Indianapolis Times, Volume 32, Number 227, Indianapolis, Marion County, 30 January 1920 — Page 19

HINES TO SEIZE STEEL NEEDED - BY RAILROADS Decision to \ President’s War Power in Ung Profiteering Made Viown. REQUIREMENTS URGENT WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.—Director General Walker D. Hines of the railroad administration has definitely decided to employ the president’s -war powers to commandeer all possible steel rail production to supply the needs of the roads, instead of bidding in the open market for the product of the mills. This became known today, as the details of Mr. Hines’ new policy as it affects big orders at the various mills were announced. Tonnage of steel rails commandeered at the various mills, by the war department, at Director General Hines' request, will be as follows: FDfidvale Steel and Ordnance Company, 2(1.000 tons; Bethlehem Steel Company, 10,500 tons: Carnegie Steel Company, 12,000 tono; Illinois Steel' Company, 12,000 tons, and Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company, 12,000 tons. MOVE SURPRISE TO STEER BARONS. Steel manufacturers have met Mr. Hines' latest move with surprise and from some quarters protest was reg♦*fcer<s, some of them regarding Hines' move disapprovingly, because it. Is believed it is aimed particularly at those manufacturers who are asking $57 a ton for open hearth rails. This figure is $lO a ton more than the stabilization price agreed upon between the industrial board and tbe steel

manufacturers a year ago. BIG RAID SUPPLY NEEDED AT ONCE. The reason for Mr. Hines' new policy was clear when it was shown that the j railroad administration needs badly J 280,000 steel rails, which it would like to have before the roads go back to private control March 1. With orders previously placed by i Hines for 42,500 and the 72,500 tons, which will bs forthcoming under the commandeering order of the secretary of war, the railroad administration still will owe the roads 165,000 tons, as a | replacement item. Mr. Hines indicated he would rather give rails than cash before the date for the roads to go back. COURT SUSTAINS TAX INCREASES (Continued From Page One.) NT” of tax commissioners, is void for a number of reasons. The main reasons urged against the validity of the order are (1) that the state board has no power or authority to equalize assessments between different tow'nships and taxing units in the same county, and that it can only equalize by counties. (2) That the state board, in equalizing the assessments of the various counties, shalk consider the following classes of property separately, viz., railroads, lands, town and city lots and personal property, and on such consideration can equalize only by adding to or deducting from the aggregate value of, said several classes. (Acts 1919, Sec. 192, page 312.) That the state board has no power or authority to increase the value of lands and lots at one rate and tbe improvements thereon at a different rate. (3) That the state board has no power or authority to divide personal property into classes and to increase the assc sment on certain classes. That in equalizing the assessment on personal property it can do so only by adding to or deducting from value of all personal properly, and that the order increasing the of personal property is void Bor the reason that it exempts certaiu Items or kinds of personal property Herefrom. ■AW OF 1891 H as FAILURE. ■ “It was the intention of tbe framers the 1891 tax law v.hat ail property Hiould be assessed at its full cash value. Hut adequate administrative machinery Has not provided, and, as said by the Hate board of tax commissioners in their

The Last Day The Last Day The Last Day Our January Sale of LINENS , Ends Saturday . Just 9'> Hours to Share in Its Savings of 20°/o or More On Our Entire Stock ? ~ We are making it as emphatic as words can put it that our Pl€QS€ Don’t linen sale ends with the closing of the doors Saturday night. MisundeYStand Us When this sale is over, it’s gone for good. There will be no • , Patti farewells —there will be no extension of its advantages. We shall have special linen °TlZVcoZlZylcTvt: that . , T he closing of this sale means the end of one of the most helpdemands quick stock renewals, ful mercantile events in Indianapolis retail history. .will offer linens from time to time at an underprice. It’s a sale that has amazed people, with its recourses, with its But it win be many months magnitude, with its values. Thousands of homes in this and thing reduced sale.” neighboring states have been enriched by its offerings. It has ,iMclr7i™. e . r u wh. n „°C,f u n iim enabled people to make handsome savings. prevailing otoday 0 today. faV ° ra k ,e baM With a full knowledge of the weight and responsibility of what we know this to a certainty. we are saving, we make this statement. that sharp wholesale advances * . have just been made, and these This sale, to the best of our belief, offers better linen values will be reflected shortly in re- ft . . j. tail prices. Than will be available for a year or more. The thing to do is to buy linens to the limit of one’s means. ' It would be a misfortune for any one needing linens to pass - JJ it by. The last call! 20% saving on all 20% to 40% saving on all DECORATIVE 20% saving on all PATTERN CLOTIJS LINENS, including Mosaics, Madeira, cluny TOWELS ” T and filet, also Japanese pieces and moderate --.i--i----20ic saving on all priced diet and cluny lace effect table sets, cnxrhio-nn nil d,„u „,i T^sraKi. y -t- .\. *i* -i- -i- -i- -i- -i- tern cloths, with 20% saving on all 20% saving on all 20% saving on all napkins to NAPKINS CRASH FACECLOTHS match The Wm. H. BLOCK CO.

