Omaha daily bee., 1902-06-13
OF IMPLEMENT MEN
County Board Of Equalization Gives Subject
Consideration.
ASSESSMENTS OF SOME FIRMS
Ward Assessor Gets Indignant at
Hearing and Demands "Retrac-
ton Of the InsinuatIon"
of Business Man.

Yesterday was agricultural implement day
before the County Board Of Equalization,
and in the roundup a few thousand
dollars we're added to the assessment rolls,
with a slightly greater amount in pros
pect. The hearing came up on the protest
of the Lininger G. Metcalf company, which
complained Of an assessment OF $4,000
and showed the assessments Of other firms
in the same line OF business as reason for
a reduction. This company was repre-
scented by Frank L. Halter, and the hearing
was not devoid Of spice. Mr.. Halter said
that he had made a return Of $4,000 on
lthe stock OF the company, which was one
sixth Of the fair cash value of the stock
on hand at the time OF the assessment. II
1ried to convince the assessor Of the just
ness Of that return, but / did not take the
proper course" he said with a smile which
might mean anything. The assessor who
made the return Of $40, 900 was present
and Immediately caused a diversion by de-
manding a 'retraction of the insinuation."
in the discussion which followed as to the
relative value Of the stocks OF the different
companies the assessor was ignored and re-
tired, making subdued threats Of personal
encounter unless the words were with
drawn.
wants TO See the Goods.
While this side play was in progress the
commissioner were hearing the statements
of the interested parties, each OF whom,
either in person or by attorney, was pro-
testing against any change In the assess
ment as returned by the assessor. Finally
commissioner Ostrom, chairman Of the
board, suggested that as a way OF determin-
ing the relative values Of the stocks OF the
different companies the board max a visit
to the houses. This was put as a motion
by another member and II was decided that
1.-THE board should make a personal inspec-
.tion OF the various stocks in the afternoon.
This determination seemed to be unsatis-
factory to all of the persons present and
they retired for consultation. AS a result
of their talk every interested party was
ready to explain to the board how little
good such a visit would do. as there would
be no possible way of telling the relative
value Of stocks on hand In April by their
size at this time, and 1t was suggested by
F. A. Brogan, attorney for the Deere Inn
'plement company, that the parties had
agreed upon a basis Of settlement which
in their opinion would be just.
Action for Some Firms.
The board did not agree with the parties,
but after a short discussion, the following
figures were adopted as final for the as
sessments OF certain firms: Lininger &
Metcalf company, SIG. 900. a reduction of
$4,000 from the assessors return; John
Deere Implement company. $4,000, an in
crease Of $4,000 over last year; Parlin,
Orendorf & Martin company, $4,000, an in
crease Of $4,000 over last year. and the
Nebraska Moline company. $4,000, an in
i~crease of 1900. This was accepted by the
parties with the understanding that other
implement dealers be cited to appear before
the board and be given an increased assess
.ment in proportion to the increase made
upon the parties present today.