COMMUNICATION FROM BOAED OF STATE TAX 
 COMMISSIONERS TO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
(IJnrnpU ICatu ^rl|nol IGibrarg 
 
COMMUNICATION 
 
 ' Cornell University Ubrary 
 KFM4671.A83 
 
 FROM 
 
 
 
 BOARD OF STATE TAI COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 TO 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
 
 TRA.NSMITTING DATA RELATIVE TO OPERATION 
 OF TAX LAWS. 
 
 FEBRUARY 23, 1911. 
 
 ORDERED PRINTED FOR USE OF THE HOUSE. 
 
 LANSING, MICHIGAN 
 WYNKOOP HALLENBBCK CRAWFORD CO., STATE PRINTERS 
 
 1911 
 
 o i w n ,n «i (Tk 
 

Lansing, February 22, 1911. 
 
 To the House of Eepresentatives of tlie State of Michigan : 
 
 The Board of State Tax Commissioners begs leave to acknowledge the 
 receipt of the following resolution from your honorable body: 
 
 "Wheretis, There is considerable agitation for a revision of the state 
 tax system as evidenced by the large number of measures introduced 
 proposing amendments to the general tax laws; and 
 
 "Whereas, The Board of State Tax Commissioners, having had many 
 years experience in matters pertaining to the tax system of the ^tate, 
 particularly in regard to the workings of the general tax laws; there- 
 fore be it 
 
 "Resolved, That the Board of State Tax Commissioners be and is 
 hereby requested to transmit to the House, without delay and not later 
 than March first, a communication relative to the workings of the present 
 tax laws, setting forth in detail what changes, if any, in the judgment of 
 the Commission should be made in said laws." 
 
 In compliance therewith, detailed data and other information are at- 
 tached to and form a part of this communication, upon which the fol- 
 lowing recommendations are based and respectfully submitted : 
 
 Fii'st. That the ad valorem system of taxation now in force be re- 
 tained ; 
 
 Second. That the powers of the board to initiate examinations, re- 
 views and re-assessments be clearly defined; 
 
 Third. That the board be authorized to employ such assistants, ex- 
 pert and otherwise, as may be necessary to secure a cash valuation of 
 all mining and other properties of the state, for the purpose of taxation ; 
 
 Fourth. That the valuations of all public utility corporations as- 
 sessable under the general tax laws, such as water-power companies, 
 electric-light companies, gas companies, power and heat cothpanies, in- 
 terurban and street railway companies be determined each year by the 
 Board of State Tax Commissioners, and that such valuation be certi- 
 flled by said board to the various assessing officers as the tentative 
 assessment of such properties for the current year; 
 
 Fifth.. That section 154 of Act No. 281 of the Public Acts of 1905, 
 be amended by inserting in line 2, after the word "any," the words "real 
 and personal," and in line 10, after the word "description," the words 
 "and kind," thus clearly bringing personal property within the provi- 
 sions of this section. 
 
 Respectfully, 
 
 Jas. H. Thompson, 
 RoBBBT H. Shields^ 
 Geo. B. Horton^ 
 Board of State Tax Commissioners. 
 
The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924024688701 
 
The detailed work of the boai'd for the past four years will be found 
 in that part of its report for the years 1907 and 1908, hereto attached, 
 together with the advance sheets of the report for the yeaj's 1909 and 
 1910, which report is now in the hands of the state printer. 
 
 Many reasons why the recommendations herewith submitted, in re- 
 sponse to your resolution, should be adopted are discussed in the ad- 
 vance sheets of the board's report for 1909 and 1910, which are a part 
 of this communication ; but the board begs leave to submit some addi- 
 tional information bearing upon its workings under the tax law as it 
 existed from 1899 to 1904 and under conditions which have existed since 
 1905. 
 
 The law providing for and prescribing the duties of the Board of 
 State Tax Commissioners relative to the assessment of property in the 
 state, became operative during the year 1900. Previous to that time 
 local assessing ofQcers had entire control in fixing the valuation of in- 
 dividual assessments. _The increase in the assessed valuations of real 
 estate in the state for thirteen years immediately preceding the year 
 1900 was 1112,738,002, and of personal property |2,187,419, a total in- 
 crease of only 1115,609,421. 
 
 The increase in assessed valuation of real estate in the state from 
 1900 to 1904, inclusive, was |356,379,498, and of personal property for 
 the same period |205,400,675, a total increase of |561,780,173. This 
 board had during that period the authority to employ such help as was 
 necessary', together with the power to initiate reviews and re-assess- 
 ments of all properties which in its judgment required such action. 
 
 The legislature of 1905 limited the number of employes of the board 
 to ten, exclusive of the secretary and chief clerk, and restricted the 
 power of review to- those cases in which a written complaint was filed by 
 a resident tax payer. This was amended in 1909 by striking out the 
 word "resident." 
 
