St. Landry democrat., 1890-02-08
ASSESSORS MEETING.
An Important Convention Held in
Baton Rouge.

ASSESSMENT OF PRofEhli OisSooohD
SIGNIFICANT FACTS AND FIGURES
BROUGHT OUT.
BATON ROUGE, Jan. 90 The conven-
vention called by Mr.. ]. M. Foster, presi-
dent of the police jury of Caddo, met in
the hall of the House of Representatives
at noon to-day.
The convention was composed of the as
SCISSORS of the various parishes throughout
the State ana one delegate from each par
ish, the object being to discuss and agree
upon uniform value on all property to be
assessed.
The circular sent out calling for the
convention set forth that as the object OF
uniform equalization of assessments is
aeitating the minds of the people all over
the State, and it is well known that the
assessment on the same kind of property
varies in different sections, and this does
not distribute the burden of tax paying in
proportion to the real value of the prop
erty assessed, and it being general de-
sire that more uniform assessment be
made on all kinds Of property, and as it
seems that an equalization board can only
be obtained at great cost to the State, and
the police juries are incompetent to act in
the matter, convention has been called
to act in the matter.
1t is claimed that this will enable the
police jaries to simplify the matter of as
sessments and more thoroughly equalize
the burden of taxation, so that no part of
the State will comprehend that too great a
portion has been placed upon it.
Mr. J. M. Foster, of Caddo, called the
convention to order at noon. The idea of
the convention having originated with
Caddo, he thought it his duty to call the
meeting to order. He nominated as chair
man Mr.. ]. C. Egan, of Claiborne. planter
and ex- Attorney General of the State.
Mr.. Egan was escorted to the speakers
stand by committee. He said that the
assembly was for a practical purpose-to
arrange assessment matters. More work
could be done with less talk, and, there
fore, he would not make speech.
Messrs. r. Sambola Jones and T. Jones
Cross were elected secretaries.
Mr. Hsrgrove said it was agreed when
the idea was thought of that if twenty
five parishes were represented at this
meeting it would be good beginning, and
thirty eight parishes were found to have
representatives present, which fact was
very gratifying.
Mr. John Dymond asked that the chair
man ask some one familiar with the sub
iect to state the aims and objects of the
meeting.
State Auditor Steele was called upon to
speak. He had not intended to speak and
consequently had no data. He disclaimed
any idea of criticising what the Legisla-
ture had done in reference to assessments.
The question of assessments had received
the attention of the Legislatures of the
different States since the Inauguration of
the federal government. He went back to
the Constitutional Convention and called
attention to the number of times that the
executive and heads of departments have
called attention to the matter of assess
ments. The step now being taken was in
the right direction and for the interest of
the people.
It was the duty of the Legislature in
1880 to frame law to equalize assess
ments, but it was not done, although, the
Constitution of 1870 provided for it. The
speaker considered that it was absolutely
necessary to equalize the assessments, and
he cited various passages from the mes
sage of Gov. Wilt, reports of legislative
committees and other data bearing upon
the subject that while the State had no
cause for complaint, the parishes certainly
had, when some were assessed IS cents on
the dollar and others from 40 to 80 cents
on the dollar.
In 1886 Gov. McEnery called attention
to this subject and recommended that a
board of equalization be organized under
the article of the Constitution, which he
considered an absolute necessity.
1t was not necessary to enter into any
discussion, and he only read the extracts
and reports to enlighten the delegates
The report of the commission appointed by
the New York Legislature was read at
length and was listened to with much in
terest.
Mr.. Steele further directed attention to
the assessment of property in this State,
and he showed how the total assessment
had decreased, especially in the country
parishes He could not account fer thjssA-
with good lands, hundreds>>of miles Of
"a and manu- ETC.. still, in
1888, the assessment was lower than in
1871 He could not understand this.
In conclusion Mr. Steele suggested the
appointment of committees to prepare da'a.
The work should be divided up and he
NOulu d65tSJ thClI DO ~ uCA dS AC Soulo
Mr.. j. A. Renshaw, of Orleans said he
represented trife more than ons-half of
The total assessment of the State. and
He Ranted to know how many votes he
was entitled to If it came to question of
voting. He asked for ruling of the chair.
Mr.. Renshsw stated that he represented
seven assessment districts.
The convention decided to allow each
parish and district one vote.
Mr.. Dymond, Of Plsquemines, said that
as the constitution provided for board of
equalization and some of the parishes have
adopted them, he thought that Mr.. Steele
should read something on the subject so
Is to enlighten the NEE ting.
Auditor Steele said he did not have the
1ata. All he knew was what he had read
ind given to the meeting.
The chair asked the Auditor il the
police juries were not boards of equaliza-
Jon.
The Auditor read the act which makes
police iuries boards of reviewers, and he
detailed their duties as laid down. Their
iecision Is final, unless set aside in accor-
lance with article 203 of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has passed upon
his question. They are simply board of
.eviewers and cannot assess property. At
er the property is assessed, and the tax
payer is not satisfied and believes the val
nation is excessive, he submits it to the
eviewers.
Mr.. Dynlond said he was familiar with
he case cited by the Auditor, which af
orded but little information. The courts
n two cases have lowered the valuation
when fix ID by the police jury of Plaque
mines, sitting as board of reviewers
To be truly board of equalization they
,ould maintain the total valuation, and
hereby increase in some parishes and de-