Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Feb. 12, 1909, edition 1 / Page 2
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a THE CHARLOTTE HEWh FEBRUARY 12, 1909 Argue Against Income Tax Messrs. E. D. Latta, M. B. Speir and W. S. Lee ap. peariu Person Before The Board of Aldermen and Speak. The meeting ot the board of alder men last night was devoted entirely lo a hearing of the representatives of the public utility corporations in re gard to the tav on the uross incomes of such corporation ; as provided in the present draft of the charter. Those ho spoke were "Pre.-ddent E. I. Latta, of the 4C.s; .Mr. M. H. Speir. superin tendent for this district of the South ern Hell Teleidiitie Company, and Mr. W. S. Lee, .M-ral manager of the Southern Power Company. The first gentleman to s;-ak was .Mr. l.atta. on iH'half of the stjeet railways. 1 have come h"re through an invita tion from you." lie said, '"and it is my purpose to simply make a plain busi ness talk.' Ho then drew a chair near the front and, seating himself proceeded in a conversational lur.e to discuss the pro posed tax from his point of view. .Mr. l.atta Uinl the ;'inUeinen who followed him cave jmu tirallv the same argu ments as were given in their talks be lore the THiblie session of the board held a few nl.uh's aK in the court house. Lived for the Future. "My desire." Mr. Latta continued, "is to do all in ?ny power for the up building of our eity. t has l-en my ambition to s" charlotte grow and to assist, as far as it is possible in bring ing to our city, nopulation from other places. 1 have lived only for the lu tare. The earnings ot our compauy so far have been tit-voted lartoely to re-in vestments, hopife; to build up and ex tend our railway system so as to meet the growing needs of our eity." Mr. Latta then mentioned tine street work in nnciress on South Trynn stret which wotikt cost bis company 3f.:?.oi0 and stated that there was otluer work untler consjiderat ion, such as th.' possi Ide extensaon on North Tryon street, etc., which, together would run the amount up to $12-".orni. This was be ing spent for the benefit of the city and was in addition to the taxes paid. A number of cities, airons them being New York. Cleveland. Baltimore and others whose railway systems have been In the hands of receivers, were cited. "If you put the proposed tax on us," said Mr. Latta, "it will necessarily put a stop to the extensions now under way. Don't understand me as threat ening, gentlemen, it ii not that; but! the proposed tax will prohibit us from getting the money necessary to carry on these extensions ail improvements hy restricting tho sale' of our bonds. Dependent on Population. "The street railway business is de pendent solely on population; to get good results there must be a large pop ulation. A system of railways couldn't be given to me in a city with kess than D0.000 population if I knew there would he no increase. This business-depends solely npon th future. My company has met many difficulties in bringing its railway sysem to its present state of development and now that we can begin to see some brightness in the future it doesn't seem that, our pros pects should be cut off. From lS'Jl to 1899 we met with much trouble in ob taining money to build up our system. During this time I tried to self $IOn. 000 of bonds and couldn't, but. since 199 there has been a roadv market for them, I having disposed of $''00,000 of bonds. Tax Would Obstruct Extension. "I think there is a limit to the endur ance of machinery and of human beings, and I have gone just as far jus I can see my way. There are other streets be sides Trade and Tryon which need at tention and must have it, but this tax would lmiose a great obstacle to the extension of the work. 1 am now at the point where. :f I am encouraged, I can io more than I have ever done be fore, but I believe that if you put an income tax on us I can not do much." Mr, Latta then went into a discussion nr the expenses incidett to the opera tion of a railway system. He mention ed the wear and tear of the machinery, accidents, etc. He itaed that the com pany now has pending against it sev eral law suits for damages and that only recently three were settled out. of court by com promise. Mr. Latta concluded his remarks bv comparing the conditions existing in larger cities which have an income tax with those present in Charlotte, Rich mond and Norfolk, and showed how much larger they are than is Charlotte. "We are too small," said Mr. Latta. "I don't think we have reached that point wnere an income tax should be imposed on public utilities, if you want to keep me encouraged and cheerful o that I can exert my best efforts in the upbuilding of our citv. don't im pose this tax." Mr. M. S. Speir who followed Mr. Latta and spoke in behalf of the tele phone corporation viewed the proposed tax in the same light as did Mr. Latta. Mr. Speir on Telephone System. "The vicissitudes of the telephone business," said