LAST OF A. E. F. PARADES IN GOTHAM NEW YORK. Jan. 30.—The last detachment of the A. E. F. tq return from France paraded up Fifth avenue to the public library. The men were guests of the Rocky Mountain club. Inset picture is of Brig. Gen. I). O'Conner, commander of this outfit.

report to the general assembly in 1812, ‘‘The only chance to enforce the law, as written, was lost with the first assessment.” It is a well known historical fact that the administration of the 1891 tax law was a failure. The breaking down of the machinery for the effective enforcement and administration of this law hßd beocme so pronounced and notorious, that the state tax board in 1912 called attention to it. and likened it to a ship without a rudder. "The appellants contend that in the consideration of this appeal we should take into consideration the historical background leading up io and surrounding the enactment of the present law; that we should consider the aims and purposes of the old law: the failure aud breaking down of the administrative machinery; the object and purposes sought to be accomplished by the present, law and then, if possible, so construe and Interpret it as to accomplish tbe purposes which the legislature had in mind when it was enacted. When the legislature of 1919 convened the public was demanding relief from the glaring inequalities of the then system of taxa tion. The old tax law had been in force for nearly 'thirty years and had been a failure from the day of its pass age. It required that all property should be assessed at its full value, but because of the inability on the part of the stale board to enforce the provisions of the law, the valuation for assessment, in some parts of the state was as low as 13 per cent of the actual value. Hundreds of millions of dollars of intangible property were in hiding and escaping taxation. In some parts of the state the rate of taxation was near $6 on each SIOO of the assessed valuation. The situation was appalling and the public was demanding that the system be strengthened by providing a way to offset it. “We do not deem it necessary to enter Into any discussion of Hie power of the state tax board to nfake the order of which, complaint is made, but we may say in this connection that we are not prepared to hold that it did not have such power. We prefer to place our decision on the broad ground of jurisdiction and public policy, that all may know when equity will not Interfere to enjoin the collection of public revenue. LIFE OF GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON TAXES. “Every one will admit tbut the life and existence of government depend the collection of taxes. This is one of the inherent powers of governments and requires no constitutional authority for the enactment of statutes concerning the levy and collection of taxes. Governments can not exist without their revenues, and taxes are levied and contributions enforced upon the principle that they are but just returns for the protection and advantage derived from them.

In this sense a proper tax is a debt due to the government, which the owner of property has no more right in equity and conscience to withhold, than the most sacred debt due a private citizen. It is indeed, when seen in the light of reason and justice, far more sacred and obligatory, inasmuch as the considerations from which it proceeds are highest and most inestimable rights and privileges enjoyed by the citizen. To withhold it, therefore, is a public wrong, which not only affects the person withholding it, but the whole community, arid which can not be justified or excused by any rule or equity or morality." “We are very much pleased with the decision,” Fred A. Sims, chairman of the state tax board, said, in commenting on the action of the court. He said he had not had the opportunity to go over the decision thoroughly and that he could make no further statement concerning it at this time. ORDERED INCREASES IN EVERY COUNTY. The state board of tax commissioners ordered horizontal increases in valuations in every county in the state. In a number of counties suits were brought to enjoin the collection of taxes based on these increases. In Marion county farmers living in eight of the nine townships brought suit to enjoin the collection of these taxes. Judge Linn D. Hay of the superior court issued such an injunction Dec. 5. By its provisions the horizontal increases could be certified to the county treasurer, but they could not be collated by him. This prevented the collection of any taxes in Marlon county, although, under tbe provisions of the law, taxes are payable .Tan. 1 of each year. Judge Hay ruled that the state tax board did not issue its order equalizing assessments under any "direct power granted the board to consider the matter Os equalization of assessments" tfnd that no reassessment was “made according to the provisions of the statute as to tbe way such reassessments should be made, but that they were made contrary to the statute by reason of clasifloation, discrimination and exception in making such reassessments." BOARD CAN NOT REASSESS BY TOWNSHIPS. Th<j lower court held that the state tax board had no authority to make reassessments by townships because this authority is vested in the county hoard of review. He ruled that “the county board of review primarily has the power to equalize assessments in different town ships and that the state board has the “power and authority to equalize the assessed value of property, real and personal, among the counties of the state.” Judge Hay held that this is the only power the tax board possesses In equalizing assessments. He decided that the "void order" (referring to the order for

