davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03
TAX METHODS PROBED.
FEITNER OBJECTS TO GER
TAIN QUESTIONS THAT MR. MOSS
ASKING

Thomas L. Fetner recalled.
The Witness-Mr. Moss, before you proceed let
me just say, in relation to George Gould-you
seemed to make a point Of 1t yesterday
all made no point
know when was In the Department. on an estate
Of $40 900 900 and that went into court and they
were all determined TO be non-residens. That Is
the reason he not on the roll so that there
won't be any misunderstanding as one OF the
IL may go out that the system In New-York con-
demned defective | spoke only or the system
in the State not of the system OF the city OF Sew
we have had letters from the Statistical Bureau Of
Washington, saying that our system Of taxation in
New-York City Is the best In the country.
tiers? A.-That letter came from the Statistical
Bureau in Washington. had II In my desk about
two months ago, was preserving IT, and looked
for it the other day and lost IT,
Q-Cent you get copy OF 1t? Al think | Will
be able to.
Q-Then you don't think that there Is any ne
done by the Tax Revision Commission? Al be-
lieve, Mr.. Moss. that the moneyed interests Of this
State will not permit revision OF the Personal Tax
law. That comes to me from my experience.
Mr.. Moss-That is not the point.
The Chairman--That IL not the question.
The Wltness-I believe II Is.
o. asked you open and fair questionable
you think the tax system needs rcvisionP Al be-
lieve 1t does-radical revision.
Q.-And the tax system which you refer TO Is the
State system. but, even in its application TO New
York City. 1T needs revision? Ayes
OIL don't think we disagree? Al don't want
II misunderstood; that Is ell One OF the newspaper
TO New-York City. | want that corrected
Dwell II is State law A State law-as
| said 10 him.
GOOD LAWS NULLIFIED.
o.-And. Mr.. Feitner. the whole business OF taxa.
ton ID OF such nature that, no matter hoy wisely
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03
TEN THOUSAND PROTESTS.

o-why do you anticipate It? A.-Necessarily
where an increase has been made there people
In the city OF New-York that will question our
right There ten thousand applications filed,
and we are denying almost every one.
Q-Have ten thousand applications for reduction
Of assessments been filed with you? A-About
that.
Q-About ten thousand? A.-That is not much
more than about 100 per cent more than is always
filed.
Q.-That Is II Is twice as many as ordinarily ?
Advice as many as ordinarily and mainly in the
Borough of Manhattan.
O.-Mainly in the Borough OF Manhattan. Is
that altogether real estate. that ten thousand
Ayes: we don't look after any personal
Q.-And do | understand you TO say you have de-
MED the applications generally? Ayes, sir
Q-Have you denied them all? A.-No.
Q.-~What proportion OF them have you granted
A-Oh couldn't tell you now.
Q-But you say mainly they have been denied
Ayes.
o-And then. OF course you anticipate that they
will appeal to the courts for relief? Ayes
Q-you have no doubt OF the fairness justice
OF the courts have your A.--No.
Q-You have no doubt Of the efncacy OF truth be-
fore the court, have you? A.-No.
Q-You have no doubt that truth In tax matter
will prevail In the courts as well as in any other
matter. have your A.-As a LAWYER. know that
before you go into court they have an advantage
o.-But, Mr. Fei,ner, you are not personal iii.
Involved as head Of that Department.
70 apa1 ha, BY p, heating those
'' o.-And IN the majority Of those eases. Il thu
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03
BURIED IN COMMITTEE.
NJ. F. BLAKE. CLERK OF THE ALDERMEN
Michael F. Blake sworn.

