The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-12
A HOT TAX CAMPAIGN,
Wealth and Corporations Unite
to Prove a Dollar
Sufficient.
TAB KEPT ON ALL OFFICERS.
An Organization That Has Worked
Partial Revolution in
Politics.
TAB KEPT ON ALL OFFICERS.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN Francisco CALL

OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO CALI
90S Broadway. Dec. IL. !
One of the most original campaigns
ever undertaken in this city is now well
under way, and as its existence is due to
the very heaviest taxpayers and is solely
for the purpose of protecting their inter-
ests it will not die for lack of support.
1t is an organization composed OF
bankers, landed proprietors, corporations
and other wealthy individuals or COM
panies who are most directly interested in
showing that the 81 tax-limit is sufficient
to run the city and pay interest on all out
standing bonds
The movement is of unusual magnitude
and has not yet formally organized, but it
is already at work, and its line of work is
carefully outlined. An analysis of the
project shows that there will be need of
some of the cleverest political work ever
done in this city if some of those who now
pose as leaders are to hold their prestige.
The proposition is one that will give
Mayor Davie more financial backing than
any one man has ever controlled in Oak
land. 1t Is. in fact an Endorsement OF
Davies fight for the dollar tax, and must
necessarily strengthen that official polit-
ically. The object of the new organiza-
IL,
lar, is as follows:
The discussion arising out of the con
troversY between the Mayor and some
members of the City Council has been
productive of a great deal OF careful con-
sideration on the part of taxpayers. The
facts that were brought to light made it
apparent that most rigid scrutiny and
careful management OF county and mu-
nicipal affairs would beyond doubt result
N q
rate"
The movement referred to is a proposed
organization of the representative tax
payers of the city and county for the pur-
pose OF maintaining careful supervision
OF every departments OF the city and county
government, lending aid where advisable
and correcting any abuses that may be
discovered. The organization will be
strictly non-political. AS before stated,
the object is collectively to do what is the
duty of each individual taxpayer-viz.: to
keep a constant, intelligent supervision of
municipal and county affairs. 1t is not
vet known who will be the personnel of
the organization, but it is safe to say that
1t will be composed OF our best citizens.
AS the present non partisan administra.
ton is considered 10 represent ''the best
element in the community, and as ii was
desperately opposed to Mayor Davies dol
lar tax, it is not easy to see how the two
"best elements are to be harmonized.
1t is part of the plan that every time
penny is wanted by an official the fact
shall be made public, and it shall be
marked against him, so that when the
year is ended data will be on hand to show
just how much less than dollar is neces-
sary to maintain the city government and
how much less than 81 Is is necessary for
the county.
Since George kaufman ceased to be Sec
rotary of the Board OF Works he has acted
as secretary to the Mayor and occasionally
as city expert. For his services as expert
he has only received the sum of SOL, and
for the balance of his salary he looks to the
Mayor. This has given rise to the story
that Mr.. kaufman has been acting as the
representative of the organization referred
to. There is, it is said, guaranteed fund of
$500 with which to further the purposes
of the body. AS the reduction in the levy
saved the taxpayers about $4,000. no other
motive for providing an expert fund is
necessary