Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-29
Personal Property Not assessed.

psr.onal Property Not Assessed.
TO the Editor Of The Dispatch'
The following is taken from the New
York Heratd's editorial column OF re-
cent date ~,
"T.xAT1oy MUn BE REFORMED The
evidence before the Senate committee
Yesterday in regard to the methods OF
taxation will create a painful impression.
We learn that the possessors OF gigantic
fortunes simply arrange with tho tax
commissioner to announce their es-
tates at nominal sum and pay what
they please. There are a dozen ways OF
evadine the law. and these evaHons are
invariably in favor Of the rich man. Jay
Gould. for instance, is taxed on hall
million of dollars.
awhile the very rich can pay what
taxes they please, and give their estates
n nominal fictitious value to avoid con-
tributing to the support OF the state
there IL no such escape Tor the poor
man. The tobacco he smokes, the wool
len garments he wears, the iron with
which he earns his living, are oil care
fully taxed by blessed Government. 1t
MAJ; be summed up in a word-that the
people have no rights which the rich
man is bound to respect, and that the
moor man il alone to be considered so
far as he contributes to the prosperity OF
the rich.
This refers TO recent developments
made public by Legislative investigating
committee now at work in New York,
but its application is no less to the point
transferred and adapted to Richmond,
Va. The proceedings 60 to show that
owners OF personal property have been
permitted to do Just as they please win
assessments on their invisible taxable
estate. After assessment by municipal
officers all the owners had to do was to
90 swear off" as much as they chose
that is, they took oath that the property
was oyer-yalued so much, and the OIL
Gals we're intensely accommodating.
What is the oath of that man worth who
consents to let poor man subscribe his
full proportion to support the commu-
nifty in which he lives, while he with
holds a part because he can do so with
out detection?
1t is even said that stocks, bonds. &C.,
are expressed to other points just prior
TO an assessment, and omitted III the
list Of taxable personal property as being
held in another State. but whisked back
home when convenient. Also, that the
astonishing under estimates of many
estates. given i'll connection with the
probating OF wills, represent the figures
of the last assessment upon which taxes
were paid as they appear on the books
of the commissioner OF the revenue.
As the Herald truly says: Theways OF
evasion are numerous. This much Is
very evident Had the city OF Richmond
the revenue that Is justly derIvaoie
under her laws all enterprises that are
now urgently needed and in allegiance
for want of funds TO promote them, as
we'll as all other reasonable projects for
her welfare, could be undertaken. And
TO answer popular query as to what
Richmond most needs it is this-the
rigid execution of the laws relating to
this matter of taxation, and where
found insufficient the enactment OF
Others the most searching and stringent.
1t has been said, moreover, that the
value OF this invisible property can only
be obtained from the sworn statements
of taxpayers. Now, is this not farcical?
Are not the lists in many, if not in most
instances, left in blank, and at pleasure
forwarded by mail or messenger to the
commissioner or collected by his depu-
ties. the oaths in the case being under
stood, presumed, or imagined? L have
known a deputy to call at least five or
six times before obtaining the list, and
then take it with him without having
ever seen the principal in the affair.
And. as before said, what is the value OF
an oath that proceeds from a tongue OF
deception =? ,, q,
| do not know what course Richmond
will take, but New York will have no
pity upon this sort of people, who add
insult to injury by first evading their sa-
cred obligations. and then extend trife,
niggardly and complainingly, when So
licited to advance some public interest.
The Metropolitan press will expose all
concerned-laws and lawmakers, execu-
tors aud -payers-and lead the senti-
ment that will correct the abuse.
But here is no appeal to public spirit,
only righteous demand for justice and
honesty in mutual agreement for COM
mon interest. When the course OF law
operates to bring to hight the true value
OF estates is there no penalty that pro-
yides for the payment of taxes on the
amount ascertained to be over and above
| previous returns made to the commits
commissioner for assessment and tiue
for the improper return before other dis
| tribution of the estate is made L ask
| for information. Here is the place
where. it seems to me. the law could be
made effective. A heavy penalty pre-
scribed W en- the chancery records show
that the Commonwealth has been de-
frauded would seem to be check, con-
sidering the uncertainty OF life, upon all
who would desire to protect their estates
| from O violated law.
And ask, finally, is it not incumbent
on our press and lawmakers, city and
State. to force this issue to its extremity
and consummation, that by its legiti-
mate results this city and State can be
possessed OF their rightful revenues and
be enabled TO accomplish those enter
prises for the want of which they are
now laggards in the race set by sister
communities Reform, too, should be-
gin in the homes of reformers. Re-
strictive laws as to the observance OF the
Sabbath day, the regulation Of liquor
selling, the extinction of lottery fran
chises, and kindred movements are
amendments 10 be desired but in the
most unlicensed condition Of these sub
jects we can anticipate being possible
here, there would not exist the evil, far
reaching effect Of the treacherous inn
moral influence that is screened under
our taxation methods, practiced without
shame. QUESTION.
| The Seamy Side of Nashville.