Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-02-19

Question 6.-What was the amount of the
assessments made by the territorial governor
mentioned in your recent report to Congress,
which the attorney for the District advised you
should be included in the revision provided for
by the act of June 81, 1879, and what amount OF
drawback certificates nave been issued In this
revision?
Answer-The total amount Of assessments
which, under the opinion OF the attorney re-
Is 1926, ,s16.35, which amount has been reduced
by revision to 500, ,93S.IS. OF this last amount
$50, 1862 remain unpaid. Amount otdrawbacks
issued under this revision Is $5S 1920.
Question No. What amount of tax lien
certificates were issued between June 81, 1879,
and January %, 1850. and also what amount OF
tax lien or other tax certificates remain unis sued
at this time, and the reason they have not been
issued?
Answer.-For the reasons given above no tax
lien certificates have been issued since May,
1916, nor do the commissioners think 1t advisa,
Bile to resume the issue of these certificates until
the revision of assessments has been completed.
Question No. s.-We would also like an eSti-
mate OF the amount of special taxes dncluding
all special assessments, whether certificates
have been issued or nOD remaining unpaid on
the 9th day OF January, 1880, and also an eSti-
mate OF the amount OF general and all Other
taxes remaining unpaid on the same date?
Answer.-The official reports make the fol-
lowing exhibits on the subject:
General taxes In arrear to 1st July. 1SI9-On
ON personal property 230, 109. SO
Total. .S971, ,2O4. SO
The amount remaining unpaid at same date
for current year ending 30th June, 1880, is:
ol M Ieil estate. SoSS q |. 10
On personal property. s., ,306.A
Total. S666, OF / 80
This last sum, however. is not considered as
in arrear or delinquent before 1st JULY 1880.
Most OF it will not be due until 1st May, 1850.
The amount OF special assessments, including
assessments for alleys, remaining unpaid on
1st February, 1850, and pledged for payment of
per cent. certificates, after allowing for reduc-
ton by revision Of those not yet revised, is
Sl,l5s451. This amount does not include the
sum OF 81 040 Isl with which the United States
stand charged on the records OF the special as
sessment division.
In conclusion the Commissioners, after care
ful review of the Whole case, express the con-
viction, notwithstanding all that may be said to
the contrary. that the methods which they
adopted for the execution of the acts of 10Th
June, 1878, and 21th June, 1S79 furnished the
oniy practicable means for the solution of the
many Intricate and veXatious problems which
the work involved and for the accomplishment
OF the just ends designed by Congress.
Tie results thus far have been favorable; the
taxpayers, as rule, eyince willingness to
pay all just assessments against their property,
and the burdens which have so long oppres ed
them are being gradually lifted. A more hope
full tone prevails; and as the revision of assess
mentS cannot be completed before 1st July
next, equity and good policy seem TO require
that the relief provided in the first section OF
the act OF 9th June, 1879. should be continued
to that date. If this be done, the Commission
els believe that the troubles and discomfort
caused by past errors OF administration Will
soon disappear, and depression and embarrass-
ment be succeeded by an era Of cheerful pros
perity.
They therefore renew their request for prompt
and favorable action on Senate resolution No.
Ga, the passage OF which, they think will greatly
facilitate the collection Of all unpaid taxes and
assessments.
By order OF the Board:
Very respectfully, j. DENT President.