New-York tribune., 1901-01-21
TAX BURDEN TOO HEAVY.
CITIZENS APPROVE PLAN TO REDUCE
EXPENSES
f. ORR AND CHARLES A.
sCHIEREN SPEAK FEELINGLY OF
OFFICIAL EXTRAvAGANCE

SIhiEhEN SHEAh FEELlNGLY OF
OFFICIAL EXTRAvAGANCE
While a large number of prominent New
Workers who seen by Tribune reporters
yesterday did not hesitate to say that they had
read with interest the report that the Legislat-
ure might take steps to reduce the cost OF
municipal administration in this city, and also
said that there We're many ways In which this
could be done with advantage, few Of them
cared TO suggest just where the axe might fall
with profit to the taxpayers They had not
given the subject enough thought to be able Off
hand to venture an opinion. Alexander E. Orr,
however is one who has given the subject much
careful consideration. When seen yesterday at
his home, No. 102 Remsen-st., Brooklyn, he
said:
Il cannot help expressing the opinion that
the most serious question facing the citizens OF
NewYork to-day is that OF taxation. With
the exception of few localities, the values of
real estate have seriously declined throughout
the city since consolidation, and still de-
clining, because of the enormous increase of
municipal expenditures and the uncertainty
which prevails to it's further volume The
proposed taxation of mortgages causes fear
upon the part OF real estate owners, which, If
persisted in, will. in my judgment, cause real
estate panic. for the reason that ultimately 1t
will be the real estate which is the security for
the loan, and not the holder of the mortgage.
which Will have 10 bear the burden and until
an adjustment can be made very much property
will be thrown on the market.
Governor OdeH is moving upon the right
lines If our legislators and municipal authori-
ties would follow his example and address
themselves 10 the stoppage of criminal eItrav-
agances. instead of devising new systems CT
taxation TO perpetuate and increase their vol
ume, they would be blessing, instead of a
terror 10 the community"
EX-Mayor Charles A. Schieren. a member of
the Charter Revision Commission. was seen at
his home, No. 405 Clnton-ave.. Brooklyn last
evening, by Tribune reporter and said:
The highest estimate made by the trainers
OF the original charter OF New-York City as to
the budget for the greater city was from
SI0,OOOoOO to S75,000O00. Naturally, the citi-
zens OF New-York surprised that within
three years from the date OF consolidation, in
stead OF S15.OOOOO0, we are confronted with a
budget of 500. .00O00O. Whatever may be the
cause Of this enormous increase, certainly 1t is
time that a thorough investigation should be
made to ascertain where economy can be prac-
tised without inturing the departments.
The present administration claims that much
Of the increase in salaries ETC. is due to stat
utory laws enacted by the Legislature making
1t mandatory upon the administration. thereby
increasing the expenditures of the city. We
read, however from time to time in the press
that heads OF departments have increased the
salaries OF their subordinates. not on statutory
grounds. but Of their own free will. 1t is also
claimed that very many men hold Office and
receiving large salaries which could be dispensed
with At any ra;e. something seems to be rad
ically wrong with the administration OF the city
to roll up such an enormous expenditure and to
bring the budget up to the present enormous
amount of S100O00O00
The only suggestion l could make would be
to place all the departments upon an economical
basis. reduce the salaries wherever they are
found excessive and discharge all oficeholders
who are not absolutely necessary.
Il believe the enactment Of the revised charter
would largely mitigate the evil, because it pro
vides that the heads Of departments have no
right to make nor increase salaries. but the
salary question is left with the Board OF Esti-
mate and Apportionment and the Board of AL
dermen. The heads Of departments request
ed TO suggest and recommend a salary list TO
these boards for their approval or what changes
they wish TO make. This provision makes these
two boards responsible for all the salaries OF the
city. No doubt they will use great care in ex-
amining the lists furnished them by the de-
partments 80 that the city's interests will be
properly guarded and proper economy practised
in every department of the city
The Charter Revision Commission desires to
enact home rule and hold the local authorities
responsible for any excess or extravaganza in
the city government I firmly believe that IL
the revised charter becomes a law the expenses
OF the city government will be materially re-
duced'
Controller Coler said that if the Legislature
would cease piling up the citys expenses by
mandatory legislation, and allow the city TO run
Its own affairs without outside interference the
burden OF taxation would be considerably light
ened. He is for home rule in this matter.
Mr.. Coler was announced to speak at the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Fifty-sixth-st and
Tenth-ave, last night but he sent word that
he suffering from a cold