The Equalization From 1859 To 1885

J'.mtor Coukiek: Much lias been said and written of lato about our taxes and equalization. Charges have been made and denied. ttc. We will try to let ligures speak for themselves, and tliey will always teil the truth if made correct. We have tried to niake thetn near correct, and anyone interested can see what has been done during the last 25 years. The question arises: why was it so.in 1859, and why s t so In 1884 ? ] Í as there any injustice be practiced; and by whom? The figures will show who the party Is thut was wronged. Why was Ann Arbor City nüaad in 80 years $1,423,000, or $58,000 per year, while ïpsilanti City was onlyraUed $100,000, or $6,400 per year. Why was. York rednced $158,000, or $030 por ycar, while part of Saline villaje, Mooreville aud the best part of Milan belong to that towuship? Why are some of our best townships largely reduced ? and only four of thera (not the best), were raised a little over $208,000? Since 1859, the 5th ward has been aunexed to Ann Arbor City. The value of of it was about $200,000 (and it has not iinproved much since). Have not all the townships (except very few) increased In value from 25 to 30 per cent. ? Washten:iw county is nearer worth $49,000 than 830,000, and if assessed acconling to law (as sworn tn), it woulil pzoTfl it. WLo would be wronged for telling the truth? lint our equalization of state and county, are made ou the principie: "John, keep all you have; make money honestly, but make it anyhow!" "Assess me low, in y neighbor high, but honestly; but assess him high anyhow." And we know that 13 votes settle the question, whether just or unjust. Would it not be better to adopt that okl, and good rule (seldom ap(plied) to do uuto others as we wish them to do unto us? If we would practhat whicU is in our power, we would ni.ike few errors. Many of our business men and others, make this standing offer that they will exehange their city property, for any farm property which is assessed as high as their city property, as quick us the deeds can be made. Now is the tiine to get rich by exchanging propprty. Much more might be said and let others do the 'same, and niiü'out tbr themselves what they wish their neighbor should do to them, and act aecordingly. Ttie three districts of Ann Arbor City need examination, to see, if possible, who is wronged. In 1867, they took what is now Cülled the 6th ward from the lst ward and gave uo credit. Also from the 3rd and 4th, the oth ward, ulso without credit, and made what is now the 3d district. EQUALIZATION OF WASHTEXAW, FROM 1859 TO 1885-25 YEARS. FlftU Ward off. C. K.