The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1901-03-08
Proceedings of Convention of Assessors.

We are indebted to Assessor Specie
for printed copy of the proceedings
of the convention of county assessors
held last month IN Olympia. The fol-
lowing extracts giving the valuations
fixed by the assessors On different
classes of personal property, and other
matters of interest, are copied for the
benefit of our readers:
One year old American horses, $40 to
$40; year old American horses $25 to
$50; year old American horses, $50 to
SIS; work horses, $25 to $50; cayuses,
from SIS to SIS. 1t IS understood that
the value placed on American horses
does not mean half-breed range stock,
which should be valued according to
actual worth. Mules to be assessed
same as American horses.
Calves from s to II months old $40
per head, weaned; two years old and
Il months, SIS to $40 per head; COWS
range stock, $50 per head; dairy stock
and home use COWS, SIS 10 $40 per head;
all other cattle to be assessed from $40
to $40 according to age and grade.
Sheep from $1.75 to So, according to
grade. Hogs assessed according to indi-
vidual value, age and weight to govern
Wagons and carriages to be assessed
according to individual value. Sewing
machines are placed on the exemption
list; one watch and clock to each head
OF a family is exempt. Where two
watches are in one FIRMLY exempt the
cheaper. Field deputies must list all
personal property person has, and
the exc mption will be taken from the
footing either by him or the office force
Office furniture is not exempt under
the present law. All other personal
property named on detailed sheet was
passed as being left to the discretion
of the Assessor as to value, until the
matter of telegraph and telephone and
electric light lines was reached. It
was decided that on first class lines
first copper wire should be assessed at
$50 per mile, including posts, and SIS
per mile for each additional wire, and
IS tor each telephone in use. Further.
that lines of iron wire should be
assessed at 500 per mile for single
wire and SIS for each additional wire,
and $40 for each telephone wire.
| Mr.. Buxton, of San Juan, stated
that in his County he assessed delin-
quent tax certificates. Cadman. from
Walla Walla, reminded the convention
that County warrants we're also assess.
able 1t was agreed that telephone,
telegraph and electric light lines should
be assessed on their franchises accord
ing to value in each County. Mr.,
Williams, of Spokane, stated that ia
addition to their right of way he assess.
ed the railroad companies coming into
Spokane City for the franchise general.
ly about two cents per foot.
The rolling stock of the different
railroads was fixed at the same rate as
last year, viz: First-class roads, that
is trauscontinental roads or trunk
lines. Is cents per foot; second class
roads, that is branch lines, according
to value. Other classes to be assessed
also according to value.
The place of the next annual meet
ing was fixed at North Yakima.
i The secretary OF the convention If
closing the records, says: "The Sec
rotary, in closing the minutes, woul.
like to make special mention of the in
dividual efforts of the gentleman from
i Spokane. Mr.. Williams; Mr.. Smith. O.
Whatcom; Mr.. Jones, of Chehalis; Mr.
Grimm, of Lewis; Mr.. Porter. of Col
umbia; Mr.. Scott, of Yakima; Mr.
Specie, of Mason; Mr.. Kendall. O.
King; Mr.. Dale, of Skagit, and others
and the "put in" of the Secretary. bu
! space forbids.- Suffice it to say, th
convention was composed of brigh
!, lot OF fellows, conscious of the dutie
imposed upon them and each on
mindful and watchful of his Couu ty'
Interest"