INDIANA DAILY TIMES, FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1920.

horizontal increases) was binding on no one and held that the plaintiffs were entitled to relief in a court of equity. It held that “there was nothing in the act or tbe history of legislation intended to confer the power upon the state tax commissioners that is exercised in tbe order herein complained of.” The case was immediately appealed by the state board of tax commissioners to the appellate court. Hearing was rusued through in order that a decision might be reached before the conclusion of tbe period during which taxes may be paid. CALL SOCIALIST HEARINGFARCE Onlookers at Albany Say Effect Is Favoring Cause. ALBANY', N. Y., Jan. 30.—The investigation of the five unseated socialist assemblymen is, in the opinion of many onlookers, assuming the aspect of a farce. Not a day has passed this week when the correspondents have not been forced, by pressure of news, to put on the wires for newspapers in every American city vast quantities of pro-socialist material, even down to tbe contents of mysterious little books. The socialist lawyers have turned the tallies on their investigators and are taking advantage of their unparalleled opportunity to get a hearing before America. The climax came late yesterday when Seymour Stedman read Into the records statements of Raymond Hobina favorable to the bolshevist situation In Russia. The socialists are prepared with witnesses to continue the presentation of their ease until the judiciary committee sees fit (o stop them. They have already proved that they were kicked out of their party, the I. XV. W. and the communist, and the second week of the hearing ends today with the socialists feeling far from whipptd. “Even if our assemblymen are ousted,” ecid one of the socialist leaders today, “we are the winners, because we have atlracted American attention to our muse and proved that we are net devils, devoted to revolution." Charges Man’s Gaze Ruined Lingerie Trade SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30.—Presence of a man, stationed by a realty company to enforce an attachment on her lingerie shop, ruined business, said Hcleh Burdcll, suing for $27,500. Modest girls wouldn’t buy while he gazed.

“BLUE BIRD” THE pi HIE W*H. BLOCK c? m W>1 — Fifth floor Indiana's Largest Assortment of HART SCHAFFNER izf MARX Clothes tor Men part men t.^ - - >J t( =r ~ " ■ ■: - ", ■" ■ ft Tomorrow (Saturday) Is the Last Day of Our January Reduction Sale of RUGS, LINOLEUMS and Other FLOOR COVERINGS with its savings of 10% to 25% >n our entire stock, excepting only Whittall’s rugs. —Fourth Floor. HmUr THE BASEMENT STORE ißlSjsf. For Women and Misses X 25 <!d SSO 1 ,98 'I j n.iiMiiti (bat in sur, (o please beaus, of tbe MJHMf i w ide range of lovely materials and charming models, jlr and at an almost unbelievable price. Ilhfsiiinff > JT] Opportune trips to Eastern markets at a time when several - Jr] makers were desirous of disposing of their winter stocks account rtC jJ] or remarkable pricing. k/r[TjJ [V- fv We bought heavily--and in conjunction with our Basement J/’ jlf Store's policy of value giving, the hulk of our savings is passed * ij( , || J to patrons. U 1 y) \ The garments are all new —of good quality—worthy as to ty workmanship aud design—and the savings are very noteworthy. THE DRESSES 1 THE COATS —Satin dresses —Wool paulette dresses Broadcloth Coats Silvertone Coats —Messaline dresses Serge dresses Polo Cloth Coats • Velour Coats —Georgette dresses —Velour dresses Wool Heather Kersey Goats —Velveteen dresses, etc. Jersey Coats Duotone Coats —Fawn —Black —Leaflue blue Trimmed with Kit Coney, Beaver Plush, Seal Plush, -Myrtle -J* up b ' u * French Coney, Self Materials. —Reindeer —Silver —Havana brown —Sand —Burgundy —Beaver brown ’ Submarine coilars Shawl collars Patch pockets —Beige —Copper —Plum Two-in-one collars Pouch pockets Side pockets —Navy —Leather $25 and S3O qualities $14.98 $25 and S3O qualities $14.98

