Amador ledger., 1905-09-29
THE INCORPORATION ISSUE.

In another column we publish an
article on municipal corporations,
which the citizens of jackson will do
we'll to ponder. The article is from
the columns of a journal devoted eX-
clusively to the cause of Incorporated
cities. 1t cannot, therefore, be said
that it is influenced in its advice by
self interest, or any motive other than
a general desWe to aid in the incur-
poration of California towns. The
disinterestedness of the advice given
is beyond question, and it is equally
clear that the writer, having made
thoroughly posted on the topics OF
which he writes. As tire Ledger has
pointed out, the utmost care should
be exercised in the matter of fixing
the boundaries of the proposed city.
1t plainly says that over expansion in
this respect is a fatal mistake. 10 con-
fine theboundaries to the town proper,
is the path OF wisdom, to take in
lot of farming land, or mining land
for that matter, is folly
The Ledger sincerely desires the in
corporation of Jackson. The time is
ripe to assume the responsibilities of
self government. But in the discharge
of our duty as journalist we cannot
advocate the incorporation of the
town along the lines set forth in the
petition. The people will do we'll to
take time to consider this matter in
all its bearings before committing
thesmelves irrevocabIy. To start right
is all important. If we start on
wrong foundation, we shall be wrong
all through. The blunder will cleave
to us all through our municipal ca
reer. Better have an error rectified
now, even though it does cause little
delay, than push blindly on regardless
of consequences. We believe the citi-
zens of jackson are sufficiently broad
minded to seek incorporation for thei1
own special benefit, and to bear the
burden of government on their own
shoulders. They do not want-or at
least they ought not to want-those
who cannot hope to receive any bene-
fit from incorporation to share in the
financial burden. On the other hand,
the territory includes within the
proposed boundaries, from six to
eight miles of roads, outside of
streets naturally falling within the
town limits. Now just fancy a city
government organized for the purpose
of improving the town, being saddled
with an incubus of such a mileage
of roadway to look after. The re-
venue derived from the mines and
farming property included by these in
f1ationist would be a mere bagateIIe in
the cost of maintaining such thor
onghtares. Take the ZeiIe mine for
instance. Suppose it is assessed for
$50, 900. The taxes from this source
for the support of the city govern
ment, at the maximum limit of rs
cents on the 500. would amount to
S225, the limit of which for road
purposes would be so cents on the
800, or $3.50. What would that
amount to-muItipIied even by
five or SIX times-in the care and
maintenance of such highways. Who
then would have to pay for the bulk
of this work? Why the property
holders in the district where the
wealth is concentrated. In other
words, the owners and tradesmen of
the business part of the city would
be called upon to pungle up for the
work. The imitation proposition
works hardship on both sides. 1t is
utterly contrary to the legal axiom
that he who receives the benefit t
should bear the burden of expense.
That is just rule. But in this case.
the farmers and mine owners would
have to contribute for lighting. and
sprinkling, road work, sewerage, etc.
OF the town proper, and could not
hope for any improvements along
these lines for their property. On
I-S MANU- bHO GOWA I0Slu6uGS
would be compelled to put up the
bulk of the money to repair the out
side roads and bridges, which would
far more than Offset the taxes derived
from the outskirt territory. The
miner and farmer would be hampered
and annoyed by ordinances and re-
gulations applicable to essentially
city property, and never intended
under the law to include any other
kind of property. Neither side
would be satisfied and there would
inevitably bs perpetual jarring and
contention between the two-the in
landers and the outlanders.
We trust that steps will be taken.
before the issue is pressed to a vote,
to have the proposed city reduced
to practical and sensible limits. and
thereby hoId out the promise of
being benefit and not curse to the
residents of jackson.