The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-08-20
THE TAX QUESTION.
Utah County People Petition for a
Reduction.
John A. Brown, of Provo, Succeeds
Thomas Fowler AS Observation-Disclosures
Court Proceedings-Other News.

days the county court has been busily
engaged, sitting as board OF equaliza-
ton. Demands have been made from
Provo, Springville and Lehi Tor
reduction in the property yalua-
ton of about % per cent. After
hearing these applications, the court post
poned all action until next Wednesday,
notifying in the meantime the mayors of
at that time, if they had any
demands to make in order that
all reductions may be uniform.
The recent opinion of attorneys, Bennett,
Marshall and Brady may have some in
fiuence upon the court in this matter,
and induce them to refer the question to
the territorial board OF equalization. The
reduction in Utah county is not asked,
because the valuation is, in the
main, lighter than last year, for
the total assessed valuation in
the county is about $500, 900 lower
than in 1892. 1t is claimed that
for the last three years the value of both
city and county property has been fictit-
lous; and that while the assessment is
$500. 200 lower this year than last, q fur
ther reduction of twenty-five per cent. is
necessary to get the property down to
about its real worth. In Provo City
alone the valuation is about $500, 600
lower this year than last, but the
rate of taxation is a little higher
than in 1892, so that the city taxes this
year are about the same as in 1892. This
by the good Republicans of Provo has
been attributed to the extravaganza of
the present Democratic administration.
But the facts show that the liabilities out
standing when the Democrats assumed
control, and incurred by the old Peoples
party council, amounted to S153, 64S, %.
Now during one and half years the
city's expenses have been greatly re-
duced, a fire department building has
been erected which cost 81, 586.07, and
the Indebtedness of the city reduced,
81 ,305.27. The taxes coming to the
city this year will amount to
about SIS, 600. Out of this amount about
$40, 900 must be paid in interest, and with
the remaining $S, 900 pay debt due this
fall amounting to $751; 900.
From this it will bs seen that money
must be raised from source, either by
borrowing and paying interest, or by
taxing the people, but of course the
Democrats are in power and SO are to be
blamed for having to meet obligations
incurred by another party.
Thomas Fowler, who for number of
years has acted as sheriff of Utah county,
was appointed recently deputy United
States marshal for this district. For the
office vacated by him there were two ap-
plicants, John a. Brown, city marshal of
Provo, and Mr.. J. q. Hall of Springville.
The county court was unable to agree as
to who should receive the appointment,
but last evening, after weeks
deadlock. Mr.. Hall Withdrew from the
contest and Mr.. Brown was named. He
was for some time marshal under the
Peoples party administration. At the
division he allied himself with the Demo-
cratic party and in 1892 was reelected.
He has made an efficient officer and rem
dered good service. His promotion will
be generally approved.
Judge Smith has been holding court
during the past week A few motions
and unimportant cases demanded his at
tention until yesterday morning, when
he adjourned until Aug. 81.
The criminal calendar will be set Aug
ust 26, and on September court will
convene at Nephi and hold forth about
three weeks. 1t will then return to
Provo for the remainder OF the session.
The trains leaving Provo today carried
to the surrounding counties, numerous
teachers who have been attending the
institute. It's generally conceded that this
session has been a grand success. The
professor and instructors cannot say too
much in praise of its promoters and
the eminent educators who have
been lecturing from day to day.
Colonel Parker, who was present
last year inspired the enthusiasm and
determination of the teachers, and this
year DR.. Baldwin and his assistants gave
them hard, actual work, taxing their
energy to its fullest extent.
Business matters are beginning to
brighten in the garden city. The crisis
is undoubtedly past and everything now
indicates an improvement in our financial
affairs Several firms who, two or three
weeks ago were nearly to the wall,
have weathered she storm, and have
succeeded in satisfying their creditors.
The misfortune OF our esteemed towns
man, Mr.. S. s. Jones, was deplored by
all classes and when his door was closed
the living of many families was cut
short. 1t is generally considered that
during the past ten years he has furnished
more employment than any other
person in Utah county. At times as
many as 500 have looked to him for bread
and he has furnished it. His interests
have been extensive. He has expended
considerable in mining property. He
has furnished thousands of dollars worth
of railroad ties and other supplies to the
railway companies and ne has always en-
deavored to find a market for the products
of the farmers in this vicinity. In
view of these facts it will be good news
to the public that Mr.. Jones is still active
and his prospects are improving daily.
His establishment has been reopened
under the direction of Mr.. L. G. Webber
OF Salt Lake, and at present is doing a
good business. Mr.. Jones is still pro-
gressive and with the coming Of better
times his old friends will find him as en-
terprising as eyer.
Judge Smith and Clerk Perry ran mp to
Ogden last evening to spend Sunday.
Miss Lille Loveland is down from
Brigham.
T. G.. Weber was down from Salt Lake
Yesterday. REX.