The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-16
Banks and other stock for l84s.

Ii appears, from this statement, that the
mcnt upon property, real and personal, for the
year 1919, is less than that for the year lsiS,
Sl30,32S. l informed that this has resulted
from the very great reduction " the amount of
sessment for the year lS49 in portion Of the
wards, below that returned in the same wards for
the year .lSIS. The fact suggcs;s the great inn
portance of the entire Board Of assessors carefully
revising the assessments of the sal boards for the
purpose OF correcting valuation which may be
either excessive or too low. lfseens to me also
proper that the entire Board, by personal nspec-
ton OF various pieces OF properly in the several
wards should tcst the fairness sSsf correctness Of
the returns of each Sub. board .kA ~ rrby secure
In a greater degree equality OF assessment.
sTdcKs, SECURITIES, ETC.
The assessment of stocks, &C. has only reached
the amount of $sS0l 1853, yeldinga OF 5000 80
This sum Is far below public expectation, and that
just amount which these objects Of taxation should
contribute to the public revenue. Whilst
should carefully avoid imposing any restrictions
upon capital actively employed in daily business,
but, the contrary, invite its presence, yet the
wealth OF every individual whether assuming the
character OF a permanent investment or idle i'll his
hands, should contribute its Just proportion TO the
public service. have examined with much care
the law OF May 30, lS49, and am unable to suggest
any amendments Of a very material character The
success OF this effort to equalize the burdens of tax
atom mainly depends upon the disposition of our
citizens 10 acquiesce IN the law, and the fidelity Of
the assessors in executing It. | would, however,
suggest that the forms required by the act Of May
ou, 1910, Dt Jn collector OIIlCc Wltn
appropriate explanations This would simplify and
expedite the business of that office, and materially
aid, 1t is believed, the assessors in executing
efficiently the duties of their Office. II also
to me proper that the assessors should make.
annual report, at least until the system was
fully understood and established, in which should
be made known the difficulties of their office, with
such suggestions their practical experience
might suggest TO remedy them
deem II proper 10 inform you that many per-
sons, IN their applications for licenses under the
law of October 81, lSiS, have construed the words
''annual average amount of capital' 10 mean cash
capital, whereas il is the intent of the law tax
the average amount, whether based upon cash
credit IL may not be proper TO insert in the form
OF oath other words than those in the charter yet
declaratory act 10 the meaning of those words
might effect the object. In the absence of any leg
slation your part, shall refuse issue license
in the first case which may deem to be violation
of the law In other respects the law has operated
well.
WASHINGTON ASYLUM.
The report of the commissioners and accompany
ing tables prepared by the lntendant, show that on
the 3Oth Of June. S49, there "a persons in the
asylum, ls4 received during the year, of whom II
were smallpox patients; remaining on the Both of
June, 1880, 40; of this number admitted through
the year, II were non-residents, and l9 colored.
Number in the workhouse 3Oth June, lS49, %;
committed through the year, 400; remaining 30th
of June, 1850 a.; discharged through the year,
asp; Of those committed l5s colored residents,
l2i; committed for drunkenness, ,295.
These tables show that a large number non
residents and foreigners.
During the past year two comfortable frame
houses have been erected, at expense of 5000,
for the usc of the WAGNER and gardener, the utili
~ OF which expenditure has been fully justified in
securing by uc constant pres@ucc Of those officers
an increase OF labor from the ininaiHs also more
assduous attention on their part TO their respcc
tive duties. Various other improvements have been
made In and about the building, adding much 10
the efficiency of the institution and the comfort of
the inmates. The commissioners Justly remark,
that the profits Of the garden must be almost excu
nVcly relied upon 10 lessen the annual appropria-
tons for the support of the institution; and 1t is
source Of qualification that the receipts from this
source for the past year have exceeded those OF the
previous year $500 ~.
concur in the propriety Of the application made
In their report for additional appropriation for
manure, NJ al-O n suitable sum for the outdoor
poor and In the necessity Of further regulations IN
relation 81 the admission of shave smallpox pa
tents.
A. A..