New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-06
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAILS.
BROOKLYN AND CONSOLIDATION.
THIS BOROUGH HAS GAINED. WHILE THE TAX
RATE IN MANHATTAN AND THE BRONX
HAS GONE UP.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir. Commenting on the increased tax rate OF the
boroughs Of Manhattan and The Bronx IN 'hs
mornings Tribune you say: The question WhyT
s absolutely certain TO be generally and nsistenty
asked, and the obvious. common and truthful an
swer will be that II is the direct result OF jammns
through the consolidation scheme In o'het
words YOU seem TO say that but for the share or
the expenses Of the governments OF the reinaiiihe
borouehs of the city assessed IN the boroughs OF
Manhattan and The Bronx because OF the equa'~a-
ton system promised by the advocates OF coneV'i-
dalton and guaranteed by the charter. such as
tressing state OF affairs would not exist wen,
probably not. We who reside In the Borough Oh
Brooklyn. especially, expected this very OUTCOME
We believed our taxes would be somewhat lesseheu
by consolidation, and have not been disappointed.
We are gratifed by the good faith in this regard
exercised by those In authority. and already can
assure The Tribune that the effect Of consolidation
is felt the increased inquiry for our real estate
and the hopefuness among our builders as VIII
ness yesterday a single builder taking out per
nit for fifty private houses.
Now 1 submit would It not Dc well for Inc
Tribune under the heading Facts and Reiec-
tions" TO print another editorial setting forth the
fact that consolidation has proved n blessing 10
Brooklyn borough. in that II has reduced the rate
Of taxation: has made a new East River Drioge
possible; has brought about the passage OF 0Ir
irolIey cars over the Bridge: has made possible
the repaving of our horrible cObblestone streets;
territory where arc already built thousands OF
homes; has relieved our citizens OF taxes Tor one
year; has provided money for a score OF new
school sites and buildings. and has put heart ana
strength and activity not alone into our real tSlae
hut along all the lines OF trade traffic ana manu-
featuring industries Ia the borough?
Why not write apprOvingly OF the JainIheu
throurh'' consolidation act and OF tho man who
ordered that scheme jammed through II suSh
was really the fact. and prove and Illustrate inc
position by the almost miraculous development anu
growth OF the Borough Of brooklyn II IN uiis
present year the OF taxation Is greater IN the
boroughs OF Manhattan and The Bronx by reason
OF the consolidation there is everything 10 JusuIy
The belief that IL Will be less hereafter for the very
same reason our taxable property Is rapidly IN
creasing. and with every year the expense OF our
greater government will be increasingly borne by
the boroughs other than Manhattan and ne
Bronx and at diminished rate OF taxation VIVA!
the taxpayer requires most OF all Is economy ana
honesty in municipal administration. and thtn,
uith iiIdIcious expenditures I'm the way or public
improvements, believe the people, and parry a.!
the people and all the partes-wiN be SATISFIED not
only but proudly satisfied with the orsanizat9n
OF the great city OF New-York brought ABOUT by
the act of consolidation. JOHN IL. bbhiIS
BROOKLYN, July Is, 1899.