Mr. Speir, "are about the same under private as under cor porate control. A telephone plant is a very fragile thing and there are many losses incident to the operation of the business." He then showed in what better posi tion a corporation was in to meet these obstacles than was a private concern by having a larger force to draw on. Jle related the past history of his com pany in Charlotte, the improvements they have made through costly Invest ments during the past few years, put ting in underground wires, etc., etc., "I was able to Induce my company mnke fhpse investments and to de velop our telegraphic system here un-j til now you have one of tne oesc ol any city vour size, solely through the happy relation that existed between the public and our corporation. Any change in the attitude of the people (please don't misunderstand me, I am not threatening), and our company would cause me to have difficulty in bringing improvements and further de velopments tnat the growth of Char lotte needs and that are now in con templation Not that we wouldn't, but ed such that we couldn't." Mr. Speir then mentioned the hostile attitude of the legislature two years ago towards corporations and the diffi cultv in obtaining appropriations from his company for carrying on develop ments in this state. He then compared the subscriptions which must prevail. u the tax were levieu. wim me onet xisting at present, and stated that he difference would necessarily have to come from the subscribers. He then recalled the service which his company is giving the city gratis in the nature ot telephones, tree use ot us poies 101 fire alarm systems and other items, the total value of which, if paid for at reg ular rates bv the city, would total more than twice as much as the license tax paid by any corporation. Property Listed Dollar for Dollar. "Our property is listed dollar for dol lar' said Mr. Speir. "while the average isted value of private property in Charlotte, I understand, as compared with its real value is about ;0 per cent. There has been co-operation be tween the people and our company, continued Mr. Speir, 'which has result ed in our growth and enabled us to give the public better service, but our development cannot continue if the pro posed tax is assessed. We cant aid Charlotte to grow if you put in your charter that which will cause, other cities and towns to emulate it and adopt unfavorable attitudes towards u.-. If you impose a 10 per cent tax some otner town win want one or per cent and others aO per cent." In reply to a question Mr. Speir stat ed that there is no other town the size of Charlotte, in North or South Caro lina, his territory, which places an in come tax on the telephone system. (From New York World, June 10, '08.) Druggist Says Woke Up Cooper Recently Western Claims Everybody Will Have to Taken His Medicine Eventually. New York has never before witness- a spectacle as may be seen every day at Broadway and Ninth street. It is here that L. T. Cooper, the Western stomachologist, who claims that stomach trouble is at the bottom of all chronic' ill health, is meeting the public. It would be difficult to estimate jutt how many people call to talk with Cooper during a single day. The store where he is holding forth seems to have become the Mecca for ailing peo ple in New York, and the amount of medicine he is disposing is enromous In addition to what he sells himself. druggists generally throughout New York are handing his preparations out in unlimited euantities. A leading druggist said recently The public seems to have lost its mind over this man Cooter. Personal ly, I don't know anything about his medicine. We had nothing to do with his coming to New York and he has until recently sold his preparation en tirely through one company. I suppose he thought New York was like one ot his Western towns and everybody could be supplied from a corner drug store. He woke up about a week ago and put it on sale everywhere. Since then we have been selling it. I don't know how long this demand will last but I have never before seen anything like it." In an interview Monday afternoon Cooper said: "I am not. making any wild claims for my medicine. All it does is to stimulate the gastric juices and regulate the digestive organs, but people do not realize how splendid their health would be if only their stomachs were not languid and enfee bled by years of abuse. Mr, Nine out of ten people who have called today have been sent here by others. Sooner or later every tired. half-fick man and woman in New York is going to try my medicine. They can't help it. After I leave New- York I shall take two months rest and then go to London to introduce Cooper's New Discovery in England." Among New Yorkers who have re cently become enthusiasts on the sub ject of Cooper's medicine is George J. Scott, of No. 274 West Nineteenth street, who said Monday afternoon: Tt is hard to realize that any medi cine win do all that is claimed ior t. "I have taken all kinds of medicines for ten years and this is the first 1 have ever found that was worth two cents. I have had rheumatism con stantly for ten years and have spent a ouarter of what I made for doctors and medicines. 