The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-07-27

He named none of the
dozens of measures now pend
ing which, in his opinion,
meets this qualification. For
the most part, the message
was clothed in generalities
similar to those in his open
ing address.
His mentor, Henry Marshall, La
fayette publisher, was in Lesle's
office when the speech was prepared
today.
Leslie was specific only on income
tax and levy limitation bills.
Views With Alarm
There is cause for genuine alarm
in the proposal recently advanced
to enact a law fixing the limit of
$3.50 on 500 as the tax levy on
property" Leslie declared.
Such reduction in the tax rate
would be desirable if it could be
brought about with safety. Under
present conditions, the plan would
not work. 1t would bring chaos and
a collapse of government"
He continued his assault on the
tax limitation measure by pointing
out that 1888 budgets could be bal
anced only by an income tax, which
might be declared unconstitutional.
I'm view of the fact that income
tax measures can not be depended
upon to provide revenues in 1888 to
make up for the deficit which would
be created that year by the pro-
posed $3.50 tax rate limitation bill,
and, in view of chaotic conditions
bound to result from enactment of
this ill-advised measure, which al
ready has been tried and found un-
workable, it perhaps is timely to.
state frankly that the $3.50 tax
limitation bill will not receive ex-
ecutive approval" the chief execu-
tive declared.
Veto Is Promised
Any income tax law, personal or
corporate. will meet a similar veto
fate, on the ground that such legis-
lation can not be enacted without
constitutional amendment, he
stated.
In opening his address, Leslie
stated the time appeared propitious
when he called the special session,
and some geenral agreement on tax
relief legislation was apparent
among legislators.
you know how much or how
little has been accomplished up to
this time,' Leslie continued. You
know whether the rising appre-
tensions of our people are justified,
and to what degree the taxpayers
are entitled to hope for substantial
results from your activities thus far
in the session.
The executive department ia
waiting for those enactments which
shall prove to the people the good
faith and capacity for service of
their legislative department.
Says Way Is Clear
Dwelling at length on the neces-
sity for cutting governmental costs
and speeding up action TO avoid a
Legislative jam, the Governor con-
cluded his second message" thus:
The way out of our present stu
alton is clear. Early and decisive
action on constructive lines and in
accord with the agreed good faith
program of economy and taxation
relief announced at the opening of
the special session will be alike
creditable to your honorable body
and pleasing to the people who now
look TO you for relief"
The speech was received with
slight applause.
Politics grabbed the stage in the
house when the Republicans. with
fingers crossed, demanded adoption
Of 20 per cent slash in state de-
F~eA eA4ASAAS0A ON0SCSS anu Tie Demo-
Gratis held out for Is per cent.
The latter group won by a IS to
% vote.
Politics to Fore
The battle began when the WAYS
and means committee reported out
of the Crawford budget slash bill
on divided recommendations. The
majority asked for the lesser reduc-
ton, while the minority demanded
it be 20 per cent.
Governmental economy then be-
came a mere excuse for political
fitting. with the G. o. P. adherinp
TO its decision in caucus TO advocate
the larger reduction. reached when
it was learned that the opposition
ajority was determined on the
lesser reduction.
The bill, as introduced by Repre-
sentative Earl Crawford tDem).
Milton. called for reductions in
budgets of all state departments
and institutions. except benevolent,
and penal of 20 per
cent. The excepted departments
were to be slasfed 10 per cent.