The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-12-18
GRBHNVILLE TAXPAYERS
Some of Them Kick at the
Board and Some Speak
Well Of 1t.

The Greerville Improvement Associa-
tion, held meeting last night which
was principiy devoted to finding fault
with and praising the Board of Tax Com
missioners.
Among those who discussed this sub
ject were:-Reuben Simpson. George Bra
ton, f. r. Baldwin, John Morrell, NJ.
Hale and Messrs. Corgon, Schmolze, Cal
viii, Washburn, Parker. johnson. Meyer,
Rose and Skiff. Mr.. S. L. Harvey, pre-
sided.
After one of the gentlemen had COM
planned about the valuation placed on his
property, George w. Bouton clerk Of the
Board of Street and Water Commission
ers, enGeaYored to cheer him up. He
knew that misery loves company, and to
console his neighbor he told him that the
piece of property that he owned had been
assessed 1850 more than last year, but he
said he believed the error would be cor
rected next year Mr. Bouton seemed
surprised when a citizen asked what BEN
eft that would be this year, but did not
answer the question.
Citizen Washbnrn, with an expression
of sadness on his face. then informed the
gentleman that the Tax Commissioners
had increased his valuation S4, 600, and
that when he went to the Office of the
commissioners to have an explanation he
got no satisfaction but plenty of impu-
dence, and he was told to "pay his taxes. !"
A TEST CASE SUGGESTED.
Reuben Simpson had never been treated
by the Tax Board in an impudent man
ner so he said, but that did not alter the
fact that unjust valuations had been
made, and he suggested that q fund be
raised to bring test case before the
court.
.'Messrs. Lawrence, O'Donnel and
Prigge may be good men," said Mr.
Simpson, but | told Lawrence that it
was impossible for the Board to sit in
their office and properly assess land" He
believed the old system of assessing was
more correct than the present.
President Harvey was surprised to learn
that the Tax Board treated any one with
incivility, for the members had always
treated him properly. When he went
there he claimed that a new field book
had been made and that his valuations
had been increased $l,600 and 81 300 on
two pieces of property. This would be
Just il every one was assessed in the same
proportion.
81 think that know more about Green
Vile property than Mr.. Lawrence does, -
said Mr.. Harvey, "and that to properly
assess lands a personal inspection should
be made"
HOPE AND DESPAIR.
The President said he believed the
courts would upset the assessments, but
he counseled patience, for he believed
the Tax Commissioners would correct
them next year.
"As a rule said he, 81 don't like
Mayor Cleveland's appointment, but in
I this case think they are good men,
81 don't think that viii pay my taxes
| this year" said Reuben Simpson. Il will
let them be liked by the Martin Act Com
misSioneTs. u
| He did not object to his assessment,
| providing all Others were assessed at the
same ratio. He wanted equal taxation.
Citizen Hale said that When he called at
| the Tax Commissioners office heWas told
| that the commissioners had not had time
to properly assess the property.
| Citizen Simpson thought the Tax Com
| missioners intended to do right. Citizen
| Bouton stood by The Mayors appointees
| to the Tax Commission and defended
| them from all insinuations and direct at
| tack.
Citizen Washburn was not inclined to
agree with Citizen Bouton, and declared
| that the Tax Commissioners should not
be the assessors, and that two boards
should exist. This ended the tax discus
sion.
GARFIELD AVENUE.
Citizen Simpson reported that the pros
pect of opening Garfield avenue was very
blue, for the people would not sign the
petition. He also reported that there was
no chance for new police station house
in Greenville this year.
A Committee of ten was appointed to
wait on the Board of Finance, and urge
the members to concur in the building of
sewer on Richard and Stegman streets
and Garfield avenue.
Citizens Simpson, NJ. Schultz ST., Delt-
willer, Lembeck and Morrell We're APP
pointed committee to obtain subscrip-
tions to buy flag, and erect pole on
School No 20. 1t will cost $50. President
Harvey headed the list with 81, and the
meeting adjourned,