Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-13
man, Mr. john JOY EDISON It dealt largely

and giving instances of UNEQUAL taxation,
the report proceeds:
have cause to congratulate themselves that
a long step has been taken in the right d.
rection, which must bring good results
The object of an assessment is to raise
sufficient revenues to meet the ordinary,
legitimate current municipal expenses; to
make annual improvements necessary In
the schools, fire, engineer and streets,
health department.. etc., and to Hquidate
eminent.
1T is obvious that an assessment should
not be made that would produce a larger
revenue than Is required. nor, on the other
hand, to produce less revenue than Is re-
quired, hut only an amount that is suffi-
cient. In our opinion, there Is no one fac
tor in a municipal government that bears
more directly and more favorably upon the
welfare and prosperity of the community
than correct assessments for taxation. If
revenues are insufficient. 1t must. neces-
sarily, be hurtful. Proper improvements
could not be made. current expenses could
not be net and hon est obligations could not
be discharged If the assessments and
revenues are excessive in that proportion,
investments will be uninviting, people of
means and influence attracted to and like
ly to invest in the District of Columbia for
residents. as many are. or for purely bust
ness purposes or both, would be discour-
aged and repealed, and in this respect
would work an injury to the thrift and
growth of the city. The truth Of this propo-
SluOn seems simple ana pam.
Repeal of the Present Tax.
"Some of those who have expressed
themselves on the subject Of assessments
maintain that the real estate should be as
sessed always at its full market value
without taking into consideration whether.
II so assessed 1t would produce largely
more revenues than is necessary; 1t might
be five hundred thousand, or a million of
dollars, or more In excess; which would be
unbusincss like and unreasonable. Only
just and adequate assessment should be
placed upon property.
I'VE concur with the assessor. Mr.. Trim
ble in his annual report, in recommending
the repeal OF the personal tax. as unneces-
sary and Ubiquitous. We also concur in his
Recommendation for additional help to
properly and satisfactorily conduct the
business of his office; involving, as 1T does,
assessments; and aiso with the recommen-
dalton for the increase of certain salaries
OF those who are performing the response
BILE duties entirely dsproportionate to the
compensation they now receive"
Peril Of, Steam Grade Crossings.
Mr.. Talmadge A. Lambert, secretary of
the committee on railroads, read the re-
port of that committee. of which MIR.
Frank Hume is chairman. The report fol-
lows:
Pursuant to the. established policy of
the board, your committee have vigorously
opposed, on all suitable occasions, during
| the last session OF Congress, the grant of
concessions to steam railroads proposing
to occupy and traverse the streets OF the
city at grade. They are grati1ied to re-
port that their efforts In this direction
have been attended with success.
The best interests of the municipality
demand not alone the prohibition OF fur
Their steam railroads at grade, but the
speedy elevation or depression Of existing
roads in such manner and to such extent
as shall obviate possible interference with
the safe and unimpeded use and enjoyment
of the streets by the citizens. 1t is only
necessary to refer, in illustration of this
need. 20 the lamentable and fatal acct
dents which have saddened the public rec
ords OF the past year. A young woman
absolutely annihilated, an elderly woman
crushed to death, in the very heart of the
city, besides minor accidents involving the
loss or limb, serve to emphasize the i'm
portance of speedily abating this appalling
nuisance. -t.-
Unfortunate Companions.
Comparison with other cities of the
same relative Importance Is altogether to
the disadvantage of our own. That the
capital of the nation should be behind In
this respect, the cities of New York. Phil
adelphia and Baltimore Is altogether dis
creditable. But the progress of this Dis
trict should not be measured on a stand
ard OF comparison. As the center of politi-
cal administration il should present the
perfect model of municipal government.
10 this end the greed of individuals and
the rapacity OF corporations should be
sternly and relentlessly antagonized and
repressed. Care should be taken to pro-
tect legislation and legislators from the
corrupting influences Of corporate monop-
oily.
Of this city, which is destined to be chief
among the capitals Of the world should
be retarded In any direction, by the venal-
ity of persons whether natural or juristic,
individual or corporate. In order TO sup
plement its limited facilities for COM
merce the District of Columbia should be
made the point Of conveyance for every
legitimate line Of railway traffic that may
seek to enter its borders.
A Union Depot.
THE subject OF a union passenger depot
continues to be OF pressing moment. Its
speedy disposition must be earnestly de-
sired by all good citizens. Those only
would postpone its adjustment whose
selfish aims can be but subserved by the
separate and exclusive appropriation of
privileges which should be the subjects of
common enjoyment. Unhappily for the
community, the wishes of the latter are
unwittingly promoted by the divided
counsels or those who are unable to agree
upon the location OF a site or the hppro-
pirate route for attaining 1t. 1t is to the
work. OF uniting these discordant views and
OF bringing about a speedy solution of this
vexed question that the board should ad-
dress itself, and that with as little delay
as possible. since the business welfare of
the city is largely dependent upon the
union Of all existing and prospective lines
OF railway in one common terminal station
In conclusion, your committee would
suggest that the influence of the board of
trade be persistently exercised to secure:
First. The speedy elevation or depres-
sion OF steam railroad tracks within the
District OF Columbia to a safe distance
above or below the grades Of the streets
and thoroughfares along which they pass.
Second. The discontinuance and refusal
of all such privileges as tend to create and
perpetuate monopolies in steam railway
transit and traffic.
Third. The entrance to the District of
Columbia OF all legitimate railway enter
prises under conditions recognizing COM
mon benefits. burdens and obligations.
Fourth. The encouragement by means
of existing and increasing railway facili-
ties. Of manufactures within the District
of Columbia.
Fifth. The location OF union passenger
depot"
The Report Adopted.
Mr.. Edison raised q question, after this
report had been read, as to whether or not
the board should adopt the reports entire,
together with the recommendations with