Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1914 — ASSESSOR ROASTS TAX LEVY INCREASE [ARTICLE]

ASSESSOR ROASTS TAX LEVY INCREASE

Shelby County Official Tears Into 1913 Legislature for Reckless - Extravagance.

Indianapolis, Jan. 12.—George A, Parrish, assessor of Shelby county, Saturday caused excitement in the meeting of the state board of tax commissioner® with the county assessors, when he took occasion to “roast”’ the 1913 legisalture for its extravagance and increasing the state tax levy and referred to. the “last speaker of the house” (Homer Cook of Indianapolis) as the man who “put across” the law extending the terms of the county superintenderit of the state for two years beyond the time for which they were elected by the people—“in order to increase his own political influence by allowing these superintendents to exert their influence with the trustees and teachers all over the state to aid in this man’s election.”

Mr. Parrish said the increase in the tax in Shelby county _ In. one year would mean more than $19,000. Then he said the legislature had a particular failing, which he described as follows: “The main trouble with our legislature is that'too many of them go over the state, gaining and really buying their influence throughout the state by increasing appropriations for those that desire them.” The legislative committee of the assessors reported in favor of an increase in wages for the assessors—all of whom, the resolutions declared, have been and are underpaid. The resolutions also pointed out the need of some sort of legislation that wih" remedy the conditions whereby it is almost impossible to reach depositors in banks and similar institutions with the present taxation system.