New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-19
Unnecessary Direct Tax

taxpayers, Cne rent payers, W '"@ PN'PN
who own their own homes and those who
live in the crowded tenements-by MS
statement last night setting forth the
actual condition of state finance in its re-
lation to city tax rates.
The Tribune said the other day that no
direct tax was necessary. Mr.. McAneny
in his statement last night said
Notwithstanding any new twist that may
he given the figures under discussion, the
facts underlying them are perfectly clear
The advisers Of the Governor stated that
at the end Of the next fiscal year-lt
the needs they set forth were properly pro-
vided for-the State Treasury would FACE
a cash deficiency Of S1S,S00OOO. Actually, as
the checking up OF the City ControHer
accountants has shown, if every item IN
cluded in the Governors statement STANDS,
executing only the S4,000,000 proposed for
capital outlay on canal construction, there
would be in the treasury at the end OF the
next fiscal year not deficiency but cash
balance of 100000.
A few weeks ago Governor Whitman
formally notified the Legislature that
direct tax of S1S,O0O,000 would be neces-
sary this year. The city's share of this
would be $13,300,0 900; the increase IN the
tax rate next year 16 points. Summoned
post haste to Albany, when the lnaccuracy
of the Governors figures became patent,
the Controller of the city, with the aid OF
his experts, dscerned a possible deficit
of $4,000. 900. obtained through operations
more ingenious than convincing.
II was left to the President OF the
Board of Aldermen to speak for the inter-
ests of this town, since the Governor and
the Controller, both. residents OF 1t, con-
fused political questions with financial
listened to advisers who were more con-
cerned with the question of the state
campaign of 1916 than with the tax rate
in New York City in that year. Mr.. Nc
Aneny has performed his duty IN a
straightforward and convincing fashion,
which will close the debate on the question
of fact
But. unfortunately, the question OF
politics remains Now, as in the years OF
the Republican supremacy in this state
of a decade ago, the power to tax this
city. the power to Cypress, burden, penal
ize. rests with an upstate majority OF the
Legislature, on whom the problems OF
the millions of people in this crowded
city seem to weigh lightly.
Recognizing this fact, Mr.. McAneny has
appealed to the representatives Of both the
Democratic and the Republican parties at
Albany to unite to oppose, to defeat the
present effort to impose unjust and un-
necessary burdens upon those who live IN
the greater city.
Such an appeal should awaken instant
and unanimous support. 1t is assured OF
the response of the Democrats, for whom
the political opportunity is patent, unmls-
taxable. But can the Republicans afford
to give response less prompt, less unanl-
nous? For the Democrats it is case OF
political advantage; for the Republicans
of New York City is it less than a ques-
ton of life and death?
If the programme outlined by Governor
Whitman is carried out $l3,30O,O will
be added to the budget of New York City.
\ By so much will the funds available for
N improving conditions Of life, of comfort,
. Of safety in this town be reduced. To
waste and extravaganza will be dedicated
sums needed in New York, and this will be
done without the smallest warrant.
With what appeal to the electorate next
fall will the Republican legislators from
metropolitan districts come up for re-elec-
ton if they endure such an attack upon the
city passively? If the programme is car
ried out it will be hard enough to elect
Republicans in New York City next fall,
even if the candidates have fought the
present project. But if they do not, who
can question the outcome?
The Tribune is Republican newspaper.
1t believes there is room and opportunity
in this city for real Republican organi
cation. 1t perceives that recent defeats
have shattered Tammany Hall and brought
it 10 the very edge of extinction. On all
sides there are evident circumstances
which promise that, if Republicans grasp
their opportunities, New York City will at
last have an effective, virile, powerful Re-
publican organization, supported by the
confidence and sympathy of majority of
the citizens.
All these prospects may be destroyed
IL the local organization, the Republican
legislators at Albany patiently submit to
party machine and caucus and become
accessories to the vicious project to mulct
the taxpayers of this town solely for politi-
cal reasons.
Mr.. McAneny's statement comes at the
right moment. No one here will longer doubt
the fact that no direct tax is necessary.
It remains for all citizens to prevent its
imposition; Mr.. McAneny has indicated
the way to achieve this result.
In the course of debate in which a