The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-03-30
THE SCHEDULE
TO BE REVISED
Salem Business Ordinance
Meets Some Objections.
Will Have to Undergo Some
Revision--O Opinion of Prom
inent Business Men.

IL - not eNpecJeo thhb thSio WIZ W
any determined opposition among the
business and professional men OF sa.
lem to the creation Of an occupation
tax, such AZ lie proposed by the Mayor
and some Of the council, The revenue
to be derived from the tax will be used
10 cover a $4,000 deficit that would other
wise exist at the close Of this year, by
reason Of depreciation in property
values. From the sentiment almost
unanimously expressed in the append
Ell interviews had with the business
men II is evideRt that they realize the
city's financial needs and will readily
pay their just proportion Of an occupa-
ton tax and provide for the deficiency,
thereby maintaining the financial credit
Of the Capital City. But they will want
10 have a voice in the matter before the
tax is imposed.
Some dissatisfaction was expressed
with inequalities Of the proposed sched.
ule on the various trades and profes-
sions. The objections advanced 70 the
movement was based upon the inequal-
ity Of the rates quoted. II is question
whether these objections 10 an occupa
tion tax can be removed, and a more
fair and equitable adjustment OF the tax
will engage the attention Of members OF
the council. II will also be- generally
discussed at the mass meeting Of citizens
TO be held at the city hall Monday oven
ing.
Mayor Bishop says the schedule OF
rates AZ published was intended merely
as an outline for the consideration OF
those concerned. IL is subject 10 modi.
fcation and adjustment 10 suit condi-
tions.
In lie present form, the rates quoted
disclose some pronounced inequalities.
For instance, the proprietor Of the New
York Racket store would be liable 10
tax under hali.dozen olassihcations,
viz. dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes,
etc and the operation Of the tax would
work hardship upon him, requiring
burdensome license. The same condi-
ton exists in relation 10 JOS. Meyers
Sons, who handle several stocks OF
goods each oi which would be liable TO
the tax under tho schedule OF rates pub
lished. Aa will be seen In the interviews
given by the proprie,ors Of both OF
these institutions, they do not oppose
the occupation tax aud are willing to
pay their just proportion, but they object
70 being required TO pay the tax under n
half dozen classihcations.
Another instance Of great uniairness
is cited. IL is proposed 10 tax Well'
Fargo n Co. $40 while the hard
working owner of wood'aaw
must pay $40. the barber " per each
chair and the cobbler t25. Those repre-
senting the last named vocation who
we're seen, we're pronounced IN their
objections 10 the measure In its present
form, and will demand an adjustment
Of the schedule by which the tax 10 be
collected will be- more nearly in proper
ton 20 the capacity OF the busi
ness or profession to earn. Thi'
was tho principal objection urged
against the measure and II th'
rates Of taxation can be more equally
adjusted, II Is not anticipated the city
will "a porience any trouble in collect
ing all that will he necessary 10 ayoi,
deficit aud keep the city In the bes
financial condition that is possible.