SiIkBLOUSES For Women and Misses $6 and $ 7.50 $0.98 Qualities — The prices have been cut for a quick disposal—just a few of a kind—or some of them are somewhat soiled, but they are all new and good —in quality and in style. THE MATERIALS Tub silks Georgette and taffeta Georgettes combination Crepe de chines THE COLORS Amber and navy White Henna and navy Flesh Stripe effects Navy Sand Sunset Beige Black THE STYLES Embroidered Two-in-one collars K Beaded “V" necks Flat cellars Round necks Roll collars $6.00 and $7.00 qualities. $3.98 Boys’ Winter SUITS With Two Pair / of Pants x' 'v $ 9.75 ; ,.% (Sizes 6 to 16 Yrs j ' Suits of excellent j [ “ \ 1 < \, wearing dark mate-j j i~~£~ f I rials in all the new j j CTj %\ winter models, well j j , j M made, perfect fitting, \ j | > M each suit has two % i .Jj I j i pairs of full lined L—% J pants, special $9.75 gz CHILDRENS OVER- I _ COATS, sizes 3 to 6 years. new' models, of all wool materials, well made, full WlPif cut and lined, up to $12.60 Wmg qualities $6.98 JHpT BOYS’ BLOUSES, sizes 6 J{ j to 16 years, light and dark Ll colors, plain white and blue chambray, full cut, fast colors 75<t LITTLE BOYS’ SUITS, sizes 4 to 7 years, of dark woolen mixtures, extra white washable collar, straight pants, $7.00 quality $4.98

Spring Wonder Hats For VI omen and Misses 4S& "t, $V 9 Price — l cf Hats which do credit to A Vi A (he name “Wonder’ / y\ | they are wonderful in fact f \Y\\ \ as we h as name. 1 °V Delightfully new and L U charming models displayT ing all the very newest 'll milLinery modes— Hats of all satin— of all straw—straw with crepe brims —of Batavia cloth and satin with pineapple straw facings —close fitting models —off-the-face effects and drooping brim hats —all smartly trimmed with flow’ers. ribbons, ornaments, etc., and priced as always $3.79

Beddings — BLEACHED SHEETING. 2Vt yards wide, smooth even thread, launders nicely, speyard 75C U N B LEA E D SHEETING, 2*4 yards wide, easy to bleach, wears splendidly, spe69c bleached SHEETS. 81x90 inches, seamless, heavy Arm thread, wears splendid!,uamf....sl.9B BLEA C H E D PILLOW CASES, sizes 36x36 inches, soft thread muslin (no phone orders), extra spe- QQn cial, each... di OL COTTON BATTING, 3 pound size, enough for one large size comfort (no phone orders), exX> ,p ‘: 85c

Underpriced | BLANKETS. 66xS0 inches, weigh 314 lbs., 1 white, tan or gray, pink | or blue stripe borders; I our $3.75 C Q 40 j quality BLANKETS. 70x80 inches, white, tan or gray, assorted color stripe bor- <TQ QO ders,special. tjj) O. *7 O WOOL NAP BLANKETS, weigh 4% lbs.. 3%-inch block patterns. Splendid range of colors. Ribbon bound. Have the appearance of high class wool blankets: our SB.OO S*’:.. $6.98 ALL-WOOL BLAX KETSy- 66x&) inches: lbs. weight; wanted color plaids; steam shrunk; western made; our sls {l9 quality.. $ I eU. / U BEACON PLAID BLANKETS, 66*80 in.; broken plaid effects; wanted colors; a blanket that looks like feels like and is as warm almost as wool; our $6.98 AQ quality tPO.VO

Mens Furnishings SHIRTS FOR MR.' sizes 14, 14!4, 15 and T6'/ 2 , of neat striped percale, soft turn back cuffs, up to f.y 60 ™ 1 ' SI. 18 UNION SUITS FOR MEN. sizes 38 to 42, heavy fleece lined, double knitted cuffs, silver gray, $2.00 and $2.50 <J> j Apqualities 1.00 UNDERSHIRTS AN D DRAWERS FOR MEN, heavy brush fleece lined, ecru color, SI.OO and $1.25 qualities, r7f\ garment / V/C KNITTED TIES FOR MEN, four-in-hand, made of fiber siik. plain colors, vertical or cross stripes, ZT 1 : 49c Guaranteed fy? Hose for jS GUARANTEED HOSE FOR MEN, “Everyday” brand, 6 pairs guaranteed to wear 6 months, heels and toes made of the best tested double twisted cotton yarns, will outwear any other at the price; black, white, tan. gray or navy; sizes 9*4 to 12, $1.60 quality—--6 Pairs for $1.29

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