 The increase in assessed valuation of real estate fn the state from 
 1905 to 1910, both inclusive, was $167,702,881, and in personal property 
 $43,542,097, a total increase in six years of |191,244,978 as compared 
 with an increase in the five years preceding 1905 of $561,780,173. 
 
 A comparison of the increase in assessments of real and personal 
 properties in the ten 'largest cities of the state for the period of five 
 years immediately succeeding the year 1899, and of tiie other property 
 in the counties where such cities are situated exclusive of said cities 
 is shown in the following table : 
 
 Eeal estate in 9 largest cities, except Detroit, increase • 
 
 from 1899 to 1904 154,996,556 
 
 Real estate in 9 largest cities, except Detroit, increase per 
 
 cent from, 1899 to 1904 70.4% 
 
 Eeal estate, city of Detroit, increase from 1899 to 1904.. $23,779,460 
 
 Per cent of increase for above 18.9% 
 
c 
 
 Real estate in counties, containing 9 cities above .referred 
 
 to, except cities, for same period 136,136,473 
 
 -Real estate per cent of increase for above 36.9% 
 
 Personal property increase in above 9 cities from 1899 to 
 
 1904 141,780,773 
 
 Personal propertj' increase per cent in same cities from 
 
 1899 to 1904 22.4% 
 
 Personal Property increase in Detroit from 1899 to 1904 . . . $36,246,010 
 Personal property increase per cent in Deti*oit from 1899 to 
 
 1904 '. 79.4% 
 
 The increase in assessed valuations in the same districts, as shown 
 above, from 1905 to 1910 inclusive, or since the amendment of 1905, 
 limiting the number of assistants to be empiloyed to ten, and restrict- 
 ing the power to review assessments, is as follows: 
 
 Real estate in 9 largest cities, except Detroit, increase from 
 
 1904 to 1910 .- 133,918,072 
 
 Real estate in 9 largest cities, except Detroit, per cent in- 
 crease from 1904 to 1910 25.5% 
 
 Real estate, city of Detroit, increase from 1905 to 1910 |59,493,390 
 
 Real estate, increase per cent for above 29.7% 
 
 Real estate in counties, containing 9 largest cities, except 
 
 same, increase from 1904 to 1910 |2,661,010 
 
 Per cent of increase for above 1.98% 
 
 Personal propertv increase 9 largest cities, except Detroit, 
 
 from 1904 to 1910 ' $9,637,801 
 
 Personal property increase per cent for above ,. . . 16.2% 
 
 Personal property increase, Detroit from 1904 to 1910 $27,673,920 
 
 Personal property increase per cent for above, 1904 to 1910 16.2% 
 Personal property increase in counties containing 9 larg- 
 est cities mentioned, except cities, 1904 to 1910 $782,047 
 
 Personal property increase per cent of above, from 1904 
 
 to 1910 2.6% 
 
 Personal property increase in counties containing 9 largest 
 
 cities above mentioned, except cities, 1899 to 1904 .... $18,015,282 
 
 Personal property increase per cent for above, same period 186% 
 
 The assessment of Wayne county, outside of Detroit, and the assess- 
 ment of the city of Detroit for the year 1904, has not been considered 
 in these companies, owing to the annexation of property adjoining 
 the city between the assessments of 1904 and 1905. 
 
 The valuation of mining companies for purposes of taxation, being 
 a subject of much discussion, the board herewith presents a comparison 
 of the assessment of copper, iron and coal mining properties for the 
 years 1904 and 1910. 
 
 Total 'assessment of copper mining properties for 1904 . . $66,119,349 
 Total assessment of copper mining properties for 1910 . . 79,053,367 
 
 Increase $12,984,018 
 
 Increase of per cent for abo^f* io k<%,' 
 
These companies have in addition to properties assessed in counties 
 where mines are located large holdings of timber lands and other prop- 
 erties, subject to taxation in different counties of this state, and in other 
 states. The board has no data at the present time showing the valua- 
 tion of such holdings. 
 
