The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-06-21
Most important Measure of
the Year Was Passed Last
Evening at Regular Meeting
by Solid Vote.
TAX FERRET LOWE is
GIVEN CITY CONTRACT
Council Takes This Action Not
Withstanding the Protest of
the Board-CompIaints on
the Streets.

Council, in the role of the national
congress, and the vehicle ordinance,
as the railroad bill. got together in
fine style last evening and the most
important measure of the year was
passed without dissenting vote. The
matter of taxing the vehicles of the
city under municipal ordinance. fol-
lowing the plan adopted in nearly ev-
cry city of size throughout the coun-
try, has been hanging fire for several
years and over month ago bill was
introduced with tentative schedule
attached. Objection was made by one
or more of the councilmen to nearly
every clause, but before the third
reading, which took place last night,
the whole question had been threshed
out in a meeting with the board OF
works in a committee of the whole,
and the measure was passed as
amended a week ago.
When first submitted. the schedule
of fees in the ordinance was consid-
cred too high, especially on such We
hicles as drays and other commercial
carriers. Automobile owners also en-
tered a protest against the proposed
tax, claiming it was unjust to tax
them more than indianapolis and larg-
er cities charge Attempts were made
to arrive at settlement in open meet
Jig, but tedious debates came to moth
ing and a satisfactory arrangement
oould onlys be reeehed, after q general
open discussion. ass
Contract With Lowe.
In spite of 4 resolution emanating
from the bo41d of works advising
against the city entering into con-
tract with w. E. Lowe. the tax ferret
employed by the county commission
ers, council found the prospect of
participating in $4,000 of sequestered
taxes altogether too enticing, and af-
ter a general debate, Councilman Bar
tel Introduced a second resolution.
providing for the contract, and this
was adopted. Mr.. Lowe will get 30
percent OF all money paid on property
he places on the tax duplicates, al
though heretofore the city has never
hid but 20 percent for this service.
Mr.. Lowe was represented by his at
torney, William H. Kelley, who assur-
ed the council that the step was not
only entirely legal, but profitable to
the city
Complaint About Streets.
Many complaints concerning the
condition of the city streets were
made by the councilmen at the re-
quest of their constituents, and all
were turned over to the board of
works for investigation. In many
cases the neglect of the water and
gas companies has caused deep ruts
to be left in otherwise perfectly ma
cadamized highways, and objection IS
entered against this practice. Un-
trimmed shade trees are also nuis-
ance in some parts Of the city and the
board of works is requested to de-
mand compliance with municipal or
dinances regulating this point.
A request from the board of works
for an additional 500 to be used at
forth considerable discussion, but the
appropriation finally was passed after
the reasons were cited. Councilman
Thacher asked that a drinking foun-
tain be built in the South Tenth street
park and the request was referred to
the proper committee.
Discuss Entertainment.
Following the routine business of
the meeting, council took up the enter
tainment Of the Municipal league visi-
tors to the city this week and dis
cussed the program. AS officials, ev-
cry councilman and other officer will
be a host for the week and do every
thing possible for the comfort and
welfare of the guests. The city build
ing and the various hose houses are
all to be decorated and remain SO
throughout the week.