The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-03

laxness of some one the houses were ac-
eepted and occupied when the contractors
had failed to carry out their agreements.
This matter was hushed up some way and
other event. showing the absence rather
than the presence of strictly business
principles" in the present administration.
IS in the case of the police patrol telegraph
system for the new police stations.
Through the inefficiency or neglect of some
one the charter was not complied with. and
the deputy city attorney was induced TO
render an opinion CLOSING over the actions
of the board. A similar happening was
in reference TO the Bell-street sewer pro-
ceedings, which were thrown out Of court
because of an error in using the wrong
KIT OF, specifications. Such things do, not
prove that the administration has not been
surpassed for intelligence" and general
efficiency"
DENIED BY BOARD OF WORKS.
Residents of Walnut street bear witness
that the Board of Works did not reduce
the cost of asphalt paving nearly one-half
in their case, when a request that a new
contract be awarded that would have saved
them over 5000 was denied. 1t is too soon
to crow over the asphalt victory. 1t is
claimed the cheap" company will join the
combine.
Although reference is made to the fact
that the telephone COMPANY was compelled
to pay $500 a year to the city. the fact
NAioN HOhAA4IlS WAS Nule 10 SECURE lOWGI tel
ephone rates, and that a Democratic Coun-
ell held up a contract that would have en-
abled subscribers to get a So rate, is care
fully avoided, as is the fact that absolutely
no concessions were obtained from the tel
egraph companies when they were permit
conduits.
Amy one who has lived in Indianapolis the
last four years knows the assertion that
the park law was prepared and carried
through that body Uhe legislature by the
last republican city administration is alb
solutely false. The law was drafted by a
committee consisting of representatives Of
TIE commercial organizations. Mayor
Denny, at their special request, appointed
three representative citizens to act with the
committee. The last Republican adminis-
Taggart did not take a stand against the
assessments until after the laws validity
was questioned, although it had been fire.
quently pointed out 10 him that the assess
ments being made were arbitrary and that
the assessors were making unjust diScrlm-
nations. Mayor Taggart was cognizant of
everything the board did, knew how the
assessments were 10 be made, or at least
was in such a position that suggestions
from him on that line would have carried
the weight or positive commands, and yet
he did nothing until the Journal exposed
some of the Determinations in favor of his
political friends. Mayor Taggart, of course,
did not appoint the assessors; that was
done by the Circuit Court. Still, he knew
every move that was being made, and moth
ing was done, or could be done, without his
approval. When indignant property owners
began holding denunciatory meetings in all
parts of the city Mayor Taggart suddenly
discovered hat ne was not in favor of the
method of assessing benefits provided by
the law, and suggested that some other
method might be found. That other meth
cd, the convention explained, is to issue
longtime bonds.
These are but a few points showing that
the platform is a tissue of t~allacies and con-
taips many things that had better never
been written.
John A. Puryear, councilman from the
Sixth ward, is a candidate for reelection.
He is the present Republican incumbent,
and will be supported by many OF the col
ored voters.