 Inciease valuation, real estate, copper mining counties, 
 
 except mines, 1904 to 1910 |3,603,623 
 
 Increase per cent on above, 1904 to 1910 16.2% 
 
 Increase valuation, personal, copper mining counties, ex- 
 cept mine^, 1904 to 1910 $1,622,591 
 
 Increase per cent on above, 1904 to 1910 , 24.7% 
 
 Total increase valuation, real and personal, copper mining 
 
 counties, except mines, 1904 to 1910 |4,978,466 
 
 Total increase per cent for above 18 .7% 
 
 Total assessment of iron mining properties, 1904 ..... . . . . |22,413,504 
 
 Total assessment of- iron mining properties, 1910 25,833,442 
 
 Increase $3,419,938 
 
 Total increase of per cent for above 15.59% 
 
 Increase valuation, real estate, iron mining counties, ex- 
 cept mines, 1904 to 1910 |4,234,402 
 
 Increase per cent for above 21 . 6% 
 
 Decreased valuation, personal, iron mining counties, except 
 
 mines, 1904 to 1910 |439,937 
 
 Decrease per cent for above 1.4% 
 
 Total increase valuation, real and personal, iron mining 
 
 counties, except mines,. 1904 to 1910 |3,794,465 
 
 Total increase per cent for above 14.3% 
 
 Total increased valuation of all properties in the Upper 
 
 Peninsula, except mines, 1904 to 1910 . . . ■ $7,471,285 
 
 Total increase per cent of above 7 . 7% 
 
 Total assessment of coal mitiing properties for 1904 $602,041 
 
 Total assessment of coal mining properties for 1910 " 680,410 
 
 Increase $78,410 
 
 Total increase per cent of above 13% 
 
 The assessed valuation of the coal companies form so small a pro- 
 portion of the total assessed valuation in the counties where located, 
 that no "comparisons have been made between these and other classes 
 of property. 
 
 The lack of complete and authentic data relative to the assessment 
 of mining property in the year 1899 has made it impossible to give 
 reliable comparisons of the assessment of this class of property for the 
 five year period from 1899 to 1904. 
 
The following is an extract from the last report of the Board of 
 State Tax Commissioners, now in course of publication: 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THE BOARD. 
 
 The powers and duties of this board are defined and set forth in sec- 
 tions 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153 and 154 of Act No. 281 of the 
 Public Acts of 1905, as amended, which are as follows: 
 
 Section 145. It shall be the duty of the Governor on the flrat day of 
 November, nineteen hundred flVe, to appoint three resident freeholders of 
 this State, who shall be duly qualified electors thereof, and who shall 
 hereafter constitute a Board of State Tax Commissioners, with powers 
 and duties as prescribed under this act, one of whom so appointed shall 
 hold oiBce until the first Wednesday in January, 1909, one of whom so ap- 
 pointed shall hold office until the first Wednesday in January, 1911, and 
 one of whom so appointed shall hold oflSce until the first Wednesday in 
 January, 1913, and until their successors shall have been appointed and 
 shall have qualified. Thereafter the successors of each mehiber of said 
 Board of State Tax Commissioners shall be appointed by the Governor 
 by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold offlce 
 for the term of six years and until their successors shall have been ap- 
 pointed and qualified. The persons who now constitute the Board of 
 State Tax Commissioners under appointments heretofore made shall 
 continue to hold their office until the fitrst day of November, 1905, and 
 until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified. All ap- 
 pointments which are provided to be made" by the Governor under this 
 section of this act, except in the first instance, shall be made while the 
 legislature is in session, and not at any other time, except in cases 
 where a vacancy in offlce shall occur otherwise than by the expiration of 
 the term of offlce of any member of said board. In case a vacancy 
 in the office occurs otherwise than by expiration of the term, the Gov- 
 ernor shall have power to appoint to fill such vacancy at any time, and 
 the person so appointed shall hold office until the next meeting of the 
 Legislature after such appointment, and no longer. 
 
 Section 146. Said board shall elect a secretary at a salary not to 
 exceed two thousand dollars per annum, and a chief clerk at a' salary 
 not to exceed one thousand five hundred dollars per annum. The per- 
 sons so elected shall hold their offlce during the pleasure of said board. 
 The secretary shall keep a record of all the proceedings of said board 
 which records, with all other papers or proceedings of said boSrd, shall 
 be a part of the records of the Auditor General's office, and of which 
 the Auditor General shall be the lawful custodian. The secretary shall de- 
 vote all his time to the duties of his office, and when said board is not 
 in session shall perform such duties as may have been assigned to him 
 by said board. The chief clerk shall devote all his time to the duties 
 of his offlce and shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him 
 by said board. 
 
9 
 
 Section 147. The members of said board, and the secretary and 
 chief clerk thereof, shall take and subscribe the constitutional oath of 
 ofiSce to be filed with the Secretary of State. The members of said board 
 shall receive an annual salary of two thousand five hundred dollars ; and 
 they shall also receive their necessar\' expenses in the performance of 
 their duties, both to be audited and allowed by the Board of State Audi- 
 tors, and paid monthly by the State. Treasurer out of the general fund. 
 
