New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-03
IMMEDIATE FRANCHISE TAXATION.

Word comes from Albany that no Dill LOT INC
taxation of franchises is likely 10 pass tnls So'
sion. The enemies Of the measure, VINO nav Z
not been able to urge one good reason WHY SUI"
nronerties should not be taxed, are seeking "
accomplish their purpose through delay ineie
fore they are making use Of the Governor ie0
ommendation that the Legislature shouiu ap
Doint a commission 10 consider revision Oh 'hc
tax laws They say, Let the subJect 20 o'ei
"for the present, and II the commission sees 1T
"to tax franchises then let them be taxed next
"year."
This is most unfortunate To give the corpo-
rations delay in this matter is 10 Detter 'heIl
chance 10 escape the tax entirely. 1hey WIN
have whole year 10 organize, to use TO the luii
the means at their command TO influence Iegis-
lation. TO propose ninltifarious ana cohnlcllnS
MANS TO confuse the whole subject beyond the
possibility of action. Delay opens the way 10
kill by indrecton n meritorious proposition
AGAINST which no objection has been justly
urged. and against which no direct work prom
ised 10 prevail. That these public franchiscS
ought TO be taxed is conceded by all dislntcr-
ested persons, and the abstract justice OF taNihS
them is even admitted by most of those affected.
Here in this city circumstances nave forced
heavy taxation. and there Is immediate need OF
extending the field for the collection Of revenue
so that these now exempt properties may tighten
the burden which bears so gricvously on other
classes OF wealth. Moreover the corporations
are all the time extending their franchises. op'
tanning new rights and often securing with them
contracts and exemptions. Postponing the tax
ation of their franchises 10 some time ia the In
definite future opens the door for general prcpa-
ration 10 avoid the tax in case 1t should nhaily
be levied II is possible that before any ffah-
chise tax bill could be got through another
Legislature powerful corporations might secure
legislation which would exempt from taxation
franchises worth hundreds OF millions. hcrc
for instance we see the Metropolitan Street
Railway Company proposing TO build the tup-
pel under conditions which would apparently
relieve II from any such tax on the tunnel fran
chise as that proposed in the Ford bill. We do
not say that in view Of the cost of tunnel and
the benefit 10 the city. such exemption in this
particular case may not be right. But what assur-
cnce have we that other corporations VIII not IN
face of a franchise tax reorganize, offer to do
something new for the city and TO pay some per
ccntage OF receipts In lieu Of taxation!
An immediate franchise tax would establish
the principle once for all and prevent antlcipa-
tory attempts 10 evade II. Then the commits.
sion could propose any notifications deemed
necessary. little experience OF such tax
would make possible more perfect general tax
system embodying II than could be expected II
II were Incorporated as new and untried
scheme into the body OF supposedly perfected
code prepared by a commission. II such code
bhould be adopted IL would be difficult to mod
ify IL for some time, and franchise tax scheme
would be in IL TO stay with all its Initial crudi-
ties. A brief trial, however, OF the franchise
tax would prepare for the polishing away Of de-
fccts before q general code was drawn. Tho
fact that a general revision Of the tax laws is
in prospect does not prevent the Legislature
from doctoring the present laws in many details