The San Francisco call., 1899-07-10

IERE it not for the serious issues that in
/ A| volved the controversy now going on over
k the dollar limit tax levy would constitute one
OF the most groesque farces known TO American poll
tics. 1t contains nearly every possible element OF
humor and reveals the fckleness, the contradictions
and the absurdities OF human nature in striking hight
and in sngularly ridiculous situations.
For wears the talking and vociierous element OF the
taxpayers OF San Francisco has been Camorousy in
sstent in demanding the administration OF the city
upon tax levy exceeding ST every SIoo OF the
assessed valuation OF property SO frequently was the
demand terated and reiterated that dollar limit"
became one of the most familiar phrases OF the COM
muntv Reformers shouted it and audiences ap-
plauded it. No municipal campaign was complete
without it. If the conventions OF the two great parties
neglected to include it in the platform there was
straightway organized an independent movement to
push it to the front and numerous and loud was the
band that helped in the pushing.
One administration after another failed TO comply
with the dollar-limt demand. Republicans in office
refused the popular wish and at the election they
we're retired to private life Democrats in Office
scorned the dollar limit and they in turn were ree
gated TO obscurity At each successive act fixing
tax rate higher than that OF dollar on the hundred
voices of strong condemnation heard IN the land
They came from the people from the press and even
from the pulpit Supervisors were denounced as be
public boodlers and robbers-and all because they did
not keep their promise and be the dollar limit
At the last municipal election the old cry taken
I'D by Mayor Phean and sounded by him and his sup
porters with unusual clearness and force. Over and
over again Phelan shouted that slogan until it became
something like the universal cry Of San Francisco.
When the conventions met each party pledged its
candidates to the dollar limit The pledge was made
as explicit as language can be- and binding as any
form OF promise that can be made Because he stood
as the conspicuous champion OF the dollar limit. Phe-
Ian was elected Mayor. although nearly every other
man on his ticket was defeated. Not single man OF
either party was elected who pledged to that
rate OF taxation If there be any such thing as an
expression OF the will OF the people that expression
was given last fall in favor OF rate of taxation
exceeding 81 on an assessed valuation OF 900
We have now at last majority OF the Board OF
Supervisors who purpose to keep the pledge They
have announced intention to be the require
ments OF their party platforms, to make their per
formance in Office correspond to their promises OF the
campaign The Finance Committee has reported in
favor OF such a levy and the majority OF the board
stands ready to accept it.
Now for the Board OF Supervisors there ought to
be applause and praise. Bands ought to play and
bonfres burn The citizens have achieved great
victory They have at last in office faithful public
servants The dollar limit OF taxation is assured for
the ensuing year. The reormers, the taxpayers the
economical administration advocates the various as
sociatons for civic Improvement, have all share in
the triumph and ought to be loud in rejoicing.
Strange as it may SEEM there no rejoicing There
is no applause Many OF those who were most insist
ent upon the dollar limit denouncing the
Supervisors for a Willingness to grant the demand.
Every department OF the municipal government is
clamoring for larger allowance OF money and in
every case the clamor is supported by considerable
body of taxpayers and prominent citizens The Su-
pervisors instead OF receiving applause for keeping
faith with the people, being subjected to tremen-
dous pressure to force them to be false.
Nothing that aristocratc philosophers and wits ever
said OF the fckleness OF public opinion is any too
mockng to describe what is now going on over this
issue The very who demanded the dollar limit
and supported Phelan in shouting for are now rg
ing the Supervisors to impose a higher rate. The
very men who are denouncing the Supervisors
for upholding their pledge would have denounced
them Just as loudly if they had Of their own will
broken that pledge
There is but thing for the Supervisors to 10
and that hold fast to the pledge by which they
won the sufrages OF the people. The best way to rid
municipal campaigns OF ill-considered policies is to
enforce them. 1t is time the dolls--limit policy
should be tested. The people by unanimous declar-
alton through the platforms of all parties have de
manded it, and because have shown them
selves tickle, there is reason believe the whole
people If the Supervisors keep faith with the
people they be blamed if the estimates OF the
Mayor out to be and deceptive.
The Fourth Of July Committee has whitewashed
Colonel T. P. Robinson. The majority OF the