 Section 148. All sessions of said board shall be held at the office 
 of said board at the capitol, to be furnished by the Board of State Au- 
 ditors. The said Board and the members thereof, shall have access to 
 all books, papers, documents, statements and accounts on file or of rec- 
 ord in any of the departments of State, subject to the rules and regula- 
 tions of the respective departments relative to the care of the public 
 records. It shall have like access to all books, papers, documents, state- 
 ments and accounts on file or of record in counties, townships and mu- 
 nicipalities. Said board shall have the right to subpoena witnesses upon 
 a subpoena signed by the president of said board, and attested by the 
 secretary thereof, directed to such witnesses, and which subpoena may be 
 served by any person authorized to serve subpoenas from courts of record 
 in this State, and the attendance of witnesses may be compelled by at- 
 tachment to be issued by any Circuit Court in the State upon proper 
 showing that such witness has been properly subpoenaed and has refused 
 to obey such subpoena. The person serving such subpoena shall receive, 
 the same compensation now allowed to sheriffs and other oflflcers for 
 serving subpoenas. Said board shall have power to examine witnesses 
 under oath, said oath to be administered by any member of said board 
 or by the secretary thereof. Said board shall have the right to examine 
 books, papers or accounts of any corporation, firm or individual owning 
 property liable to assessment for taxes, general or specific, under the 
 laws of this State, and any officer or stockholder of any such corporation, 
 any member of any such firm, or any person or persons who shall refuse 
 to permit said inspection, or neglect or fail to appear before said board 
 in response to its subpoena, or testify, as provided for in this section, 
 shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a 
 fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the State 
 prison for a period not exceeding two years, or by both such fine and 
 imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. 
 
 Section 149. Said board shall hold regular meetings on the fiTst 
 Tuesday of March, June, July, August, September and October in each 
 year, and may hold adjourned sessions as may be deemed necessary by it 
 for the proper performance of the duties devolving upon said board. 
 The chairman may call special sessions of the board whenever he may 
 deem it advisable so to do, and shall call such special sessions upon the 
 written request of two members. 
 
 Section 150. First, it shall be the duty of said board to receive all 
 complaints as to property liable to taxation that has not been assessed, 
 or that has been fraudulently or improperly assessed, and to investigate 
 the same, and to take such proceedings as will correct the irregularity 
 complained of, if any is found to exist; 
 
 Second, To see that each county in the State be visited by at least one 
 member of the board as often as once in each year, to the end that all 
 
10 
 
 complaints concerning assessments may be heard; that information con- 
 cerning such assessments may be collected; 
 
 Third, To require from any oflScer in this State, on forms prescribed 
 by said Board of State Tax Commissioners, such annual or other reports 
 as shall enable said Board of State Tax Commissioners to ascertain the 
 assessed values and equalized values of all property listed for taxation 
 throughout the State under this act; the amount of taxes assessed, col- 
 lected and returned and such other matter as the board may require, to 
 the end that it may have complete statistical information as to the prac- 
 tical operation of this act. 
 
 Fourth, It shall be the duty of said Board of Tax Commissioners each 
 year to ascertain and determine the actual cash value of the taxable 
 property of each county in this State and to be present at each meeting 
 of the State Board of Equalizatiou and to present to said board the 
 result of such inquiry and determination for the purpose of assisting 
 said board in the performance of the duties imposed upon it by law. 
 
 Sec. 152. After the various assessment rolls required to be made under 
 this act shall have been passed upon by the several boards of review, 
 and prior to the meeting of the board of supervisors in October of 
 each year, the said several assessment rolls Mn the state shall be sub- 
 ject to inspection by said Board of State Tax Commissioners, or by any 
 member thereof; and in case it shall appear, or be made to appear, by 
 written complaint of any taxpayer to said board that property subject 
 to taxation has been omitted from said roll, or individual assessments 
 have not been made in compliance with law, the said board may issue 
 an order, directing the assessor whose assessment or failure to assess 
 is complained against, to appear with his assessment roll at a time 
 and place to be stated in said order, said time to be not less than 
 seven days from the date of the issuance of said order, and the place 
 to be at the ofBce of the board of supervisors at the county seat, or 
 at such other place in said county, in which said roll was made, as 
 said board shall deem most convenient for the hearing herein provided. 
 A notice of the time and place that said assessor is ordered to appear 
 with said roll, together with the statements of the person or persons 
 whose property or whose assessments are to be considered, shall be pub^ 
 lished in a newspaper published at the county seat of said county, if 
 there be .one, if not, in some paper printed in said county, if there be 
 any, at least five days before the time at which said assessor is required 
 to appear; and, where practicable, personal notice by mail shall be 
 given to such persons prior to said hearing. A copy of said order shall 
 also be served upon the supervisor or assessing officer in whose posses- 
 sion said roll shall be, at least three days before he is required to 
 appear with said roll. The said board, or any member thereof, .shall 
 appear at the time and place mentioned in said order, and the super- 
 visor or assessing officer upon whom said notice shall have been served 
 shall appear also with said assessment roll. The said board or any mem- 
 ber thereof, as the case may be, shall then and there hear and 
 determine as to the proper assessment of all property and persons men- 
 tioned in said notice, and all persons affected or liable to be affected 
 by review of said assessments thus provided for may appear and be 
 heard at said hearing. In case said board or the member thereof who 
 shall act in said review, shall detei-mine that the assessments so re- 
 
