The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1917-02-21

them on the owners of all property In
proportion to what they possess. In
contrast to this fair and equitable
principle is the proposition in the bill
to levy a special tax on public service
corporations every dollar of which tax
SO paid would and should in turn as
a matter of right be collected In the
form of increased charges for service
supplied and thus come of of the rich
aud poor consumer alike without re-
gard to the property possessions of
either.
Pill Penalties Enterprise
We are especially opposed to the
proposition in the bill to levy tax
on manufacturing corporations. This
would be tax on industry, penalty
on enterprise. Such corporations re-
ceive absolutely nothing from the
state except the mere privilege of do
ing business. We ask our senator,
the Honorable Walter McConaha, and
all other members of the legislature
to answer if manufacturing industries
do not contribute more than all other
influences combined to the material
wealth, the growth and the welfare OF
the state. We call upon Senator Nc
Conaha TO witness that the citizens
of Richmond have just raised a $780,
600 fund to be used for the purpose
of inducing manufacturing concerns
to locate In our city, believing that
they would bring increased opportuni-
ties to our young men, provide profit
able employment for our labor, bring
the impetus of new trade and new
profts and new life to our merchants
and additional property that could
justly be taxed in the present regular
way and thus augment public funds
for public improvements. And we call
upon our senator to witness further
that II this bill becomes law we can
no longer consistently continue our
efforts to induce the manufacturing
enterprises to locate in our midst,
knowing that for the blessings they
would bring to us we would impose
, nothing but penalties.
Works Hardship on Corporations.
1t is being contended that the reve-
nue. proposed to be raised by this bill
will be used to provide extensions of
present benevolences and to create a
fund for improved highways We ask
If there is any justice or reason in
the contention that the corporations Of
the state should alone foot this cost
while benefits are enjoyed by all. We
hold that the only just and fair way
is for each to contribute in proportion
to what he has.
Believing this proposed measure or
any modification of it is unjust and
wrong in principle, tax on industry
and enterprise, blow at good govern.
ment, and detrimental to the highest
interests Of the city and state, we ask
our senator to vote against it in it's
present or in any amended form and
we ask him to make known our posi-
ton to the senate when such bill Is
under consideration.
Arises Since Last Campaign.
We further contend that since no
such measure was ever discussed or
thought of in the last campaign or
weeks after the converting of the legis-
lature that no senator however much
he favors the bill should support it at
this session to the end that the people
of the state may be made acquainted
with the principles it involves and de-
termine if they approve them.
Following are the signers of the
resolution: S. J. Beebe, Charles T.
Wiley, J. M. Lontz, H. r. Lontz, r. G.
Leeds. E. H. Harris, j. H. Mills, Harry
C. Starr, H. C. Lawson, Clarence Gen
nett, Henry Goldfinger, w P. Robin
son, A. w. Jenkins. B. ]. Anderson, j.
w. Parkhurst w. ]. Blackmore, Adam
Fl. Bartel, Edgar F. Hiatt, L. S. Bow
man, w. ]. Hutton, George Miller,
John ]. Harrington. B. T. Hill, Burton
J. Carr, w. C. Seeker, A. d. Gayle, D.
N. Elmer, w. q. Carr, A. T. Hale, l..
J. Woodland, H. S. Clark, A. J. Feeger.
e. B. Calvert, w. A. Klein, C, A. Nc
CURE. Elwood MCGUIRE, S. w. Sparks,