Evening journal., 1907-02-08
CITY AFTER
BIG CORPORATIONS
Must Pay More Taxes For
the Privileges They En-
Joy Here
CONFERENCE ON MONDAY

city Council IS now doing something
that viii meet with the approval Of
The general public. II proposes, IL pos
sible, to tax the public service corpor-
ations and relieve the property own
er, and as this mortal Is now assessed
for all he IS worth, the new movement
will no doubt be hailed with delight
Chairman White of the finance COM
mittee presented the following:
Whereas the city of Wilmington has
now reached position In its deVel-
opment which imperatively demands
the raising OF more revenue Tor the
proper and consistent maintenance OF
it's several departments, as is truly
shown by the constantly increasing de-
nCit; and their very apparent necessity
Of Increasing the bonded indebtedness
of our city for The purpose Of com-
pletng the water system and the nn-
proyement OF the streets; and
Whereas the present puvdcnsome
rate of tax levy on real estate is in
sufficient 10 meet the present require
frents which must OF necessity grow
larger with time and
Whereas. the public service corpora
tlons Of this city have long enjoyed
special privileges I'm the way Of tran-
chises of immense and Increasing vol
ume which they receive absolutely free
without any payment whatsoever to
tae city, which franchises are legally
construed to be property. ana In other
states are taxed at their fall vaiue
now. therefore, be it
Resolved that the mayor and council
tition the general assembly Of Dela-
ware now I'm session 10 promptly enact
law in legal and prac icai form
which viii authorize the taxing OF the
franchises Of all public service corpof-
ations in this city as property at their
/ fln cash value, the same as Is now
dune with real estate. for the benefit OF
the mayor and council Of Wilmington:
ana further be IL
Resolved that the finance and law
committees OF this body together Will
the city solicitor be and they nre here.
by instructed 10 take all necessary
steps 20 determine the form of ih'
contemplated statue. and bring the mat
tier to the attention Of the general as.
sombly and TO urge its passage a
once.
Following the reading OF Mr.. Whites
resolution. another was offered by Mr
Ross which read;
Whereas, our present revenues ar
insufficient to meet the necessary cX
lpenses and provide for the actual need
Of our growing city; and
Whereas, our public service corpora
tions enjoy valuable public franchise
without paying taxes commensurate
with the revenue derived therefrom
and
Whereas, The present tax on real
estate falls heavily on the wage -earne
who owns or rents a small home, an
further increase in the assessment q
taxation Of real-estate would be over
burdensome TO the mechanic and work
ingman Of this city, who make up IN
great bulk of our population; therefore
be Il
Resolved, That the Law and Financ
Committees of Council with the Mayo
and City Solicitor be and are hereb
given full power to act in behalf O
the city. and are requested 20 confe
with the officials or representatives "a
our public service corporations for IN
purpose of reaching some just an
] tNulldule utel, OF ldAALlNn OF lltli pro
critics and franchises. and with a FUR
ther view Of having the city derive
reasonable percentage OF their gross re
ceipts; and be it further
Resolved, That the Clerk OF Counc
send a copy Of these resolution TO ever
{ public service corporation doing bust
ness within the city of Wilmington am
ask their Immediate attention and co
operation in compliance with these re-
quests.
Council Chamber February 9TH. 1s0'
Both resolutions We're adopted an
among the corporations cited by Nj
Ross for taxation arc the Wester
. Union and Postal Telegraph Compan
les the b. & o., p. r. & w and p. & ]
railroad companies the Wilmingto
city and Peoples Railway Companies
the Wilmington City Electric Compan
and the wilmington Light Power an
Telephone Company.