11 
 
 viewed are not assessed according to law, he or they shall, in a column 
 provided for that purjjose, place opposite said property the true and law- 
 ful assessment of the same. As to the property not upon the assess- 
 ment roll, the said board or member thereof acting in said review, shall 
 place the same upon said assessment roll by proper description and 
 shall place thereafter in the proper, column the true cash value of the 
 same. In case of review under the provisions of this section, the said 
 board or member thereof acting in said review, shall certify under 
 his hand officially and spread upon said roll a certificate of the day 
 and date on which said assessment roll was reviewed by him, and 
 the changes by him made therein. For appearing with said roll as 
 required herein the supervisor or assessing officer shall receive the same 
 per diem as is received by him while in attendance at the meeting of 
 the board of supervisors, to be presented to and paid by the proper offi- 
 cers of the municipality of which he is the assessing officer in the man- 
 ner as his other compensation is paid. The action of said board or 
 member done as provided in this act shall be final. 
 
 Note. — The amendment to Section 1S2 permits any taxpayer to file a written complaint with the 
 Board of State Tax Commissioners acting as a Board of Review. 
 
 AMENDMENTS. 
 
 Some amendments were also made relative to the assessment of the 
 general properties of the State; they are: 
 
 ACT NO. 309, PUBLIC ACTS OF 1909. 
 
 Sec. 7. The following real property shall be' exempt from taxation.: 
 
 First. All public property belonging to the United States; 
 
 Second. All public property belonging to the State of Michigan, ex- 
 cept licensed homestead lands, part paid lands held under certificates 
 and lands purchased at tax sales and still held by the state; 
 
 Third. Lands owned by any county, township, city, village or school 
 district and buildings thereon, used for public purposes; 
 
 Fourth. Such real estate as shall be owned and occupied by library, 
 benevolent, charitable, educational and scientific institutions incorpo- 
 rated under the laws of this state, with the buildings and other property 
 thereon, while occupied by them solely for the purposes for which they 
 were incorporated: Provided, That such exemption shall not apply to 
 fraternal or secret societies, but all charitable homes of such societies 
 shall be exempt; 
 
 Fifth. All houses of public worship with the land on which they 
 stand, the furniture therein and all rights in the pews, and also any 
 parsonage owned by any religious society of this State and occupied as 
 such; 
 
 Sixth. All lands used exclusively as burial grounds and the rights 
 of burial therein, and the tombs and monuments therein while reserved 
 and in use for that purpose : Provided, That the stock of any corporation 
 owning such burial grounds shall not be exempt; 
 
 Seventh. The real and personal property of persons who, in the 
 opinion of the supervisor and board of review, by reason of poverty, 
 are unable to contribute toward the public charges; 
 
 Eighth. The real property of corporations exempt under the laws of 
 
12, 
 
 this state, by reason of paying specific taxes in lieu of all other taxes 
 for the support of the state : Provided, That track, right of way, depot 
 grounds and buildings, machine shops, rolling stock and all other prop- 
 erty necessarily used in operating any railroad in this state belonging 
 to any railroad company, shall henceforth remain exempt from taxation 
 for any purpose, except that the same shall be subject to special assess- 
 ments for local improvements in cities and villages, and all lands owned 
 or claimed by any such railroad company not adjoining the track of 
 such company shall be subject to all taxes; 
 
 Ninth. Property owned exclusively by the state agricultural society 
 or any county or district agricultural society, and used by any such so- 
 ciety exclusively for fair purposes; 
 
 Tenth. All land dedicated to the public and actually used as a park, 
 and any monument ground or any ai-mory belonging to any military 
 organization, and not used for gain or any other purposes; 
 
