Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-12-01


Actual l0S decrease OF arrears period July
LIST, 1881, to November 21, 1882. $780, $50 70
tits believed that the above large amount OF
arrears will not be paid unless under transfers
necessitatng clearances Of title from tax bills or
an indefeasfble title to the purchaser at Lax
sales The attention OF Congress is earnestly in
vited to this matter.
In considering the equities between the District
OF CounDla ana her taxpayers, 1t is we'll to bear
In mind that by the organic act OF June H. 1s7s it
IS provided that "any person who shall. within
thirty days after such notice given pay the taxes
assessed against him. shall be allowed by the col
rector deduction OF five per cent on the amount
| OF his tax"
The auditor states that the amount discounted
under this provision from the revenues of the Dis
trlct for the fiscal year ending June &c. 1882, was
This seems to be an Inheritance from the time
when Washington. like many of her sister munich
pa!lties was classed as an 1mpecunious corpora
ton. Research shows that the practice dates back
some fifty years, and that the rate OF discount
allowed during part of that period has frequently
been as nigh as ten per cent. When q corporation
needs means for current expenses this may be a
wise measure TO raise funds but in the case of the
DISTRICT OF Columbia, at the present t!me 1t is
paying premium to get larger sum of money
tian there Is any immediate use for. Further
more, this practice Is advantageous, without rpa-
n 5G 70 1T te wealthy taxpayer who is ready to
cent per annum upon the last half payment OF his
taxes. while it adds to the burthen OF his less
the revenue diminished thereby. Another disaf-
vantage results from locking up from the winters
business OF the trade circles of Washington a
large sum OF money which lies idle in the Treas
ury OF the United States. repeal of the proyis-
lon quoted from the third section OF the act of June
II, 1878, Is recommended.
The representations made by the assessor In his
report herewith, and the complaints continuously
made TO the Commissioners, reinforced by general
public repute QS to the changing values of real
property under the drift OF business and resident
populations, induce them to renew, with ali the
force permissible in their communications to Con-
gress their Recommendation that a new assess
ment OF the real estate OF the District of Column
bia should be ordered. The period OF four years
elapSng since the date OF the last assessment has
witnessed such changes as render the Valuation
made at that time glaring wrong most general
IN Its effects, while at the same time 1t is believed
that the revenues of the District seriously de-
pleted through inability to apply equitable vaIua-
lions. No matter in the conduct of the affairs OF
the District government seems to call SO loudly
The Commissioners are favorably Impressed
with the idea OF combining the license system to
Intervention OF police force to control turbulence
or repress crime. A defect In the present method
81 the license laws regulating the retail
proof OF actual sale. when it Is known OF all men
that such trafrc is carried on. 1t would seem
that having en- premises intoxicating drinks with
the means and appliances for CARVING on the
business OF selling the same should be pTtnaa acte
evidence that such bushes is engaged In.
sloners contemplate the possibility OF being able
10 recommend, In case their suggestions as to a
new assessment and revised license laws shall and
favor ut the hands OF Congress, that levy of a
tax upon personal property should no longer con-
stute part OF the revenue system OF the District
OF Columbia. They believe It will be good policy
70 allow that principle to ind termination When-
ever revenues from other sources Will justify it.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.
Inc revision OF special assessments under the
requirements OF the acts OF Congress approved
June 18th, 1873, and June 9th, 1879 have been
completed resulting in reduction of 81 148 62
togetner with 10 per cent delinquent interest rum
nlng rom nve 10 ten years; estimating this inter-
Pr0pcrty on which these assessments for special
improvements We're originally levied. Is over two
millions OF dollars. Still further concessions are
strepuously urged by Interested parties and their
agents; remembering, however, that such cOnces-
S0ns are not In the interest OF the general tax
payers, but OF favored few against whom these
special assessments were levied for special hen
eftS received, the Commissioners felt hound tn
take nrm stand against any further action in
this direction, by which this asset or the Dstricf
viii be lowered below the amount required for the
payment OF the outstanding liabilities towards
which they ara specifically pledged.
The Commissioners endorse the Recommendation
OF the commissioners and intendant OF the Wasl
ingCon Asylum that house OF refuge or reforrna-
tory DO established as branch OF the asylum.
rue roIIcv or RENTING scnooE noose
After giving hltef recapttula1ion @ ~ reuof1