Mr.. Moss-You are the clerk of the Board OF
oEHsve You prodnced the resolution about
which have just asked Alderman Goodman? Al
tecum which received
..Q.-Let me it, tWitness hands resolution to
Q.-when was this resolution introduced? A
That was introduced on the first day Of November
Mr.. Moss-I will read the resolution;
Where's The method Of ieyying and SSNfecing
several boroughs occasioning discrimination which
is unjust and unfair; and
varies in one borough from that in another, which
in some Instances Is excessive therefore.
Committee Finance of this Board be and they
are hereby instructed 10 investigate this subject
will so change the present system that an absolute
uniformity VIII exist throughout the entire terri
tory or Greater Newly ork. and also relieve property
owners from all unreasonable demands and exac-
pubic hearings and invite thereto the heads Of the
! several departments which are authorized under
fines. demand interest. and 90 forth and all others
who are in any way interested in the subject:
Resolved further. That the Corporation Counsel
| be and he is requested 10 appoint representative
Of his office TO sit and act with our joint commit
as set forth and If necessary to prepare
pa or oiiIs tor INTRODUCTION in the Legislature TO
sired: "'''" wv
Resolved, Also That full stenograph,c notes be
taken at all public hearings and an epitome of the
| views expressed, suggestions made and so forth
| be reported 10 this Board"
! ADOPTED. BUT HELD UP.
| Q-Now. Mr.. Clerk. please tell us what is the
| present condition of that resOuton-where II Is?
A:-Ihe present condition is, 1t Is now in the hands
| or the General Committee OF Law and Finance
| put nothing has been done with this resolution
! from the time ii passed
| Q-Mas 1t referred? A.-No 1t adopted.
Q-The resolution adopted? 1t was
adopted, and In the resolution itself reference is
called for. You understand; the resolution calls for
a reference ~ "
OIL understand. The fact is IL was adonted;
| Alt was adopted. but nothing
Q-lt was referred TO a committee? Ayes sir
Q-And that committee has never acted? A
| That committee has never acted
! Cor course, Mr.. Clerk the time for objectina
! 70 the assessment of values has passed | suppose
that was fact? Al have nothing 10 do viii
that will not say know that as a fact.
Mr. Moss-Very well | Will withdraw Won now
Q-Can you state the committeeman? Al coult
not. " ~
Estate, Mr.. Clerk. as nearly as you can from
recollection the names OF the members Of tho com
mittee? Al can state the chairmen OF the com
mittees. " VIC N0
Q.-Who are they? A-The committees in OIL
| chairman of the Law Committee is George a
| Burrell; the chairman OF the Finance Committee 4
| Robert Muh, and II Is the custom of the chairme,
| OF the committees &c call the committees togethe
whenever there is a hearing about 10 take place
Q.-That will do, Mr. Clerk. A-May | 90 nowp
Mr.; Moss-You may 60 Mr. Goodman take tn
stand '' ~ vi
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03
INSPECTION NOT ALLOWED.

Mr.. Moss-I am unable, Mr. Chairman. TO 20 more
closely into the details OF the requirements OF the
fire law, because Of the refusal to allow any OF
representatives to inspect the building
The Chairman--Is there not q detailed description
Of the construction of the building in the Building
Department?
Mr.. Moss-The record in the Building Department
r. not as detailed ss II might be- There are plans
as they were proposed, witch plans are quite yo-
luminous, and have not examined them very care
fully: But those pleas are only what was pro-
building and what those plans were. whatever they
were. were disappToved by Mr.. Brady Those
plans produced here without hs approval and
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03

Q.-And Mr.. Ftitner, the whole business OF taxa.
ton ID OF such nature that no matter hoy wisely
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03
GIVES HIS CASE AWAY.

lnjure the assessments Wnlcn ne mas made ana
against which individuals are complaining? A.
You must remember that have extraordi-
nary conditions brought about by the Legislature,
and we have TO meet those extraordinary condi-
tons.
Q.-Now Mr. Witness. l will ask you this ques-
ton directly. What have you done as department
in the laying of assessments, which you are afraid
10 tell here on the witness stand for fear 1t will
enable individual property owners 10 have their
assessments reduced-what Is II? Al cannot an
swer that question.
Q-why can you not answer 1t? Any own idea
OF public policy In the situation don't justify me In
answering that
Q-Have you done anything. Mr. President OF the
Tax Department, which you do not care TO state
here, in the evying of assessments, taxable value.
you dare not state them or do not care to state
them for fear the statement OF those facts will
assist property owners to secure a reduction OF
their assessments in the courts? A.-No
Q.-Then what is 1t that you are afraid OF or do
not care to tell? Al do not care about being
able to tell every one. and especially this odd num-
Der of prominent lawyers, exactly what our testi.
mony is going to be when we meet them In the
tribunal that has TO determine this matter.
OIL am not asking you to give your testimony
away? A-You are proceeding upon that line
Q.-You have before you were examined-you be-
gan to protest against the questions asked Mr..
sheehy. and you have to-day renewed your protest
that nearly ten thousand people are appealing 10
the courts to be relieved Of their assessments? A..
No, don't say that.
FEELS AT A DISADVANTAGE
GA large number? A-There may not be a
thousand.
Q.-That some are going to appeal from what they
believe TO be unfair assessments and you have Oh.
jected 10 an examination for fear II would give
them testimony upon which they get reduc'
ton Now. Mr.. Feitner II there Is A. dnter
rupting)-You have advantage You have al
| an advantage
| Q.-Wait a moment. haven't finished my ques.
ton II there is testimony of truth. which assume
is the only kind OF testimony you would give. that
would assist taxpayer TO get reduction OF his
| assessment why should you conceal II for a min
ute? Al do not and Will give Il TO him freely al
/ the proper time.
Q-Why should you refuse to do II now. wher
| we are investigating? A.-Because-
Q-Mr Fe!tner, allow me further. II you have
testimony which would enable a single taxpayer ir
/ any honorable court OF this State 10 secure the
exercise OF the judgment Of the court. reduction
| OF his taxes ask you now to produce ite A.
| haven't any With me now.
| Q-what 10 II that you told me about, then7 A
IL Am talking about The disadvantage you put ma
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-03

