of the new city charter, without correspond
ing visible improvement in any branch OF
the municipal service: the city at large,
saving the improvement of streets. is not
better off in any respect than it was under
its former, and since, by modern reformers,
much condemned government. The inn
provement Of the streets and the sewer
system adopted and carried too rapidly to
completion has not been paid out Of the
treasury, but has become and will remain
for many years an oppressive burden to
by an increase of rental values or the val
ues Of the improved real estate. If such
Is really the truth. the people are entitled
mis sn.m assertions satie sne Of tI the New News sn do inc mot 0 dis.
pose Of or controyert the fact that, not.
wi~thstanding the rapidly growing revenues
or the city rne RE mas me,,S oeen IN no t appr depa
ments, which have not kept pace with the
growth of population or territory subject
to taxation.
Since the adoption Of the new charter the
city has not acquired much If any real es-
tate or other property for city purposes;
inv DIV "1t the "a expepditure Of large sums Of
public money; the interest rate upon the
debt owing by the city has been materially
reduced, which Is a positive saving OF
money, but. Notwithstanding all these,
whenever a pressing demand arises for the
immediate improvement of a branch OF the
city service II is met by the stereotyped
onourar that fharo IA mn n1nnav In tho fraQs>
ury for such a purpose, and the ingenuity OF
the fiscal officers Of the city is at once
put In motion to devise new methods or
replenishing the city funds, to be paid by
the Taxpayers: but when these additional
funds are raised. somehow or another they
all disappear In the rat-hole open at both
n 1t is therefore not so highly i'm
proper for the people who are overburdened
with taxation and assessments to manifest
a desire TO know where all the money goes.
and this should Je known without injecting
politics or the charging OF dishonesty or
corruption against anyone. or one party or
another. as they are both alike In this re-
spect; but the fact remains that, with am
nually increasing resources, there Is no
money in the treasury for betterments In Its
service. Hence, what becomes or Nm
The News takes exception to the calling or
attention TO this deplorable condition, but
1t does not suggest a remedy. 1t was
through the adroit management or Interest,"
ed people that the city has been relieved
from the burden of paying out of Its general
funds for the Improvement or street inter-
sections, alley crossings ana sewers, as
was done before the new city charter and
its amendment. What would become OF the
treasury If 1t would be called upon. to pay
the city's share of the extensive and costly
improvements which have been SO strenu-
ously advocated by the News?
There are many people who beieve tnat
the methods OF the charter as now execut-
ed are crude and oppressive. its operations
expensive; the corresponding Dement'S or
such government as 1t provides problemat-
zeal. The News may characterize such q
statement as rank heresy. but nevertheiess
it is the growing opinion OF the peopie or
this city. 1t provides for too many expens
sive officials to demonstrate its beautifuI
operations; altogether too many boards.
bureaus. departments, etc.: Its inequitablc
reouirements are as infexible as cast iron;
altogether. Its operations under the system
as now practiced are costly. oppressive and
burdensome; It's true character 10 inexoraoie
taxation without representation 1t Is high
time to call a halt in this insane attempt
TO convert the streets into the houlevards or
Paris and to give the people a breathing
spell: IL this system continues TO De pur-
sued IL will amount to downright confisca.
ton of the homes which have been the
pride OF its citizens, who do not begrudge
fheir contributions to elevate the police and
Are denartments to a standard of excel
ience of which they stand much in need.
but 90 not want to be forced into BANK
ruptcy by useless. uncalled-for improve
ments.
indianapolis, Dec. 10.