1 might have taken so much rain water for all the good they did me. Before I had taken this Coop er's New Discoverv a week. I realized it was worth something. I have taken it a month and I am as well as I ever was in my life. I have no rheumatism and eat like a horse. I feel like do ing something now, where a month ago I hated to walk a block. When I first bought it I thought it was an other fake, but now I know better. All the other stuff I have taken was worth nothing; this is worth ten, yes, twenty times what they ask for it." Cooper's New Discovery is now on sale at leading druggists the country over. We will send a booklet in which Mr. Cooper tells the reason for most ill health, to anyone upon request. The Cooper Medicine Co.. Dayton, Ohio. These Cuts Show Clearly the Famous BALL-BEARING TYPE-BARS OR THE C.S ROTH TYPEW SECURITY is peace of mind, it is com fort in the home. But are you secure against the sud den attacks of pneumonia. 1 croup, colds, inflammation and congestion? There; is " no security against these without a bottle of COW AN'S PNEUMONIA PREP ARATION. It stands for peace and comfort in the home. External, 'quickly absorbed. All druggists. $1.00 to 2 Sc. Don't Need Drastic Taxing, Says Lee. Mr. V. JS. Lee. ot the Southern Power Company, was the last gentleman to address the board. "I have thought this matter over very carefully." he began, "both from the viewpoint of a man who is trying to be a good citizen and is deeply interest ed in the future growth and develop ment of Charlotte, and I have also look ed at it from the viewpoint of the com pany I represent and I arrive at tne conclusion that the public service cor porations do not need or require the drastic regulation which you propose There is no public service utility in your town but that is giving yoti good service. Our very existence depends on our service to die city and to the people and for this reason we cannot afford to do anything detrimental to their welfare. Any tax you might place upon us would, ultimately, have to come from the people. We might do this, raise our rates, but the people wouuld get the impression that in stead of getting one dollar from them we would be taking five or isx. And such would be the case, for, besides the tax we would have to pay you, sucn an income tax would increase the rate of interest on our bonds and when we gave you one dollar we would have to semi two or tnree to .New lork or Boston. "When I sell bonds I have to go in to the larger money markets and the first question asked me is, what is the attitude of your city toward the com pany you represent? I could not con scientiously say that the people were friendly in their attitude. Then would come the question, 'What are the ordinances of uor city relative to your company?' "Then when I should show them the provision assessing us with an income tax, 1 d have to pay more. Consider what a hindrance you put on bringing money to your city. I simply ask you not to make us pay a tax of $1 and then $2 or $3 more to bring money here." Mr. Lee then compared rates in Dallas, Texas, with those existing here and showed that in Charlotte they are in some instance 50 per cent lower. He also told of the crippled financial con dition of many companies which oper ate in towns imposing an income tax. In referring to the charter of High point, now before the legislature. Mr, Lee created a laugh when he stated one ot its provisions. "It provides," he said, "that any time in the future the city may buy the business of any public utility corpora tion operating within its bounds (and it names everything contained in New York) by paying 25 ner cent of the aiue ot the corporation, cash, and giv ing ntoes for the balance. Further oro viding that the city cannot be sued for the payments of these notes." Mr. Lee closed his remarks bv ex pressing the desire that the board would not deem it necessary to insert the proposed tax provision in the charter. Mr. Erskine Smith appeared before the board, at the beginning of its ses sion, representing the board of public safety, and asked for an appropriation of $100 or a sufficient amount for the running expenses of the Dilworth fire station to the conclusion of the term of the present administration. An appropriation of $100 was made. This is an addition to the $1,500 appropria tion a short while ago which was used for equipment. At the conclusion of the speeches last night, Mr. Murphy made a motion postpone iurtner action until a meeting with the charter committee of 10. Colonel Kirkpatrick proposed an amendment setting the time for Satur day night and expressing the opinion that the "board desired to harmonize uieir cunerences and to come to an agreement on a charter suitable to the best interests of the city." 