The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1894-02-16
THE ASSESSMENT BILL.

In consequence OF disagreement over
certain features of the compromise
assessment bill, arranged by Senator
Hayes, Governor Brown and others,
it is now stated that an effort will
again be made TO push the Field bill
through the House. This bill is in
the line of the pledges made by the
Democratic party and demanded by
the people. 1t simply provides that
we shall have a new assessment, I'M
der such laws regulating the matter as
may exist when the assessment is
made. The effect of its passage
would be that if no agreement can be
arrived at with regard to special fea-
lures of a new assessment law, the as
sessment can be made under existing
laws. 1t seems to us that it would
be wise for the Legislature to pass
the bill, in order to insure IL reas-
sessment Of the property of the State.
The idea is also set forth that un
der the existing depression in all kinds
no reassessment. 1t is argued, and
correctly, too, that under any assess
ment law land must be valued lower
than it now is and that the reduction
in the assessable basis in the counties
may not be made up by the discovery
of other property not now taxed. If
the basis of taxation is not increased,
of course there can be no reduction in
the rate of taxation. The argument
is somewhat fallacious and should
have no weight with the Legislature
in deferring the assessment. Although
there should be no increase in the tax
able basis new asses sment, even I'M
der existing laws, would have the adj
vantage of equalizing taxation. 1t
could not increase county expenses,
except for the cost of making the as
sessmert. A certain sum must be
raised in each county for its expenses,
every year, whether property be rat
ed high or low. If it be rated low,
the tax rate must be higher but if the
assessment bears equally upon all and
every man is assessed for all he owns,
the result to each individual tax pay
er is the same, under high or low as
sessment. For instance, a tax of 81
on the 500 on a farm valued at $50 an
acre would be no more than tax of
80 cents on the 800 on farm valued
at $40 an acre.
There is also talk of u new Consti-
tuition, in which the principles regu-
lating assessments for taxation shall
be more definitely set forth. This,
however advisable it might be, would
require too long a time
Governor Brown has stated that he
is in favor of home rule in taxation in
Baltimore city. He is not against a
re-assessment, and thinks there should
be no antagonism between capital and
labor. "The farmer and the merchant,
the capitalist and the day-laborer
must lay aside all prejudice they may
have for or against the interests of
the other and come to one common
centre and work for the best interests
of the entire people of the State.n
Gov Brown further remarked:
1.-THE results of an assessment l have said
on more than one occasion are extremely
doubtful, and fear that in some sections of
the State the county levy will increase from
so to 100 per cent. The invisible property
aimed at does no exist in this State, as many
people imagine. The wealth of our capitalists
has been immensely exaggerated. The peo-
pie of this State lose sight of the fact that
there are millions and millions of dollars in
vested in Baltimore city in ground rents that
do not appear upon the tax books. And they
lose sight of the further fact that there is u
Willingness on the part of many of our citi-
zens to allow themselves to be thought the
possessor of much more of this property than
they absolutely own"