Omaha daily bee., 1903-03-15

G. +. Harrison-I have scant patience
with those persons who condemn Omaha
because OF high taxes and bad government
who would not so much as lift a finger
TO get the taxes reduced or make the city
government better. Omaha is not higher
taxed. nor worse governed, than other cities
OF It's size and class. Our taxes are no
higher than the average Of other cities OF
our class-in fact. are not so high. Our
real estate organization has not objected
so much to high taxes as to the unequal
distribution OF taxes. II properly dis
tributed, the tax burden on all property
in Omaha would be light. Omaha is at the
turning Of the ways. The water has been
squeezed out Of its values, a new basis
adopted and the city is now ripe for an ad-
vance such as has not occurred for fifteen
years. In this forward movement the Real
Estate exchange stands for two things.
First. a fair distribution Of the burdens Of
taxation in accordance with the constitu-
ton; second, the building up of a greater
Omaha under a good city government.
George p. Bemis-I was one OF the first
members Of the Real Estate exchange when
It was incorporated. The exchange is and
has been doing splendid work since II com
menced on the tax business. The organiza-
tion has made a most wonderful record and
the young blood Of the exchange, the mem
bers OF the tax committee and Attorney J.
H. Mcintosh should be given the highest
praise. Taking all Things into considera-
tion. l believe the future for real estate in
Omaha is on the upward slant-no boom,
sbut a steady rehabilitation OF values.
Sharp land speculation outside the cities
always foreshadows brisker markets within
the corporate limits. / am confident that
the real estate and general prosperity Of
the city are assured.
G. s.. Benawa-Omaha property Is a good
investment now for the reason that the
rate Of interest on farm land is not as high
as that which can be derived from city
property at present prices. Rentals are
better from Omaha real estate than they
have been for some years previously and
this will increase building, which will fur
Their add to the value of city property.
John N. F~renzer-Since the boom Of 1897
there have been many improvements in the
city in the way Of additional railroads,
large wholesale houses and manufacturing
plants. Large warehouses have been built
by Omaha wholesalers for their own use;
the schools and colleges have been much
improved; the parks and boulevards have
been improved; the new public library
building opened.
Thomas Reconsideration In taxes is
having a good effect upon sales OF Omaha
real estate. l have sold considerable prop
erty, much OF which was taken by eastern
mortgages after the boom. From now on
Omaha real estate promises to be a profit
able investment at present prices.
F. d. wead-Rents have increased con-
siderably on Omaha property recently and
people are inquiring for property. Many Of
these are people who have removed to the
city recently. The fact that there has not
been a very large amount of building OF
rental property not only increases the
value Of the lotsr now improved, but 1t
gives promise Of increased value to land
when such buildings are erected, as they
must be in time. The interest rate on
Omaha property has also decreased re-
Gently. showing that in the minds Of lend
ers OF money the risk is considered better.
W. H. Thomas-There are many oppor-
t%unities for profitable investment in Omaha
real estate. While improvement is noted
in the value Of trackage property for whole
sale purposes, centrally located property
In the retail district and in the West Far
nam residence district, city real estate as
a whole is low and entirely out of line with
the high prices paid for farm lands. Condi-