New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-19
STANDING UP FOR THE CITY.
sTIFF.NEcKED STATE ASSESSORS.
THE MAYOR AND DIR. COLEMAN PLEAD FOR
MORE ABovE-soARD METHODS
OF VALUATION.

Tsn,e az the members Of the state Board OF
Assessors Messrs Ellis, Town and Williams met
President Coleman and Commissioner Fcitner in the
pice Of tho Tax Commissioners yesterday to consider
the New.York assessment valuations, and they had
a hot session. for which the weather not wholly
responsible. The assessors have been engaged for
several days in examining the valuations Of about
1000 assorted parcels OF real estate and in comparing
the assessments with the alleged market values OF
the property They arrive at what they call the
market valuc" by obtaining the views Of large
number Of business men, including bankers, builders
real estate and insurance men, With these 1000
parcels as the basis they intend determine whether
the city's assessments too high or too low.
The assessors figures to be tabulatcd before the
final conclusions announced President Ellis
thought this would take about ten days yet
President Coleman defended the city's assessment
lists at the session yesterday and vigorously attacked
the bass' sought 10 be established by the assessors
alt is throughout and utterly unjust' said
Mr.. Coleman warmly. "You 60 out from here and
get your information from people of narrow informa-
ton and little experience in determining roal
estate values"
ave have consulted with NETWORKS representative
men, replied President Ellis, "citizens of standing
and property who are equally interested with you III
keeping down your assessment"
Nothing OF the kind" returned Mr.. Coleman with
flashing eyes and in louder tones If that is So
why DO you object 10 my going with you and cross
examining these witnesses of yours That would DC
tho only fair mode of procedure. 1 will show you
that these people you relying upon are incom-
potent To give sound opinions regarding values
You have been going among persons whose interest
Ii Is to boom real estate and create
fictitious values. The judgment of this
class is worthless in fixing assessments.
Let us take fifty or hundred reliable business
men and get their opinions of the value Of these par
GELS which you have picked out. You may select every
one of these yourselves. All ask Is the oppor-
tunity TO examine them in your presence. But your
plan of taking ex parte testimony from people we do
not know is wrong. Either agree TO my proposition
or let me go with you and have the opportunity to
question tho same you apply 10 forfnformation"
The state Assessors unwilling TO admit that
they were pursuing any improper methods IN obtain
ing their information and President Ellis and Assessor
Town discussed the question from their point of view
No changes made in the plan, though COM
promise was thought possible. Both President Colo
man and Commissioner Feitner believe that the State
Assessors have already made up their minds TO repeat
their action of preceding years. and add about $780,
900 900 to tho city's valuation.
After adjournment the Assessors went over TO the
City Hall TO pay their respects 10 Mayor Grant Presi-
dent Coleman happened to be there ahead Of them and
CALAMITY presen ted his antagonists to the Mayor.
1t did not take long to revive the assessment discussion
and IL was all gone again for the Mayors edi-
hcstion. Mr. Grant took Mr.. Colemans view OF THO
case and thought that the Assessors plan Of operation
open TO criticism on the ground mat the CITY.
which had representation on the board, was with
the opportunity of knowing what influences were
brought TO bear In arriving at decision as 10 values
He urged his visitors amend their way of acquaint
ing themselves with the facts and 10 conform In some
degree with Mr.. Coleman's proposition. But inc
Assessors departed without agreeing to do so.