the light through 1t.
STAIRwAYS OF WOOD.
Q.--Are the stairways leading up 10 the balcony
and the upper gallery Of wood? Ayes. sir.
ON case Of fire, the people in the theatre
going from the balcony and the orchestra would
have TO go down one staircase. wouldn't they? A
The orchestra leads right out with the door
would meet the people coming downstairs
Q.-There is separate way; both the people IN
the balcony and galleries would get out Of the the
atre; they all have 10 come out by the main en-
trance. which is used by the orchestra people? A
Yes.
$50 that in panic in the case of fire any
thing you would have the whole audience damned
in the lobby? Ayes. sir.
Odd you notice the proscenium arch? Ayes.
o.-What was its apparent construction? Ats
appearance wood.
Q.-Do two OF the exits lead to these open ladders
the roof Ayes. sir; that is. from the top gal
lery spoke about before. lead out on to the
Q.-Then. Mr.. Witness. the only persons that
could those roof hre-escapes the people
occupy the top gallery? A.-You see. there is two
short stairs that lead from the balcony to the top
gallery
Q.-Is there any brick wall separating the audi
forum from the stage? Al could not see that
sir.
o.-How is the roof Of the theatre covered? A
, 1t IL covered with a soft
olwith what substance? Alt Is like tar COW
ering.
Q.-Like a tar covering? Ayes sheet tar
OILS there a tin roof there? Ayes. sir.
GA tin roof with sheet tar on It? Ayes.
Odd you observe a billiard and pooroom ad-
Joining the orchestra? Ayes. sir: that Is. over
the main entrance in the back OF the first balcony.
Q.-How is Il separated from the theatre? A
With wooden partition.
Q-There is simply a wooden partition between
the biard-room and the theatre proper? Ayes.
SIR
INSPECTION NOT ALLOWED
Mr. Moss-I am unable, Mr.. Chairman TO 20 more
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
The Proposed Combine of Ian
yOn Zinc Interests
With a Capital of So, 900
at lola Not a Trust.
CITIZENS FAVOR 1T.
State Charter Board Refuses
Incorporation Papers.
Would Erect New Works and
Give Hundreds Employment.

lola, Kan, Dec. 9.-The business men
and citizens of this city are regretting
the action of the state charter board in
refusing articles OF incorporation to the
LanyOn Zinc company, organized under
the New Jersey laws, with a capital of
100000. The charter board seems to
be of the opinion that the company is
a branch of the trust, and is not with
in itself, solvent institution.
From the information the representa-
tive of the Journal has been able to
obtain here he is convinced that this
is due to a misapprehensiOn of the facts
and that the charge is baseless. The
reason for the charge of insolvency is
that the capitalization amounts to
three million dollars and as is said by
the charter board that the property so
estimated cost the proposed company
less than One-third of that amount.
This brings them to the conclusion that
the capital represents an imitation and
that if the company paid it's Obliga-
tons there would be nothing left.
As to the trust phase of the charges,
the company is an Independent one and
mote a trust or combination.
There are three other zinc companies,
independent too, in operation here and
their business will not be disturbed by
the proposed new company, which rep
resents a consolidation of the Palmer
Oil company gas holdings with the
Lanyon smelling interests.
The company, if it should be char
tered, would proceed at once to the
construction of a sulphuric acid plant,
and also a zinc plate plant, meaning
an investment of between one and two
million dollars and the employment of
at least 800 men in addition to the
present force.
The people here are satisfied that the
proposed new industry which is prom
1sed by this new company, is genuine
business venture, entirely legitimate,
and believe absolutely that there is not
the slightest foundation for the Opin-
ion that a zinc octopus is being born.
The company officials will soon pre-
sent to the charter board the necessary
evidence to diSarm the state officers of
the suspicious which have prevented
favorable action because it is believed
by them that the proposed corporation
is not insOlvent.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
Relates Her Bitter Experience
In Washington.
HURT HER FEELINGS.
Store Clerks Asked Her Imper-
tinent Questions.
Followed on the Streets by KO-
dak Fiends After Shots.