'Colonel Kirkpatrick' s statement would indicate that there has been a lack of harmony," said Mayor Frank lin, and called for a second to the motion for amendment, but none came. Mayor Franklin was asked if he had received any message from the com mittee of 10 and stated that he had received a letter from Mr. McDowell, but that it had been withdrawn before it could be answered. He expected another, however, and hoped that thej time of the conference meeting could speedily be decided upon. Gaston Poultry Association. The next annual exhibition of the Gaston Poultry Association will be held at Gastonia, N. C, Dec. 7-10, 1909. Arrangements have already begun to make this the best show ever held by this association. R. L. Simmons, of Charlotte, will be the judge. This in itself insures a big show, and that the prizes will go to the best birds. J. W. Nolen is presi dent and S. S. Morris, secretary'- At the Royal: "The Wreck.' Z WHERE A TO GO TONIGHT. .J. ROYAL "The Wreck." ALAMO Ed. Winchester, musi cian; Miles and Heart in sketch; "The Poor Mr. Rich." DIXIE Mr; and Mrs. Jas. Silver in "Old Hurley;" Billy Williams, the Dancing Kid. EDI SON I A "The Bachelor's Sup per." Mr. Wallace sings. THEATO- Story." -"The Musician's Love STAR The strels. Seven Russell's Min- Cholly "Doctor, I want something for my head." Dr. Gruffly 'M'y dear fellow, I wouldn't take it for a gift." -Universalist Leader. AILMENTS OF MEN HAPPILY OVERCOME Successfully Tried by Many. Undoubtedly the following prescription will work wonders for that great class of men who through dissipation of their nat- ural strength, find themselves in their "second childhood" long before the three score and ten allotted to life's pleasures and enjoyments are reached. It is presumed to be infallible, and highly efficient in. quickly restoring in "nervous exhaust- ion," weak vitality, melancholia and the functions. First get fifty cents' worth of compound fluid balmwort in a one-ounce package, and three 4 ounces syrup sarsaparilla com- pound; take home, mix and let stand two hours; then get one ounce compound essence cardiol and one ounce tincture cado- mene compound (not carda- mom). Mix all in a six or eight ounce bottle, shake well, and and take one teaspoonful after each meal and one when retir- ing followed hy a drink of wa- ter. By mixing it at home no man need be the wiser as to anoth- er's shortcomings, and expen- sive fees are avoided. & Lack of poise and equilibrium t in men is a constant source of embarrassment even when the public least suspects it. For the benefit of those who want a restoration to full, bounding health, and all the happiness ac- companying it, the above home treatment is given. It contains no opiates or habit-forming drugs whatever. Mix it at home and no one will be the wiser as to your affliction. Waiting For a Conference Charter Negotiations will be Pressed as Soon as Mr. Cansler Returns Mayor's Salary Should be Reduced. An informal conference of the citi zens' charter committee was held last night to consider plans, for future pro cedure; and the Yify The question came up as to whetiier the committee should confer with the full board of aldermen or only with the committee of 10 previously appointed from the board. There is pending an invitation to the committee from the aldermen , for a meeting with the full board. Only nine members were present at this conference, Mr. E. T. Cansler, tne other member, being absent at court, but expected to return today. Owing to his absence no definite action was taken but it was decided that at the earliest possible moment that the full committee should be gotten together, the call would be isued. At the meeting of the board of alder men last night the question was asked by some member if there was not a communication from the committee of 10 to be read. The mayor replied that Chairman McDowell had sent a letter which, however, had later been with drawn. It was understood that this letter had declared that the citizens' charter committee would confer only with the aldermanic committee of 1 and not with the ful board. If the feature of the charter provid ing for the mayor's election by the people," said one of the best posted cit izens of Charlotte today, "is to be eliminated, and it looks as if the pop ular demand for such elimination will have to be acceded to. then the may or's salary ought not to be allowed to remain at $4,000. Otherwise there will be a fierce fight in future elections hy men who want the mayoralty merely for the money. The danger then would be in the possibility of unfit men who could get out and hustle for the most votes winning the office, although they might not be well qualified to run it. With popular election provided for, the mayor's salary ought not to ex ceed $2,000 or $2,500. I myself doubt whether the aldermanic election would have always secured the best man The matter would still have remained in politics, and the fight have been to eet aldermen