New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-02-04
The New Charter.

During few months past there have been num-
Der of alterations to city charter suggested and
they have been as various the from which
they emanated Most of these alterations aim at the
same objects the infusing into the various depart
ments more energy and responsibility, and the adop
ton of some plan by which real estate may, in a
measure, be relieved from its burthens. We have
heretofore deferred any notice of these various sug
gestions, for they had scarcely received tangible
FORM but during the past week. Alderman DurelI, as
chairman of committee has submitted q model
of charter From many of its provisions we dissent;
but it is only justice to say that it has been prepared
with care and ability, and that in many of its details
it is ernnently wise and iudicous. We do not at
present intend to enter into general review of it,
but we would call attention to the alterations which it
proposes in the basis and of the assessments
of property. There is subject connected with our
city government so defective as our present assess
ments, and there is no one which has attracted so
little attention. Under the existing system, much
property liable even now to taxation, not assessed
and there are general rules governing the action
of the assessors by which an uniform standard of
value can be applied. Should the charter proposed
be adopted this evil, at least, will be corrected.
The principle Of imposing all the burthens of gov
ernment upon one species of property, is not only
oncrous but is at war with the cardinal rule which
should regulate the leyying of all taxes Taxation,
to be just, must be in proportion to the benefits and
protection it Affords and every species of property
should pay in proportion as is the recipient Of these
benefits Taxation should therefore, be imposed on
every description of property tangible in its charac
ter, and which receives either protection benefits
from the governments In this city, almost the entire
support of the corporation rests upon real estate,
while other property receiving equal benefits and pro
lection, is entirely exempt We do not at present
recoect of another city where real estate is thus re
of the large cities taxation is made to take wide
range, reaching every kind of property, requiring il
to contribute its proper proportion for the protection
and benefits it receives, and thus by this extension
the basis of taxation to make the burthens so light
that no interest is paralyzed The provisions of the
Charter submitted on this subject are emnently
worthy Of the calm consideration of those interested
in the prosperity of city, 1t does not propose tt
put checks and bars on defective system, SO as tt
prevent its running into error and injustice, but i
proposes to root out this defective SYSTEM and to sub
stute one sanctioned by experience and which shal
contain within ITSELF those principles which will con
fine its operations within those limits which are jus
and equitable to ALL As we have intimated before, i
is not our purpose to enter into discussion Of the
rous provisions of this Charter but the change in h
basis and manner Of the assessments is of muc i'm
portance, that we have deemed inroper to call speca
attention to it.