New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-19
" NOT ALL TAX DODGERS"
PURDY DEFENDS PUBLIC.
Many Pay Too Much, Departments
Head Tells Brokers.

Not all property owners tax dodgers, accord
ing TO Lawson Purdy, president Of the Department
of Taxes ana Assessments He told tho real estate
brokers last night at the annual dinner of tho
board at the Waldorf that great many persons
pay taxes to which the city has valid legal
claim He also declared that New York had rela-
lively the most inexpensive Tax Department in the
country.
Mr. Purdy. after briefly reviewing the work of
the Tax Department since the early 7O's especially
that under Mr. Feitner the time Of the cOnsolida
ton of the city said in the course Of his remarks;
Contrary TO the usual opinion, we fpd good
utude, for We not in charge OF a donation
70 the city the eis should he known OWN as such
ana not contributed in the form of taxes. There
Mo were not liable and who knew they were not
been publicly criticised because they are regarded
g., Unfortunately, many. people think that a large
income is evidence Of liability to personal taxation
Tah arrange their Investments so as 10 escape legal
4aphtE 10 personal taxation while It Is often dli
TO avoid heavy assessment.
The suggestion that the Tax Department send to
persons assessed blanks to be Allied and mailed IS
disapproved by Mr.. Purdy. lie said it would re
quire change in the law. and lead to mis-
takes than at present.
Speaking of the assessment Of real estate at its
full value, he said:
The duties Of the commissioners IN acting
ments are easier to perform because OF the assess
ment of real approximately its full value
interest bearing securities ana there was prac-
ucally no avenue OF escape for executors ana
trustees
Under the old conditions the commissioners exer-
cised wise and justiAable discretion. Assessments
We're frequently reduced when persons consented to
examination to the facts. II this course had not
would have been driven from the city; moreover,
me severity OF the law was miugated IN the case
Now that assessment Of real estate at full value
has reduSed the tax rate and trust funds may 10
invested in exempt mortgages. II seemed wise TO
the present board 10 adopt rule that no assess
ton as 70 the facts shows hat reduction Is
legally justified No threat OF removal or OF change
through Ignorance OF the Law or for other rea-
son. should be assessed for larger sum than is
warranted by the law and the facts.
The law makes the commissioners Judges; they
are neither prosecutors nor beGgars.
DR. Thomas Darlington. Health Commissioner,
discussed the health statistics OF New York City
He referred especially to tuberculosis and his meas
ures for checking its spread. Speaking OF made
quate school seating facilities. he said that selfish
of residents Of parts Of the city in seek
ing school improvements In their particular sec
tions regardless OF tho general needs was re-
sponsible for the slowness in providing for the
pupils OF the city as 4 whole
Joseph P. Day. the auctoneer Of real estate, was
called on for 4 speech In closing he said:
Now gentlemen have been given 70 understand
by the members OF the dinner committee that, be-
cause OF the lavishness OF this AFFAIR, the COM
mittee Is greatly In arrears the dinner fund
I propose II the diners will aid me, 10 auction OF
tho lamp posts IN this dining room
The guests shouted their approval. and Mr.. Day
stood up his chair Scattered about the banquet
hall were about forty wooden lamp posts. counter
parts OF those at the street corners about the
city. One a red light, and was labelled Broad
way and 42d street
This lamp post" said Mr.. Day. Is to be sold
along with the letter box affixed TO It. in which
VIII be found letters from various soubrettes along
the Rialto."
Bidding for the lamp post spirited II was
knocked down TO Bryan q. Hughes FOR SIS.
one OF the forty lamp posts doomed 20 80 down on
tho block under the hammer was that at Firth
and sd street This brought {2l3, and was
sold To NJ /. Hess Robert r. simon bought the
lamp post Flfth avenue and 5Sth street for 500
n. A J.. Levy, a brother Of Jefferson NJ. Levy,
the Wall Street broker. paid 500 FOR the lamp post
at Broadway and Wall street. The isolated lamp
post Broadway and 265th street was sold at re
duCed rates at auction because 1t was so far on
Mitchell Alexander paid SIS for IT, The prices
jumped 10 $500 and Si0O. and 20 $40
Mr.. Day expected. lie said 10 take IN $4,000 on
the sale.
other speakers at the dinner were Edward L.
King and Corporation Counsel Ellison.