The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-11-09
NEARING THE CRUx IN
DISTRICT TAX PROBE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

Personally" interjected Representa-
tive Gardner YEARLY. II think a days
hearing on issue before US would be very
eniightening."
It was determined to give the citizens
committee a day In which to sum up.
and Il was announced that the three who
had opened the case would sum up
Col. worthington, Mr.. Mcfarland and
Mr.. Noyes.
Members of the committee. particu-
larly Representative Cooper evinced
marked interest in the statistics offered
by the citizens committee as showing
that citizens OF Washington pay more
taxes per capita than citizens Of most
large cities OF the country. His ques-
tons to Commissioner Brownlow indi-
Gated that he hoped to establish clearly
in his mind what would be the effect. In
equity. Of removing the half and half
restriction while permitting the present
tax rate OF practically 10 mills on the
dollar to remain.
Problem for statisticians.
In reply to Mr.. Cooper's questions.
Commissioner Brownlow declared that
he had no reason to doubt the accu-
racy or fairness of any of the figures
submitted by the Citizens Committee.
but that he did question the ability
vi any oHt u at
parison OF the burdens without study
ing the individual cities concerned IN
the comparison. because of the diff
ferent and unrelated methods of fig
uring taxation and municipal expenses
in various cities.
E. W. Oyster, who was criticised by
Herbert J. Browne in the latter's
brief. took the stand to reply not only
to criticisms leveled at himself, but
also to all criticisms on the assess
ment of 1915. in which. according to
Mr.. Oyster. he played a leading part.
Mr.. Oyster announced that every in
prior to his appointment as assistant
assessor. he had criticised the assess
ment on had been reassessed since his
appointment. and he went into some
detail to prove this.
Representative Cooper further indi-
Gated his interest in the probable ef-
feet upon the District OF a change in !
The existing form of government here. !
Has this investigation had a de-
pressing effect upon the real estate
MARKET" he asked.
Il have no doubt 1t has" returned
Mr.. Oyster. 81 do not suppose l could |
sell my own house for within $4,000
If the basis of the assessment"
Has the report been circulated that
proposal is being seriously consid-
.red to put all the burden OF taxation
IN resident taxpayersr' continued Mr..
'lan proposed by Herbert J. Browne.
"Oh yes returned Oyster" that has
been generally suggested"
Eject on Realty Values.
That would knock the bottom out OF
cal estate values. wouldn't it?" asked
Mr.. Cooper.
Mr., Cooper agreed that such a course
would be disastrous to real estate values.
Before concluding. Mr.. Oyster. who
lad made an excellent impression upon
he committee. made this statement:
a very bitter attack has been maze
N the assessor before this committee.
hink / know a faithful. efficient ana
lonest man when / see him. Mr.. Rich
Lrds is as faithful, capable and honest
man as I know, and without indulg-
ng In comparisons. can say that I
10 not think you could find a better or
more efficient assessor IN the District"
In concluding, Mr.. Oyster recommend
d three changes in the legislation al
Getting the assessors office, TO permit
4 annual assessment. full value as
essments, and the stating of the true
consideration in conveyances OF land ana
Charles c. Lancaster interJected some
excitement into the morning proceedings
" reopening the question as to the ell
utility of Commissioner Newman.
Mr.. shannon's Statement.
At the afternoon session William f.
shannon read to the committee a brief
urinary of his views. from which the
is an extraCt
81 am firmly convinced il is the half
.ad-half plan that forces Congress to
ook upon this city merely as any other
ity Of $4,000 people instead OF looking
pon 1t as the Capital of the richest and
,reatest nation on earth. II keeps Con-
,ress from looking upon Il as Its own,
5 belonging to its constituents. 100000
trong.
las to the proportion of expenditures
etween the United States and the Dis
riot. let Congress investigate and de-
ide what constitutes just taxes / am
4 the opinion that We are somewhat
vertaxed but in any event, let US pay
ur Just taxes directly to the govern
nent. Then. without any consideration
5 to the ratio. let the government spend
UT money and as much more as Con-
ress may deem wise. on our municipal
rganism and the Identification of the
atoms city. feel it may be assumed
nth perfect safety that II this is done
he Nations Capital will not suffer in