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This newspaper page contains 7 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Bluffton Banner
Location
Bluffton, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Sep 19, 1894
Page
10
A historical overview discusses pre 1801 tax abuses in Indiana, the 1801 valuation law, and how advocates argued for equal cash valuation of all property. It highlights the role of the attorney general and the lengthy litigation with railroads, culminating in a U.S. Supreme Court outcome and substantial monetary results.
A long discussion on railroad and corporate taxation in Indiana laments ongoing litigation and a U S Supreme Court settlement. It argues for a just uniform tax system, urging future officials to uphold the truce doctrine and ensure each citizen pays a fair share to fund state government and debt service.
Indiana finally passed a steep tax measure after a long fight to tax Pullman Palace Car Company and other rail telegraph and express firms. Attorney General Smith led the charge, overcoming opposition from Western Union and allied lobbyists. The new statute bills the state $100,000 in back and future taxes, amid corporate resistance and legal pushback.
The 1891 Indiana tax reform shifted the burden from individuals to a proportionate system, closing loopholes for corporations and raising revenue from all values. A contrast with Illinois shows Indiana's new code delivering fairness, while Illinois clings to the old, inequitable method.
The piece argues that corporations pay far less tax than real value while railroads evade taxes through favorable assessments. It cites Pullman Palace Car, Indiana parallels, and praises the Democratic party for enacting and enforcing equal assessments and tax laws, framing it as a public victory over monopolies.
The piece contrasts Democratic reforms in Indiana over the past decade with Republican opposition. It lists laws Democrats passed on labor, mining safety, eight hour public employment, elections, tax, and reforms, then notes Republicans opposed them, including school books, ballot reform, and Pinkerton bans, pledging repeal if returned to power.
A historic defense of the Australian ballot reform, praising Indiana for adopting the system in 1889 to end vote buying and intimidation. The piece credits the Democratic legislature and party with delivering honest elections, secrecy at the polls, and the end of “blocks of five” sales, praising long term reforms tied to fair voting.
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