Washington, Dec. 9.-Miss Adah L.
Roberts, daughter of the representative
elect from Utah, is not enamOred of the
east She had never been further from
her home than Denver before coming
to Washington as her fathers secretary
and companion.
Her description of the capital and its
inhabitants will not make pleasing
reading for those who boast of eastern
culture 8Ad refinement. She thus de-
scribes her experience:
IN my home in Salt Lake City was
a very unimpOrtant parsonage. I came
and went in the city. 1 visited through
out the state went to Denver and other
places. and was never regarded as
freak or something to be stared at.
During my short stay in Washington
I have been several times extremely
embarrassed. I have been followed on
the streets and snapshots have been
tried at me.
Time and again have overheard the
rudest remarks concerning myself and
my father. In elevators, in the corri-
doris of the capitol, on the streets, L
have been made the subject of open
comment as if I were an object Of ex-
hibitiOn
These people seem to have no fear
that their remarks might be d1stasteful
to me On the contrary, 1 know that on
several occasion they were much graf
flied by the knowledge that I heard and
understood the significance of the JestS-
Were among men Of the west, not
even the bitterest enemy of my father
or of our cause would permit me to be
so prosecuted. Men of the style of the
fashion of the east do not flourish in
the west. There is a vigorous manhood
there which would not stoOp to hurt
WOman's feelings.
Z believe it is customary to say that
women delight in the suffering of their
sisters. Surely this prOVerb has grown
up in the east. I am proud to say that
no matter how bitterly my sisters Of
the west might oppose my father, or
any policy which he in part represents,
they would never make me the victim
The east is as different to me as for
eign country.
u went into a store the other day to
purchase some necessities. When gave
my address the polite interest OF the
salespeopIe Immediately changed into
seeming CONSERVATION The clerk VINO
waited 1IpOn me after sending my bill
to the Office must have taken some OF
the others in the store into his conf
dence: at any rate, it was hardly a mo-
ment before was the center of grow
Even the clerks Of the store asked
me impertinent and impudent ques-
lions.
The indecency of the behavior Of the
eastern people with whom I have come
in contact is beyond description 1t
transcends all legitimate curiosity.
Our civilization is certainly different.
The human brotherhood is more strong
" marked, and then there is vigor and
assertion of manineSS about western
manhood which would make such things
impossible. A woman is something far
{ more sacred in my country than here.
If such things were to occur in the
west there are big. strong men out
there who would so impress a lesson
on the offenders that they would not
offend again, even if they were so dense
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09

and ignorant that they did not under
stand the indecency of their offenses.
Notwithstanding all this, which I
have to regret, am not sorry that I
have followed my father as a stranger
in a strange land. I know have been
a help to him.
while we did not expect any favors
or leniency from our political opponents
least expected that the constitutional
guarantees would be observed in his
case, and we felt certain that my pres
ence here would never be made an add
ed source of sorrow and anxiety to him.
Our beliefs are as sincere as those
of the most devoted opponent we may
have. We expected the courtesy we
were prepared to grant"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
PARTY WHIPS CHOSEN.
Republicans to Be on Their Guard
Against Stolen Marches

