Wilmington daily gazette., 1873-06-14
The clrx Assessment.

In the GAZETTE, of yesterday we gave the re-
ducions that were made from the city assessment
on large number Of properties. These were all
that were reduced by the Court OF Appeals,
although it set fully week to hear aud determine
appeals The list showed one of two things,
viz that the assessors did no. understand cor
reetly their duty; or, that they greatly erred in
their valuation Of properties.
Take for instance the property OF Mr.. Joshua
Pusey, on Delaware Avenue, near Broom st. This
gentleman has just completed handsome dwell
ing and fitted up the grounds about ii very pret-
tlly. What the cost Of this work was We do not
know, nor can we form anything like correct
estimate. But it was assessed at $4,000. This
We do know was too much, unless our citizens
are determined 10 prevent the building Of fine
residences and the adornmcnt and beautifying OF
our town. Gentlemen who have the means and
the spirit aud disposition TO expend their money
In this way will not do so If they are to be sub
jeeted to such system OF taxation, and that too,
in violation of the plain and simple law, which
directs that property shall be assessed al its cash
value.
In years past tA.5 was well understood and
property was rarely rated higher than about two
thirds its accounted value by the owners.
The Court OF Appeals reduced the assessment
on Mr.. Paseys dwelling from $4,000 to $4,000 !;
which is still high II it was put up and sold 70
the highest bidder, for cash, 1t is doubtful
whether it would bring over SOS, 900. But had
not Mr.. Pusey taken the rains to 60 and exam
Inc tho assessment and then 60 and make his
appeal, he would have been required to pay the
tax on $4,000
Mr.. Vim. Il. swim who has also just completed
Hne mansion on Delaware Avenue, found it as
Sessed at SIS 900; but the court upon application
reduced 1t We understand to $25c00. The differ
ence between the amount named first and that
to which these properties are reduced is immense,
and shows that there is something wrong in the
assessment throughout, And the objection 10 1t
runs to the smaller properties as well.
Hundreds Of men will be compelled 10 pay
tax on greater sum than their property is worth
at q cash sale. This high rate ofassessment should
not be continued Assessors should be required
10 perform their duty In accordance with law and
the oath they take. Great numbers OF persons
are wrouged by this mode OF assessment Itmay
be said that they are invited TO attend the Court
of Appeals and have their property assessed
lower, where Il is actually too high. But they
often have not the time and il they do go can
net secure hearing and sometimes are subjected
70 insult Such was the case at the recent setting
Of the Court. A gentleman who pays literally,
believing it only his duty TO appeal on several
properties, out Of many, was, he informs US,
grossly insulted, and abandoned his effort. 1t Is
probable the offending member did not mean what
he was saying at the time, as he is not over care
full Of his language; or thought he could afford tC
trihe over q subject thought serious by his friend
who was making the appeal. We merely men
ton this fact TO illustrate another stronger fac
that the very best intentioned citizens will no
60 and appeal unless they are driven to 1t from
the reelection that they are suffering great in
justice.