The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1901-01-25
CRANKS VS.. CROOKS.
Some Very Interesting Slde-
lights Upon the Official
Life of Hoboken.

A review of the work it has accom-
plished in Hoboken during the past year
is embodied in report just issued by
the Taxpayers Association. printed copies
of which are being circulated among prop
erty owners. The report. among other
things, says
Among our numerous efforts to prevent
looting of the city treasury those against
Illegal charges for advertising have been
the most successful ones. In February,
1898, we saved the city Sl,10e on a single
bill of the official organ and less than a
year ago we compelled the same organ,
together with a sort of kid organ, lately
bobbing up, to knock off $1,000 from their
charges, which were for advertising the
last charter election, the big and the baby
organ having unanimously mistaken Ho-
boken for first class city, a mistake
promptly approved by our good City
Fathers
This association has always protested
against more than one official organ, and
at last succeeded in ridding the city of
one of the two. But, alas the one left has
pockets and greed ample for two Be-
sides, now again, a second one is trying
to wriggle itself into existence.
I'VE have fought in the Supreme Court
what we considered an illegally high tax
rate. We lost the fight. but have gained
this valuable, though appalling informa-
tioR, That, according to law, the powers
that be (the Tax Commissioners and AS
sessors) may impose on your property any
amount of taxes even UP to 100 per cent.
of it's value.
by another similar lesson we have
been taught that, no matter how unequal
and therefore unjust the different valua-
tions set by the assessors on property of
equal value may be, the Commissioners
of Appeals have no authority to afford
relief, as long as the assessed value does
not exceed the market value, which
hardly ever is the case, and that the sal
ary paid these Commissioners of Appeals
is simply thrown away.
1--WE are now fighting the further as
phalting of streets. especially Washington
street, as intended by our Council. AS
phalt pavement is no doubt very nice for
those interested in the job, and also for
bicycle and automobile sports, but it is
an impediment to traffic. especially heavy
trucking, and is a destroyer of horses
besides being a generator of heat and
stencil. Moreover, if Hoboken just now
must needs be burdened with a few hum
dred thousand dollars worth of more
bonds. school houses and improved sewers
should be preferred to spertive pavement.
.'In many other respects this association
! has been urging economy. We gave the
authorities no rest until they actually col
| lected the $4,000 (that mess of pottage
| for the First street franchise) from the
| slippery Rutherford r. r. Co. and at least
| part of the Carr-Curran water indebted
ness.
I'VE had sworn statement of the out.
| rageous charges for stationery supplied
i the City Hall by the organ already re-
! ferred to before the Grand Jury. We
| pointed out to the public that both worl
| at great overcharge; that the contingent
/ fund is squandered for gold badges and
| champagne or other luxuries warranted
/ by no law; also that we consider $50
! presents for some extra work to public
1 servants, enjoying a liberal salary, quite
| unnecessary, and that the mana gement oi
\ the dog pound shows q high handed care
\ lessness on the part of certain officials.
| I'm many other respects have we beer
and are now active for the welfare of oul
| city. For instance, we are now urging
j the Mayor and Council to grant the asked
| for water front to the North German
| Lloyd Steamship Company, but in sucI
| a manner that the city may derive there
| from some income and also retain the re-
| version in case the Lloyd should ever re
| move.''
The report, which is eigned by Dr. g
| Pape, secretary, and the officers of The
! association, concludes with an appeal K
| all taxpayers who are interested in Hobo
be a power for good and hulwarI
l against corruption.