The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-09-04

Aotai Faiuation In Morris County Is
| $s9, ,aO7, 7s3.
The annual meeting Of the Morris
County Board Of Assessors was held In
the Ffeeholders' rooms on Tuesday
and the abstract of ratables and ex-
emptions for the ensuing year made
up. President Charles Il. Cook. Of
Madison, called the meeting to order.
Ia some districts an increase of last
years assessment was noted, but most
Of the reports were the same. In
Morristown an increase of 1925, 900
was shown. This called forth con
gratulatory remarks from County Col
lector Mclean, who, Of course, was
anxious to see large assessment and
thus lower the county rate When
Henry W. Young, Of Florham Park,
read his figures, there was a spontane-
GUS clamor for higher assessment.
This is not unusual because FL. Mex
Twombly resides in Florhan1, and be-
ing the richest man in the county the
board are not in the least sensitive
about demanding an increase on his
taxables.
Mr.. Young said President Cook,
understand Mr.. TWoInbly has
built some very fine greenhouses on
his place which greatly increase his
property valuation. =
That's right said Mr.. Young,
And have taxed him Justly for it..
But now there is no use of this board
'trying to raise the entire amount of
county and school taxation from Mr..
Twombly's property. He will go into
the courts and get it off,"
How much is he taxed, asked the
president.
''He is taxed 1886, 700: $500 per-
sonal tax, replied the assessor.
Il move we raise Florham 10 per
cent" yelled a jealous assessor, and
withouta disYnting voice the motion
was carried.
There seemed to be a lack OF busi-
ness ability among the assessors and
the board allowed itself to be gov
erned by the whim of any assessor.
An example Of this was furnished
when the assessment Of Dover was
called for. Two men arose and an
swered; fromer Surrogate George Pier
son and Jacob J. Vreeland. Both
had books and both had made an
assessment
Mr.. Pierson claimed he was the
authorized assessor because he had
been appointed last year by the COM
mon council and his term was for
three years. Mr.. Vreeland, on the
other hand, said he was the legalized
assessor as the present common cOun-
Gil, which has the power of appoint
ment, had made him so, and he pro-
duced certificates signed by the mayor
and clerk of Dover authorizing him to
act.
Gentlemen, said Mr.. Cook, II do
not know what to do with you two
assessors
II feel | am the assessor" said Mr..
Pierson. II want only what you
gentlemen ask for; term Of three
years, and my time has not yet ex-
pired. The law is with me-
Then Mr.. Vreeland saluted the
chair and said: "The common council
OF Dover says MI. PlefS0n'S Time mas
expired. They have elected me as the
assessor, ordered me to make the levy
and / have done it. have handed
you my credentials"
Unfortunately we have no coun-
sci, . said the president, "and if there
is a lawyer in the room willing to
give his advice and charge it up to
profit and loss, we would be glad to-
hear him.
But if there was legal luminary in
the room he kept dark, for silence pre-
vailed.
After the lull a mathematical assess
or sprang from his seat and said:
'sJust to git this thing before the
board, l move we accept Mr. Persons
books. Z"
The motion was carried The total
net value Of taxables was figured at
1925, POI, 1923. The State school tax to
be raised is $5l ,319.76, and the county
taxation S267 300. The rate found by
the board on assessment is IT'S on
State school tax and .917 on the county.
The table Of ratables win be found
/ 4 - 4.