The times., 1898-06-21
REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
A Report Makes Some IDterestin
Revelations.

Revelations.
In regard to the statement made before
the Senate Committee of the District,
that no efforts were made TO collect the
license fees from real estate dealers. and
that these fees were not paid unless It
was voluntary. to all of which Hon.
James Mcmillan asked for an explana-
ton. the District Commissioners have
submitted a copy of the report of the
District officials in charge of that work.
The report says: For the past five
years. in consequence of the general busi-
ness depression, the revenues from the
several licenses were more or less Ic-
duced. The reduction was. and is, more
noticeable in case of livery stables and
real estate agents. The revenues from
livery stables are less, for the reason that
besides the general business depression,
they have 10 contend against the use of
bicycles The cause of the reduction in
the revenue from real estate agants is
that there is not one-third the real estate
business being done now that there was
five years ago Although the Washington
directory contains the names of $40 firms
or persons in the real estate business, we
have, year after year. sIfted and investi-
gated like list and found a number OF
the names to be those Of persons employ
ed by licensed real estate firms as clerks,
who are not liable TO the license tax, but
who appear in the directory as real
estate agents. Quite number are per-
sons who buy and sell their own property
and collect their own rents, who also are
not subject TO license tax
Others are names of persons sometimes
called curbstone brokers, being found
without office or place of business, or
even desk room in another's office, but
whose business is to bring customers or
information TO real estate brokers for a
consideration, the name of the licensed
brokers alone appearing in the transac-
ton. Some are the names of partners in
licensed firms, and quite a number could
not be found or located.
'fThe assessor cannot devote all his time
TO real estate agents. The law respecting
real estate agents says:
4" 'Everey person whose business il is to
sell or offer for sale real estate belong
ing to others, or collect rents for Others
shall be considered a real estate agent
THE Police Court has repeatedly held
that before a conviction could be had a
business must be shown. An occa-
sional or incidental transaction is not
sufficient. It must be followed as a busi-
ness. Convictions cannot be had against
persons who can prove that they are
engaged in a different business, and that
not oheir business In order to prove
the charge of unlicensed real estate
agent we have to show at least two
transactions, which is net always poss ble
I'VE have endeavored not to be harsh or
unreasonable, but. within certain bounds,
to accommodate the business community;
but, at the same time, we never allowed
the interests of the District to suffer If we
could prevent it, and we are satisfied that
If the gentleman who made the alega-
ton knew all the facts connected
Herewith, il would not have been made,
and if he is aware of anyone transacting
the business OF a real estate agent with
out a license, we would be obliged for
the information. with the assurance that
prompt action will be taken, without dis
elimination or fayoritism. The records
of the Police Courts show that during
the past license year thirty-three real
estate agents were before that court for
doing business without a license That
number would be at least doubled were it
not that parties against whom we had
flied information took out their licenses
before warrants were issued. There were
also $50 persons before the court for viola
ton of other license laws
This report is signed by William j.
Donovan and r. 0. Melton, clerks in the
assessors office.