Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1862-04-18

It's expected the taxes for the present year will
be greatly increased, in consequence of the an
ticipated war tax, and increased State taxes, but
it can hardly be expected that our current city
expenses, already brought to very economical
standard, can be much further diminished. The
tax payers of the city however, have right to
demand in consideration of our financial difficult
ties, the most rigid economy. No new improve
ments should be commenced, unless absolutely
required No extravagant allowance should be
made, and care spared to keep the city and
ward expenditures within the narrowest limits
consistent with efficient government.
The Supreme Court of this State have lately
decided against the constitutonality of the law
exempting Railroads from further taxation, and
the Legislature, in consequence, have directed
the postponement of the assessment for this
year until September next, in anticipation of an
act to meet the requirements of that decision,
and for the more just and equal distribution of
of taxes upon the property OF the State.
The Legislature will, doubtless. provide some
uniform and equitable basis for the taxation of
Railroads and Railroad property. The justice
of measure of this kind cannot be questioned
II is apparent to every one, and has already been
too long delayed All property should be equal
ly taxed according to its value. No reason can
be given for exempting Railroads more than
mills, farms. houses, merchandise, or any other
property now taxed.
The value of Railroad properly within our
city limits, which may hereafter be assessed and
pay taxes the same as other property, at a mod
crate estimate, cannot be less than one hundred
thousand dollars. This will add about fifteen
per cent. to the assessment roll, and materially
lessen the burden of taxation on our citizens.
The City Treasurer for the past year, on the
1st of April, submitted his annual report on the
city finances, by which it appears that the ag
gergate amount of cash in his hands on that day
was 81 239 38. The whole amount of tax Ger
tifcates in his hands, at that date, credited to
the several ward and city funds, was 50 100 81.
These certificates are not Immediately available
but by iudicous management, it is believed a
large sum can be realized from them, for the
benefit of the city and several ward funds.
The Common Council should Immediately ap-
point committee to examine and settle the
accounts of the late City Treasurer and City
Clerk, and to cancel all the paid city aud ward
orders, and other evidences of Indebtedness, in
their hands. This duty, l roget to inform you,
has heretofore been too much neglected. This
investigation should be thorough and prompt.
The tax payers of the city expect this from you.
The accounts of D. S. Chadwick, late City
Treasury. have not yet been finally adjusted
nor the sum due him from the to the city fully
ascer tanned. The whole subject is now in
charge of committee, and it is hoped will be
settled in a manner satisfactory to the Council,
without recourse to legal measures.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The present organization of our Fire Depart
ment is very deficient. and its condition requires
your early attention. In consists of but one
Engine and very limited supply of hose. The
Engine cannot be worked with any efficiency
unless in the immediate vicinity of the river.
1t has been suggested that supply cisterns, in
different parts OF the city. should be construct
ed. new Engine and additional hose procured,
in order to render this department of any essen
tial service,
EDUCATION.
The control and management of the Common
Schools within our city as well as the expendi
ture of the public funds raised for their sup
part, are by Law placed in charge Of Board of