nledared to vote for a certain man. "As to the proposed tax on incomes of public utilities, I favor clauses pro viding for the inspection of the books of corporations and the regulation of their utilities. The former provision would result in a valuation of the pro perties which would increase the ad valorem taxes greatly and at the same timeNnot hamper the development and enlargement of the companies. it would not embarrass the companies in sellintr bonds or in borrowing money for improvements. As a matter ot tact. Bali-Bearings reduce friction. Bali-Bearings are used at every frictional point on the L. C. Smith Typewriter. This is why L. C. Smith Typewriters out-wear other typewriters. This is why L. C. Smith Typewriters are guar anteed twice as long as other Typewriters. If you are interested in advanced Typewriter construction. See a demonstration at our office, or ask for demonstrator to come to your, offi at your convenience. ice U PHONE 304 J. E. CRAYTON & CO. rm Garage Nt There. A certain well. :;novn banker was preparing to take an automobile tour on the north sh re of Massachusetts. His objective point being the quaint fishing village of Gloucester, itoccurr ed to him that it would be wise to find out in advance if that place afforded a garage where his touring car could be sheltered when not in use and re paired when necessary. To that eno the banker wrote to the postmaster, courteously asking for the desired information. What was his surprise a few days later when the card he had inclosed in his letter ot inquiry came back with this written thereon: "I find by our city directory that no one by the name of Garage gets mail at this office. The nearest to it is a faul ty of the name oJ Gammage, living on the Neck road. Postmaster. The banker courteously sent a sec ond note thanking the postmaster for his information. OFFICE OF THE !1 Him "Don't you think Miss Over ton carries her age remarkably well?" j i . V ? :r:2S toivbichover 1,000 Shares are already subscribed; sa a knowledge. Chicago News. ivou prospective stockholders hurry up to mike this a 3,000 share series and aid to reach the franchise tax or gross income tax is going to be paid by the public, and in the Ions: run we will not De tne gainer by such a provision An Englishman, fond of boastin of his ancestrv. took a com from his Docket, and. nointinc to the head en graved on it, said: "My great-great grandfather was made a lord by the IHnjr whnsi nir-tnre vOU see On this shilling:." "What a coincidence:" said his Yankee companion, who at once pro duced another coin. "My great great grandfather was made an angel by the Indian whose meture wn see on this rent" r.hristian Endeavor World. "Where are those ovsters, waiter?' "In a minute, sir; the house doctor is examining them." Journal Amus ant. Mechanics' Perpetual B.&L Association 207 N. Tron St.. Chailotte, N. C TO THE PUBL1C- On Saturday the 6th of March, this Association viil commence Its 3rd. enes THE CRIME OF IDLENESS Idleness means trouble for any one. Its the same with a lazy liver. It causes constipation, headache, jaun dice, sallow complexion, pimples and blotches, loss of appetite, nausea, but Dr. King's New Life Pills soon banish iver troubles and build up your health. 25c at Woodall & Sheppard's. CASTORIA For Infants and Children. The Kind You Have Always Bought j Bears the Signature of Fire! Fire Fire ! $1,000,000 00 Assets Mark S. WITTKOW5KI. President R. F. COCHRAN, Sec and Treas. Steam Cleaning and Pressing Done by us promptly and in ;!: : " approved manner. Your Suit pressed wni!- w Indies' garments given -j' '' tent ion. Phone Nine-Double-Seven. And it will sorely come at tils Ma son of th year, fleetroylnic your Store. Dwelling, Furniture, Machinery or Merchandise. Ton will nare sure lxdemniti against loss if you have one of th policies lsBued Dy me m companlsi representing $40,009,000 assets wit long reputation for fair dealing aatf prompt settlements. Rob't D. Mooie MWliforK&Wsten! Schedule in Uffeo Oof. IS. liHM. 11:10 am I,v. Charlotte So. Rv Ar 8: pm 9:.r,0 am. Lv. Winston N&W. Ar. nm 4:S8 pm. Lv Marfville N&W Ar U:40 pm 1..0 pm Ar. oanoKo, rs'&w lv 9:0 am Connects at Roanoke via Shenandoah Valley Route for Haererstown an1 all points m Pennsylvania and New York, Pullman sleeper Roanoke to Phila delphia. Additional trains Jeave Winston-Salem 7:30 a. m. dallv. eveent Knnrlav Ifyu are thinking of taking- a trip 9- ,wan quotations, cheapest fares. rename ana correct information, as to rouies., train schedules, the most com- Tortaoie and quickest way. Write and the information is yours for the ask- iU one of our complete, Map W. B. Bevll, If. F. nraex, oen. t-ass Apt. Tr.iv. Puss. Aet. rcoanoKe, va. Central Pressing 36 E. Fifth St. D. W. Fir Pf" 0 COLD m 16 m 0 Stop Shivering. GET A Gas Heater 0 and Keep Warm Fovir C's 28SE3S line Rlcws' Le 3lCl
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 12, 1909, edition 1
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