The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-03
TAMPA's CITY TAXES.
The Courts Require Their Collection
From Some Corporations.


Tampa, May 2.-'rampa seems now to
be getting deeper and deeper in the meshes
OF the law over her disputed tax bust
ness. The time for the tax sales is set
for next Tuesday, and already several
moves have been made which will stop a
great deal OF property from going on the
block.
Judge Phillips has already issued several
orders setting aside the tax levy for 1895,
and yesterday an injunction was issued
from the same court, restraining the city
from selling any OF the property belonging
to the Taxpayers Protective Association.
Gen. j. y. Wall, as attorney for that or
ganization, presented the case, and after
giving 1t a hearing, the injunction was
granted The city attorney dernurred, but
the demurrer was overruled. This asso-
citation is composed of large number of
people who have combined to defeat the
city in the collection OF "A large part of the
taxes. because these people claim that the
affairs of the city are being mismanaged,
and that the money Is not being spent in
the improvements that the city stands so
much in need Of at the present time.
A considerable surprise was occasioned
by another move that was against the city
Judge +. M. Simonton, representing ISL
dore Kaunitz, went before Judge Phillips
asking that the court issue an order COM
polling the city TO collect the full tax as
sessment from the Florida Brewing Com
pany, the Tampa Water Works Company
the Tampa Bay Hotel Company, the Sa-
vannah. Florida and Western Railroad
Company and the Tampa Gas Company.
These companies have enjoyed special
privileges from the city In the payment
Of taxes. For instance, the Tampa Bay
hotel has been assessed at $4,000 and, In
lieu Of all taxes, the city has accepted the
sum Of 500 yearly. This was done In other
cases, and when the ordinances were pass
ed giving these privileges 1t was admit
ted that IL was Illegal according 20 the
charter. but IL was thought best TO make
the concession, and now the matter comes
into court, and the court has issued an or
der compelling the city TO make a full
collection Of the taxes. The city attor-
ney demurred 20 this and Il was overruled
and the attorney offered a chance to make
answer. but he declined TO do 50, and the
court issued the order.
Sparkman g. Sparkman, attorneys for
the Savannah, Florida and Western rail-
road, were also before the court, asking
for an injunction against the city, and
they got Il. This Injunction is 10 restrain
the city from selling any Of the railroad
property for taxes. They set up the claim
that II would seriously interfere with
their business should any OF the rolling
stock be tempered with ia an effort 70 col
lect the taxes. Tho court granted the APP
plication and thus there Is one more
against the city. which seems to be Just
now having a hard time over its tax ques-
ton.
Tho Tampa Rifles have been compelled
to abandon the idea Of having their sham
battle In this city just before leaving for,
camp this month. IL was found that on
account OF business several OF the compa-
mics they wanted could not get away. But
the battle will be held as a part OF great
Fourth of July celebration, and a number
OF companies from the different portions
Of the city will be invited to take part.
Some OF the people here are much put
out with the attorney general on account
OF the delay In the matter OF the execu-
ton OF a death verdict rendered by a jury
In this city one year ago. Tho case II that
Of Policeman Milton, a colorcd man, who
killed a negro woman last year, ana shot