The Indianapolis times., 1930-12-12
HoosierS Expect Democrats
to Make Changes at
Assembly Session.
G. o. p. TOLD TO HELP
Governor Leslie IntimateS
That HindranCe Would
Be Futile.
BY BEN STERN

Certain tax reforms have been
promised by the Democrats, and
the people will look toward the
session of the general assembly,
which convenes within a month, to
see whether that party delivers.
Republican leaders who are sens
ing the public temper are urging
the legislators to go along with
the other party on every tax relief
measure which has no political
connotation.
At a meeting here Thursday of
the Republican representatives, who
will be in the minority, Governor
Harry G.. Leslie stressed the futility
of a program of obstruction, and
asked that there be cooperation
whenever possible.
The tax issue was brought to the
fore with the report of the state
conference on taxation this week.
Sales Levy Opposed
While several of the reconlnen-
dations contained in the report are
viewed with favor, there is a strong
tide of opposition toward a sales
tax and the doubling Of the auto
mobile license fee.
Certain Democratic leaders today
expressed themselves as being abb
solutely opposed to the sales tax,
which they claim will, of course,
be placed upon the purchased ar
ticle and that will mean that every
man, woman and child in the state
will have to pay increased prices for
whatever they buy"
There is no doubt that the recon-
mendations advanced by the survey
commission resulted from compro-
misses among the members.
Only on two points does there
seem to be any agreement. These
are: That the state levy on property
should be discarded and for an in
come tax.
So far there has been no or
ganized opposition to an income
tax. Students of government feel
that it is the fairest means OF de-
fraying governmental costs and
there is no doubt that such mea-
sure will be passed.
Whether it will run the gauntlet
of constitutionality is another ques-
tion.
Any attempt to abolish the Office
Of township assessor as recommend
ed by the commission, will be met
with determined opposition from
those officials and they will
probably have the aid of the In
diana Association of Township
Trustees, who feel that if the Office
of assessor is done away with, the
trustee will be next.
There seems to be hesitancy on
the part of the Democratic leaders
10 go along with the Republicans
on the tax survey program.
Although Eliza o. Rogers. G. o. P.
state chairman, subscribed to the
recommendations. the Democratic
chief. r. Earl Peters, asked for a
delay before he. signs the pledge.
See G. o. P, Control
He pointed out that there is q
distinct feeling in his party that
the tax conference is Republican
controlled because the members
we're appointed by Leslie.
You mustn't forget Peters tolC
the survey committee representa-
tives, that when the Republican
chairman approves something the
members of his party follow his
leadership, but in my party every
Democrat feels that he is a leader
and we have no followers. So il
would sign or pledge our support
there would be a great howl raised.
If the coming legislature passe;
no tax relief measures. those helo
responsible will be in public dis
favor
The Democratic house win fee
The weight of this if it fails K
propose reform, and if the senate
which is Republican, does not joiG
in such q program, that party vii
hear much about it in the 1882 cam
paign.
Governor Leslie is willing to sigr
any measure which is based upOr
sound Judgment and will prove
efficaciouS, he has indicated.
Age Pensioning Popular
Another problem which the Dem
ocratS have to face is that Of an ole
age pension law. pledged in the
party platform.
Many OF them feel that it vii
place too great a burden on tht
taxpayer and the cost will be
enormous. but such a measure mus
be introduced. is the dictum Of party
leaders.
Popularity of an old age pension
was proved in the Sixth district
where William H. Larrabee, Dem
ocrat, defeated the incumbent anc
popular Richard Elliott for congress
Larrabee is a member of an >or.
ganization which has waged an &C,
tive campaign for an old-age pen.
sion. AS the Democratic platform
promised enactment of such a Law
Larrabee in the campaign mad,
much mention of it. The Repub
licans had no such plan. There
are 1000 members of the organiza
ton in the Sixth district.
The Republican, Elliott, was de,
feated by $500 votes.
Draw your own conclusions on,
@. o. p. leader said today.
Whether Leslie will sign a pen.
sion bill remains to be seen. but 1
is up to the Democrats to intro
duce IL.
At least there are no difference
on this point-the tax burden mus
be lifted from real estate-no mat.
ter by what means.