 Eleventh. All real estate used as a homestead not exceeding in value 
 one thousand two hundred dollars of any soldier or sailor of the federal 
 government who served three months or more during the civil war, and 
 in all real estate used as a homestead not exceeding in value one thou- 
 sand two hundred dollars of any widow of such soldier or sailor: 
 Provided, That any soldier or sailor, or the widow of any such sailor or 
 soldier desiring to accept the benefits named in this section as to the ex- 
 emption from taxation, shall make and file with th§ supervisor or assess- 
 ing officer an affidavit, stating under oath that he was a soldier or sailor of 
 the federal government during the civil war for a period of not less than 
 three months, and in case it be the widow of a soldier or sailor making 
 such application, said -affidavit must state that she is the widow of a 
 soldier or sailor of the federal government at the present time, who 
 served not less than three months as such soldier or sailor during the civil 
 war. The said affidavit shall be sworn to before said supervisor, assessing 
 officer, or any officer authorized to administer oaths and then filed by 
 the said officer in his office, and turned over to his successor, where the 
 same shall be open to inspection. Any person making a false affidavit" 
 in any particular, for the purpose of exemption from taxation shall be 
 deemed to be guilty of the crime of perjury, and punished accordingly: 
 Provided, however. That this exemption shall not operate to i-elieve from 
 the payment of taxes any of the persons hereinbefore enumerated who are 
 the owners of taxable property of greater value than twelve hundred 
 dollars. 
 
 Note. — Section 7 is changed by repealing subdivision 11 as it now stands and making an entir 
 new subdivision 11 wliicli exemnts under certain conditions real estate used as a homestead and 
 owned by any soldier, sailor, or their widows, of the Civil War. 
 
 Sec. 9. The following personal property shall be exempt from taxa- 
 tion, to-wit: 
 
 First. The personal property of benevolent, charitable, educational 
 and scientific institutions incorporated under the laws of this state : Pro- 
 vided, That such exemptions shall not apply to secret or fraternal so- 
 cieties, but the personal property of all charitable homes of such societies 
 sihall be exempt; 
 
 Second. Of all library associations, circulating libraries, libraries of 
 reference and reading rooms owned or supported by the public and not 
 used for gain; 
 
13 
 
 Third. Of all posts of the grand army of the republic, sons of vet- 
 erans' unions, and of the women's relief corjis connected therewith, of all 
 young men's Christian associations, and of women's Christian temper- 
 ance union associations, young people's Christian unions, and other 
 similar associations; 
 
 Fourth. Pensions receivable from the United States; 
 
 Fifth. So much of the debts due or to become due as shall equal the 
 amount of bona fide and unconditional debts by the person owing ; 
 • Sixth. The property of Indians who are not citizens; 
 
 Seventh. The librarj', family pictures, school books, one sewing ma- 
 chine used and owned by each individual or family, and wearing ap- 
 parel of every individual; 
 
 Eighth. Household furniture, provisions and fuel to the value of five 
 hundred dollars to each household: Provided, No person paying board 
 shall be deemed a householder; 
 
 Ninth. The working tools of any mechanic not to exceed in value the 
 sum of one hundred dollars; 
 
 Tenth. Of all fire engines and other implements used in extinguishing 
 fii'es, owned or used by any organized or independent fire company; 
 
 Eleventh. All mules, horaes', and cattle, not over, one year old, all 
 sheep and swine not over six months old, and all domesticated birds ; 
 
 Twelfth. Personal property owned and used by any householder in 
 connection with his business of the value of two hundred dollars. 
 
 Note. — The onljf change in section'9 occurs in subdivision 3 ol that section which'omits the words 
 union veterans' unions." 
 
 ACT/NO. 88, PUBLIC ACTS 1909. 
 
 Section 1. All bonds hereafter issued by any county, township, city, 
 village or school district within the State of Michigan pursuant to 
 statute are hereby exempted from all taxation. 
 
 Section 2. All acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith are hereby 
 repealed. 
 
 ACT NO. 84, PUBLIC ACTS OF 1909. 
 
 Section 64. Armories erected by counties, cities, private corporations, 
 corporations composed of national guard companies or private individu- 
 als, and used by organizations of the permanent organized militia, shall 
 be exempt from all taxes, ordinary or extraordinary, whether levied by 
 the State or by counties or municipalities, the same as other State prop- 
 erty is exempt. Bonds, mortgages and other certificates of indebtedness 
 made and issued by any municipality, organization or private individual 
 for the purpose of erecting armories under this act, shall not be assessed 
 or taxed as personal property for any purpose, when held by any person 
 within the State of Michigan. 
 
14 
 
 ADVISORY WORK OF THE BOARD. 
 
 The last report of this board dwelt at considerable length on the dif- 
 ferent phases of advisory work being carried on, for the assistance of 
 local assessing officers, in regard to certain classes of personal property 
 subject to taxation within the State. This included mortgage credits 
 owne'd in Michigan but recorded in other States, mortgage credits both 
 owned and recorded in this State, personal property of decedents or 
 those under guardianship, evidence of which is to be found in the rec- 
 ords of the probate courts, and the value of all State and National Bank 
 Stock and trust companies orgabized and doing business within the 
 State ; also such infonnation as could be obtained relating to the differ- 
 ent classes of vessel property having a situs for taxation in Michigan. 
 Tables were submitted showing the results of this kind of advisory work. 
 
