Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-01

per cent of that of New Orleans, 143 per
cent of that of Milwaukee and 1859 per cent
of that of Cleveland, all of which cities had
then larger population.
Since 1890 Washingtons assessed valua-
ton has increased according to the as
SCISSORS latest report, to $19S, ASS, Alb, an adj
vance of more than 60 per cent. In the alb
sence of the official returns on this point
from the twelfth census a direct compar,-
son cannot Immediately be made in the
matter of increases. Washington's show
Ing is, moreover, certain to be materially
advanced when the new assessment, Just
approaching completion, is announced. The
total assessed values will undoubtedly leap
far beyond the 5000 600. 600 mark. If now
there are evasions of taxation in this Dis
trict aggregating S25O,OOO, 600. as Repre-
sentative Benton asserts, 1t is evident that
Washington Is today one of the richest of
American cities. For If there be such 4
wholesale lodging of taxes here now, it is
fair to assume that there was proportion
ate If not an equal lodging in 1890. In
such event. supposing that the proper esti-
mate of the lodging in that year on the
Benton basis is approximately S227 900 900,
the total valuation of the capitals property
in 1880 should have been 100000, COO in
the Washington made such a remarkable
showing in contrast with other. larger,
more commercial and obviously richer
cities.
But, It may be argued. there was tax
lodging there also, and therefore the Wash
ington contrast would not, on the basis of
strict estimate of the properties, be so
favorable to the capital. Very well. Wash
irgtOn wants no monopoly of the reputation
of tax lodging. 1t has indeed claimed
throughout this long controversy that it
lodges taxes far less than other large
cities. Whereas in 1890 it's assessed valua-
ton was so near to the real valuation tina t
the census officials stated the two equal,
it was notorious that Chicago's assessment
was appallingly below the figure of real
values. being only $17O.j54.147 out of an
estimated 81 go 100000, or even. according
to the estimate of W. T. Stead. 81, 900, OOO,-
600. According to those same figures, only
one-sixth Of the real values of Omaha were
assessed one-half of those of Indianapolis
and one-fourth of those of Cleveland.
Accepting the Benton estimate for the
purposes of argument and adding $3.50, 0O0-
900 to the probable latest assessment,
Washington, with total taxable property
of approximately $500. 0O0. 900. should possess
not only large resident population of
wealthy men owning property-the tax
dodgers of the Houses imaginat lon-but
enormous industries. subject to taxation.
Where are the latter? The largest local in
dustrial establishments are those of the
government. exempt from taxation. The
District, according to the latest bulletin of
the twelfth census. ranks now only thirty
fifth out of a total OF fifty-three states and
territories. whereas it ranked thirty-second
out of fifty-tWO ten years ago in the total
of the products of local manufactures. If
Mr.. Benton will specify where the values
lie which aggregate this $250,OOO,0O0 of
exempt property, he will confer a favor
upon the citizens of the capital, who are
as anxious as even the members Of the
House to equalize the tax burden and to
raise a sufficient and proper sum for all
legitimate expenses.