Washington. Dec 9.-Owing to the fact
that the Republicans have but thirteen
majority in the house, they will have to
be much more careful to have their full
membership on hand, or within easy call.
during the present congress. Realizing
this fact they have selected Congressman
Tawney of Minnesota as whip for the
Republican side.
Immediately upon receiving his appoint
ment Mr.. Tawney began the appoint
ment of whips for the various state dele
cations Congressman Reeves being Sc
iected whip for the Illinois delegation
and Congressman Curtis as whip for the
Kansas delegation. The indispOsition of
the Democrats to make pairs, already
manifested, has shown the Republicans
that they must be on their guard TO pre-
vent a march being stolen on them
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
INSPECTORS CLASH.
State and Federal Sanitary officers
Disagree at Cofeyvilla

Coffeyville. Dec. 9.-The clash be-
tween the United States live stock in
spector and the local inspector of the
Kansas live stock sanitary board took
a new turn here today, when F. II.
Chamberlain, of the state board, called
upon the sheriff of this county to hold
all cattle entering Kansas here, on
which the state inspection fee of 8 cents
per head levied by the state board had
not been paid. The government issues
an inspection permit. releasing the cat
tie from all restrictions except those
imposed at the point of destination. The
state board is trying to collect the in
spection fee whether or not the cattle
are billed to Kansas points.
Most of the cattle originate in the
territory and are billed to Kansas City.
St. Louis, St. Joseph or Chicago and
do not stop in Kansas. The state board
has made several attempts already to
stop through cattle trains, but has fall
ed. Now they have called on the sheriff
for help Cattlemen claim the state
board is interfering with interstate
commerce and many have refused to
nav the fees.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
DESERVES 1T.
Remarkable Success of a New Treat
ment For Piles.

For nany. years it has been supposed
that the only absolutely sure cure for
piles was by surgical operation, but the
danger to life and the pain and expense
has been so great that many thousands
suffer for years rather than submit to
this last resort; or they seek the tenn
porary relief in the many remedies
claimed to relieve piles and rectal trOu-
bles, salVes, ointments and similar sim
pie remedies which give only slight and
very temporary relief.
new preparation which IS painless
and harmless. but which affords fmme-
date relief and in many cases com
plete cure in a very short time, is sold
by druggists under the name Of Pyra-
mid Pile Cure.
1t is in suppository form used at
night and its regular use has cured
thousands of obstinate, long standing
cases, and it seems to be equally effec-
tive in all the various forms of piles,
whether itching, bleeding or protrud-
ing.
The Pyramid Pile Cure aIlays the in
Illumination and intOlerable itching, re-
duces the tumOrs, and its astringent
properties cause the enlarged blood
vessels to contract to a normal, healthy
condition.
A Baltimore gentleman relates his
experience with the Pyramid Pile Cure
in these words:
1T affords me unusual pleasure to
add my endorsement to those of others
relative to your really wonderful pile
remedy. I was a sufferer for years I'M
til told by a fellow salesman of the
Pyramid Pile Cure. It has entirely
cured me and cheerfully send this for
publication if YOU wish to use it in that
direction. I wish you would send me
one of your little books on cause and
cure OF piles. 1 desire to show it to
some friends"
Any pile sufferer may use the Pyra-
mid with certainty that it will give in
slant relief and regular use a perma-
nent cure and the still further Ger
tainty that il contains no cocaine, NOR
phine or metallic or mineral poison.
All druggists sell Pyramid Pile Cure,
so cents for full sized treatment.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-09
Pensions For Kansans.


Washington, Dec. 9.-Pensions have
been granted as follows:
Original-LorenzO A Knox, Leaven-
worth, $12; George W. Hook, National
Military home, LeavenwOrth, IS.
Restoration and ncrease-WilliaIn
Waddle, Rosedale, SO to SPA.
Increase-John A. Johnson, Conway
Springs, Sc to IS; Martin V. King, Ben
ningtOn, Sc to IS; Frederick Monville,
Kansas City, S6 to SIP; Thomas NJ.
Hamilton, Garnett, S13 to ST. James NJ.
Ginaspie, Preston. IS to SO; Jacob
Pearce, carlton, 81 to $24; John w.
Middleton, Augusta, $24 to $50; John S.
Strange, Lincoln, IS to $14; Samuel G.
Rust, Washington, 81 to SO; Richard
Waltham, Myers Valley, SIG to $17.
Original widows, etc.-RacheI Cox,
mother, Rochester, $12.
Original widows, etc.-SDeciaI Ac-
crued, November 23-Phebe E. Causey,
Augusta, IS; Elizabeth r. Davidson,
Abilene, IS.