 The Board does not deem it necessary at this time to repeat the de- 
 tails of such work, but would report that the advisory work of the kind 
 therein detailed hers been carried on during the last two years, in the 
 same manner, and the fullest information possible to collect has been 
 furnished to each assessing officer previous to the second Monday of 
 April of each year. 
 
 CREDIT TAXATION. 
 
 The question of credit taxation is one which still presents a problem 
 of interest in securing an equitable distribution of taxes to be borne by 
 the assessable property of the state, and the probability that a discussion 
 of the subject may come before the legislature of 1911 suggests that the 
 board present in a condensed form the results of certain investigations 
 made and reported in detail in its last report. 
 
 . First : The matter of all credit assessments within the State was 
 made the subject of careful inquiry with the following results : 
 
 Assessed value of all mortgage credits |48,144,334 
 
 Assessed value of Bank deposits in state, not including 
 
 those in private banks , 14,413,682 
 
 Assessed value of other credits 31,672,314 
 
 Total of credits assessed |94,230,330 
 
 Interest bearing bank deposits above were used in this compilation, 
 and they represented only 8.06 per cent of total amount of such deposits. 
 "Other credits" includes all those not found in the two items men 
 tioned, and this board knows of no method by which the cash value of 
 such credits liable to taxation can be obtained, except through the truth- 
 fulness of the individual taxpayer and the efficiency of the assessing 
 officers in the state. 
 
 Another inquiry directed toward the subject of mortgage credit prop- 
 erty in the state showed that during the year 1907, there were recorded 
 in the offices of the various registers of deeds in Michigan : 
 
15 
 
 Real estate mortgages owned by residents of the state and 
 
 liable to taxation under the present laws 117,884,322 
 
 Real estate mortgages owned by non-residents of the State. 7,843,872 
 
 Real estate mortgages owned by Banks 14,859,657 
 
 Real estate mortgages, owned by Trust Oo.'s 56,865,138 
 
 Real estate mortgages owned by Insurance Co.'s 918,700 
 
 Real estate mortgages owned by Building & Loan Asso- 
 ciations 2,942,502 
 
 Real estate mortgages not assessable by reason of exemp- 
 tions under the law 543,000 
 
 Total $101,857,691 
 
 Many trust mortgages do not represent the correct amount of debt 
 in existence when same are filed, as they are frequently given to secure 
 moneys to be loaned at some future date or dates. Hence, the Board is 
 unable to state that the item "Trust Mortgages" shows definitely the 
 amount of money actually loaned at the date of record. 
 
 The amount of taxes actually paid under the present law on Mortgage 
 credits for the year 1907 was .|746,923.95, this being equivalent to a spe- 
 cific tax of $.0073 on the face value of every mortgage recorded in the 
 State for that year. If the ti-ust mortgages and those not assessable 
 are eliminated the result is f .0168 for each dollar. 
 
 These facts should be carefully considered as to their bearing on the 
 average rate, the amount of revenue obtainable, and the practical oper- 
 ation of any other system of taxation, in the event a change in the man- 
 ner of assessing this class of property, is contemplated by the coming 
 legislature. 
 
16 
 
 REVIEWS. 
 
 Reviews were held during the years 1909 and 1910 as follows: 
 Marquette, July 12, 1909, upon complaint of the Keweenaw Land As- 
 sociation that their personal property in said city was unlawfully as- 
 sessed. The question as to the jurisdiction of the Board to review the as- 
 sessment roll at that date was raised and, after a partial hearing, the 
 complaint was withdrawn. 
 
 Grand Haven, September 22, 1909. Review was held upon complaint 
 made by the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon Railway Com- 
 pany that personal property to the amount of $60,000 was assessed 
 against the Grand River Toll Bridge Company, a corporation which had 
 ceased to exist, and the title of whose property had passed to the com- 
 plainant, and had become a part of its Interurban railway system. 
 Complainant further set up that said bridge property being in- 
 cluded in its mileage, which was assessed at a certain valuation per 
 mile, no additional valuation should be placed upon, its personal property 
 by the Board. The Board, after due consideration of the proposition 
 submitted, eliminated the assessment of $60,000 against the Toll Bridge 
 Company and added $40,000 to the assessment of complainant in the 
 first ward of the city of Grand Haven where the bridge and other per- 
 sonal property of complaining company was situated. 
 
 Bay City, September 21, 1.909. On complaint of the Bay Cfity Trac- 
 tion & Electric Company that its property was assessed in excess of 
 cash value by the local Board of Review, this Board, after taking evi- 
 dence and careful consideration of the matter contained in said com- 
 plaint, reduced the assessed valuation of complainant from $550,000 to 
 $325,000. 
 
