Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-05-11

.
There was an important hearing before the
Board of Assessors, yesterday. in relation to
the valuation and taxation of the Edward
Manufacturing Company in this city.
Mr.. Edwards of Bostop, with the attorney
of the company, Mr.. 0rvilIe ID. Baker, and
some other members of the company were pres
ent, also few of our citizens who have no pecu-
mary interest in the affairs of the company
Mr. Baker stated that the company desired
to be heard in relation to the valuation
Of the property owned by them in this city,
They were willing to pay fair tax. Mr..
Edwards then presented an inventory of the
property of the company as it stood on the
first day of May, with estimates of the value.
The total amount was s22s, 735 SO. This in
cluded the first cost of the properly TO the
company, with cost of improvements since
added, cotton on hand etc.
The property taxed last year on
valuation of s492, 900. This Mr.. Edwards
claimed was altogether too high valuation.
He made very full statement of the con-
dition of the mills, the machinery. boarding
houses and other property in substantation
Of his position. He stated that it was im-
possible to run the mills with their present
machinery at any profit whatever. The
machinery is worthless when brought into
competition with the new and improved kinds.
Some of it is 40 years old, and large part of
of it was second-handed when placed in the
mills. Considerable expense had already
been incurred, and nearly the entire machin-
cry now in the mills must be taken out and
replaced with improved machinery before
these mills can compete with other mills run
by the best appliances. In the course of Mr..
Edwards statement he was closely question
ed by the assessors. and the items in the
inventory which he presented were carefully
scrutinized and discussed in detail.
Mr.. Baker presented letters which he had
received from other cotton manufacturing
companies, showing how they are taxed,
which cast considerable light upon the sub
jet. Opinions were freely interchanged
among the persons present. Mr.. Edwards
upon being asked what the intentions of the
company are in relation to the improvement
of the property, replied that they intended
to manufacture million of bricks this year
for building purposes, that they had also
some improvements and additions projected to
be carried out this season, but Il e matter of
taxation would have cons erable to do with
their plans, and then there was a small cloud
about the title to be taken into the account,
though that was gradually and surely passing
away.
The persons present not belonging to the
company, who expressed their opinions, de-
cared that the improvement of the property
was vital to the prosperity of the city, and
that they thought the people of the city
would favor generous policy in regard to
taxation towards the company that might en-
courage them to go on with improvements,
rather than policy which would discourage
Improvement. The assessors gave a very
thorough and candid hearing, but made no
decision. They will consider the matter. we
have no doubt, in the broadcast light which
they are permitted to do. Mr.. Edwards
hoped they would fix the valuation at about
5000 O00 which he thought, all things con-
.idered, would be fair and equitable to all
concerned