The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-29
TAX DUPLICATE INCREASED.
Result of the Sessions of the State
Tax CommfssfOners.

The tax duplicate of Indiana has been in
creased 100000 by the State Board of Tax
Commissioners during the session ad-
journed yesterday. Secretary Martin, of
the board, has not completed his fOotings,
but Auditor Hart estimates the increase to
be the figures given.
A brief review of the work of the board
during the session just ended is interesting.
The members, after many hearings of par
ties interested, found that telegraph. rail-
road and interurban companies and banks
were, for the most part. making money.
aid the assessments on these classes of
property were either increased materially
or. in a few cases placed at the same fig
ure as in 1901 1t was found. however. that
telephone companies are not doing well.
and that in many cases small companies
are operating at actual loss. Many of
the larger companies have not paid divi
dends for years, and While future prospects
are good, they are not in condition at the
present time 10 stand increased assess
ments Telephone men before the board
testified. almost without exception that the
low rates with which the public is fur
nished telephone service make il impOssi-
BILE for the companies at the present time
TO reap substantial profits from the bust
ness. However, on account OF the increase
In the number or companies now operating
In Indiana, of which rural lines form a
good share, the total assessment on teIe-
phone companies will be 100000 higher this
railroad attorneys and managers TO con-
vince the board that railroads are in no
position this year TO stand increased as
sessments. the board took different view
and material additions were made: In the
case OF the Big Four system alone the
board raised the assessment ZOO; the
Lake Shore Company will pay taxes on a
property valuation increased 100000 and
other roads are increased lesser, but still
heavy sums The board found that the
banking business in Indiana is growing
business. and that the State should receive.
more taxes from the banks. The assess
ments OF the six national banks of Indian
apolis were increased materially, and other
banking institutions as well. The same
state or affairs is present in the case of
telegraph companies, the board found and
their assessments were Increased. No real
estate was assessed by the board, that be-
Ing the duty OF the next board. Auditor
Hart estimates that the next assessment
OF Indiana real estate will add 500 900 600
20 the tax duplicate of the State Inter
urban companies were insistent that their
assessments should be lowered but the
board. while disposed 10 be lenient. thought
that the growing interurban traffic would
not justify a reduction of assessments.
The assessment OF the Union Traction Com
pany was increased from s. 600 to $4,000
per mile, and the appeal of the compaytv
Greenfield Company was also increased.
and its appeal not needed
During the three sessions or its meeting
lasting IN all forty-fve days, the board
had an immense amount OF business TO
transact. the record alone filing co pages
nearly two feet square. There was an un-
usual number OF appeals. which had to bs
given careful consideration. and a tremen-
dous amount OF routine and detail 10 get
out OF the way.