The record-union., 1899-11-03
THE TAX LIMIT" HUMBUG AND
FAKE.

THE TAX LIMIT HUMBUG AND
FAKE.
In the municipal campaign now pend
ing, the opposition to the Republican
part Of their candidates to reduce the
tax rate to a one dollar limit. The
Republicans, responding to this, have
shown that the real tax for municipal
conduct is now but 95 cents, the ap-
parent excess being to clear off the
fragment of the old time debt, and
meet deficiencies caused by city needs
and the demands of the people.
AS the Record Union" said in the
outset of the debate, the proposition of
the Democrats is simply catch-penny
device, a mere pretence. 1t is hum
bug and a fake. because it proceeds
upon the idea that affairs are to be
conducted upon the unhappy scrimp
and pinch policy that has for years
prevailed in this city-largely necessi-
tated by the burden of an old bonded
debt But under a commission of old
line Republicans and a Republican
Mayor that debt has been nearly all
cleared away, and the city started up
on a new career Of prosperity.
In our opinion it YVES error on the
part of Republican candidates to have
responded to the catch penny device
of the Democrats. It is sufficient with
all voters having capacity to cast a
ballot to stand upon the declaration of
the Republican platform. That we re-
produce, and commend it to the
thoughtful and self-respecting. Here
is the plank and pledge:
We pledge our candidate for
Mayor and our nominees for Trus-
tees to the lowest possible rate Of
taxation commensurate with the
conduct of public affairs; and
pledge all our candidates to the
strdctest economy in the admins
tration Of their respective Offices.
There exists a demand for FUR
ther street and other public i'm
provements, and we pledge our
Mayor and Trustees to an econom-
tcal system Of public improve
ments.
or course, every one knows that if
the starve and scrimp policy to which
Sacramento has been confined ny ne
cessity in the past is to prevail. and be
further promoted and broadened, the
tax rate can be reduced to half Of one
dollar. Continue, for instance, to
squeeze the free library and cripple
its usefulness by insufficient support
of an institution lying close to the
hearts of the people; continue the dis
grace of a Receiving Hospital that is a
shame to any civilized community, and
an outrage upon the unfortunates who
are conveyed Ito it; continue to neglect
the residence street cleaning and make
no provision in that respect for the
commonest dictates of cleanliness and
health; continue the practices regarding
the disposal of garbage against which
the City Board of Health has SO long
protested and vainly endeavored to
correct; continue along the entire line
of doing without" these needs which
the good Of every man, woman and
child in the city requires because we
could do no better while the exactions
OF bonded debt existed, and OF course
we can get along" after a fashion, but
to our discomfort, ill-health and dis
honor, to say nothing Of the repulsion
from the city OF new population, in
vestment, industry and progressive
energy.
we repeat. the whole tax limit shout
Is q fraud and a fake, and none know
1t better than those who keep it tn
Ine people OF Sacramento have in the
past been compelled to scrimp, starve
and rob their institutions, because of
the enormous debt which over-hung the
municipality and absorbed more than
half her income from all sources.
That necessity no longer exists. The
time has come when property interests
can be enhanced in value, the public
health promoted by proper sanitation
and cleanliness; humanity be respected
py providing decent means for the re-
lief Of those cast upon the mercy of
the city; by improving public struct-
ures which for want Of care are going.
to ruin; by improvement of sewer,
water and street systems, and so along
nearly all lines, to the end that the
city may invite within it's bounds de-
slrable population, new Industries new
investment. and new blood Thus
while at the same time progressing, we
will reduce taxation by distributing its
burdens over greater volume of tax
able values.
The Republican platform says just
that and it is enough to say. 1t favors
strictest economy and lowest taxation
commensurate with the proper con-
duct Of public affairs. He who asks
more than that is no friend of the city.
He who demands that the tax rate be
fixed at given figure regardless of de-
cent needs for the community is no
friend of Sacramento.
City Attorney De Ligne has made a
thoroughly good officer. He has been
faithful and true. He has the ability
and has demonstrated it. He ought to
be reelected But there is opposition
to Mr.. De Ligne, first, because, as In
duty bound, he conducted the prosecu-
tion against maintenance of the nickel
H. 1~< ta1Sf fxxro