The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-01
CITY Taxation,

MEssRs. EDIToRs: A writer in Thursdays paper,
the signature of 'Second TPd,d," discusses an
important subject reduction of the rate of city
taxation to sixty cents on the hundred dollars of
valuation. His statement Of the manner in which
the proviso establishing that rate inserted in
the bill OF last year Is, in the main, correct and
doubtless at this time, he intimates, there is a
general expectation that the reduction will take eff
feet with this years taxation.
But having had also an agency in originating and
maturing this proUiso, "magna pars fui,' allow me
to state some of the reasons why it must be nope
rative during this year.
In the first place. the general assessment has fallen
far below all reasonable estimates. The additional
subjects of taxation authorized by the new charter
were expected to add TO the general valuation at
least two and one half millions, the assessment
which would fully supply any deficiency of reve-
nue. caused by the contemplated reduction in the
rate. But, instead of this, the assessors have
turned but little over One-hdLf of that amount
Again: independent of this class of taxables. who
could ina ginc that the ordinary of revenue
would prove deficient? Yet such is the fact. Be-
sides some delnquencies in the contributions to the
general fund, the aggregate amount OF the general
assessment exclusive of the taxables) is con-
sderably less than the one made five years since
This is particularly the in respect TO the Sixth
and Seventh wards. So that, old and new taxables
united, the present assessment does not much
coed the former. especially after making de-
auctions, probably unavoidable for this year at
least.
Allusion was made to the large amount of ar
rcarages outstanding the tax books of last year,
and to the facilities afforded by the charter for
their collection. Unhappily, about large an
amount is in arrear at this time; and under any
circumstances a considerable sum, from variety
of causes, will always remain uncollected, though
il is believed the facilities referred to, but just
beginning to operate, however, will materially les
sen the amount hereafter.
Will my friend of the "Second Ward" now look
for moment at what may be called the debit side
of the account
There is the school system, 80 greatly improved
and enlarged during the last year two, involving
quite Urge expenditure. And If any one doubt
the propriety Of this outlay, let him look in upon
the t,oenty three hundred pupils of both in
public schools, daily and hourly receiving the bene
fits Of this wise munihccnce, the safest and most
productive of all investments Then there are the
appropriations 10 the fire department, unusually
during this year There is the beautiful iron bridge
over Rock creek, so long deferred, but nobly
executed. But, more than all, there is the hercu-
lean work. the renovation of the city canal in all its
length and breadth, with its bridges, cespools,
guard locks, &c, n work not TO be deferred, and
which sound economy requires should be done in
the most substantial and workmanlike manner.
These are some Of the reasons that constrained us
TO postpone the operation Of the roriso 10 the next
year. But, with this exception, the writer must
add that now, formerly, he is the advocate of the
reduction in question. Let eury species of property
belonging to the regular inhabitants of Washing
ton have assessment valuation at its fair market
value, and alike bear the public burdens at mode
rate rate of taxation; and in the exercise Of wise
economy, and in combining our appropriations TO
strictly city purposes, shall fail OF doing JUS
tice to all the great interests of our rapidly grow
ing city. The "patres conscript," Of which Csc
cond Ward lie one highly valued, WILL am sure,
JOIN in this contamination devoutly to be wished
for" S. H. H.
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