New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-25
REAL ESTATE MEN
FIGHT DIRECT TAX
Think Whitman Should
First Make Every Effort
10 Cut State Expenses.

Charles T. Noyes, head OF the real
estate company that bears his name,
announced yesterday he was opposed
TO Governor Whitman's direct tax plan.
He says a conference of city officials, the
Real Estate Board, the Merchants AS
sociation and taxpayers organizations
of the greater city and Governor Whit
man should be held so that an imme-
date and careful analysis OF the tax
plan can be made and ways devised to
keep this threatened tax burden from
being imposed.
"The layman who does not follow po-
litical affairs closely is hardly to be
expected to be familiar with the in
tricacies of state finances" said Mr..
Noyes. "ln regard to the present pro-
posed direct state tax we find Governor
Whitman and his advisers on one side
maintaining that this tax is necessary,
while former Governor Glynn and ex-
Senator John Godfrey SAKE, on the other
hand, publicly state that such a tax
levy is not required.
1--WE find Controller Prendergast
stating that some direct tax is neccs-
sary, but definite figures are not given
from his office, while President Nc
Aneny is quoted in the press as stating
A
There is little agreement between those
who from experience should know.
Their estimates vary by millions.
Personally, | do not pretend to
know whose figures are correct, but |
am certain that this matter is Of
enough Importance for Governor Whit
man and his advisers to ask that the
real estate interests and taxpayers as
sociations be called into conference,
and an impartial investigation of the
situation made by those in New York
City who are largely interested in the
matter, because of any state tax levy
New York City will pay from 70 to II
per cent of the total.
"A direct tax in this state would be
doubly unfortunate for New York City,
because here our property is assessed
at practically full value, while outside
the assessments are much less than full
value. Then, again, New York is now
struggling under the highest tax it
ever levied against real estate, and
there is every indication that the rate
for 1916 will average at least 2 per
cent, if not more. Sixteen points added
to this 2 per cent rate will be almost
unbearable TO many owners of property
highly mortgaged, particularly as in
come has been curtailed during the last
few years on account of depressed bust
ness conditions.
There never was a more inoppor-
tune time for direct state tax as far
as New York City is concerned. Rigid
economy must be practlsed here in New
/ York to hold our budget down, and if
an additional state la: is imposed upon
our people, unless it is definitely proved
to be necessary, it will certainly react
against a Republican state administra-
tion now favored by real estate in
terests. Aside from the accuracy of the
figures submitted by the various state
and city officials, it seems to me that a
large portion of the proposed direct tax
is contemplated in order that the barge
canal may be completed. see no rea-
son why this could not be handled by
the issuance of ffty-year bonds, as |
understand has been done heretofore"
Charles +. Duross, vice-president of
the Real Estate Board, says that to
add to the burden of the taxpayers of
New York City by direct state tax
will be a STRAW that will break the
camels back"
I've are told by expert accountants,
adds Mr.. Duross, that a direct state
tax is unnecessary this year, with
proper methods of economy in the state
administration. Every candidate. while
seeking offic, during his campaign, is
constantly and loudly calling for econ
omy, but no sooner is he elected than
he starts in at once to find new ways
of spending the taxpayers money and
new jobs for his friends.
I'VE all know certain moneys must
be raised for state purposes, but the
enormous income derived from indirect