 Bay Oity, October 1, 3909. On Complaint of the Sage Land & Im- 
 provement Co. that the valuation fixed by the local Board of Review of 
 $91,550 on certain descriptions of its real estate was in excess of cash 
 value. After listening to evidence produced and due consideration of 
 the facts submitted, the board placed the cash value of the property un- 
 der consideration at $61,150. 
 
 Kalkaska, October 7, 1909. On complaint of Mr. Robert Eastman that 
 the assessment of the township of Excelsior in Kalkaska County was 
 irregular and unlawful by reason of under-valuation and discrimina- 
 tions made by the Supervisor and Board of Review. The township con- 
 sists of 22,-376 acres of land including nearly eighteen sections of timber 
 lands. The complaint in this case covered the entire taxable property 
 in the township. Bach description of property was given a personal in- 
 spection under the direction of the Board and after listening to the testi- 
 mony produced at the review and due consideration of all facts pre- 
 sented the cash valuation of the township was fixed at $602,726, an in- 
 crease of .f 296, 140 from the original as.se.«sment by local ofiflcers. 
 
 Cheboygan, October 8, 1909. On complaint of H. N. Pike's Sons, tax- 
 payers in Burt Township and Marion P. Pickands, a taxpayer, in the 
 fourth ward of the city of Cheboygan. The complaint in the case of 
 Burt township alleged favoritism, under-valuation and discrimination 
 
17 i 
 
 as between different classes of property throughout the entire township, 
 which consists of four fractional townships around the shores of Burt 
 and Mullet lakes, the acreage is 22,402 acres and about the shores 
 of the lakes mentioned there is over |100,000 worth of resort property. 
 A preliminary examination showed that the allegations in the complaint 
 were substantially correct and that a complete reassessment of the town- 
 ship was necessary to correct the errors that existed. Every description 
 of real estate liable to taxation was examined and valued. 
 
 Testimony of taxpayers was taken on the day of review and the Board 
 in its final determination fixed the assessment of the Township at $282,- 
 005. The amount returned by the local officers being $159,570. 
 
 The complaint of Marion R. Pickands alleged that the assessment of 
 property owned by her in the fourth ward of the city of Cheboygan was 
 much in excess of similar property in the same ward and more than cash 
 value; after an inspection of this property and consideration of testi- 
 mony offered, the Board reduced the assessment from |3,000 to $2,200. 
 
 1910. 
 
 St. Johns, June 22, 1910, on complaint of Thomas H. Clark a taxpayer 
 of St. Johns Oity, alleging illegal assessments on specific descriptions of 
 real estate in said city. The Board, after inspection of the properties 
 described in the complaint and taking testimony relative to the value 
 of the same fixed the aggregate cash values of said properties at $33,000. 
 The supervisors and local board of reviews' valuation was $20,100. 
 
 Traverse City, June 29, 1910, on complaint filed with the Board alleg- 
 ing discriminations, or under-valuations in the assessment of all proper- 
 ties within the city for the present year. Preliminary examinations dis- 
 closed these complaints to be well founded. The assessing districts of 
 this city comprise five wards with an area of four and one-half sec- 
 tions or 2880 acres. The population of the city is about twelve thou- 
 sand. An examination and appraisal was made of each description of 
 real estate within the city. Sworn statements procured from each owner 
 of personal property liable to taxation, and a personal examination and 
 appraisal was made of all tangible personal property. Upon the two 
 days of the review many owners of taxable property appeared and gave 
 testimony and after due consideration of the evidence presented and the 
 appraisals that had been made the Board fixed and determined the cash 
 value of all the property in the city to be $7,777,558. The assessed 
 value as determined by the local officers was $4,667,469; this shows an 
 increased valuation of $3,110,089. ^ 
 
 Midland, Mich., Sept. '16, 19] 0. On complaint of the Dow Chemical 
 Company, and other taypayers of the City of Midland, a reassessment 
 of the city was ordered, and the same method of inspection and appraisal 
 employed as at Traverse City. 
 
 The Board, after considering the evidence offered on the day of review 
 and the appraisals made, fixed the cash value of the city at $1,528,785, an 
 increase from the local assessment of $633,060. 
 
 Northport, Mich., Sept. 27, 1910. On complaint of David H. Scott that 
 
 the assessment of the township of Leelanau in Leelanau County was 
 
 irregular and unlawful by reason of intentional and undervaluation of 
 
 all properties in the township subject to taxation, and further that said 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 properties were .not equitably assessed, the allegations in the complaint 
 were, upon investigation, found to be so far true that a reassessment 
 of the township Was ordered. 
 
 This township consists of four fractional towns. The eastern boundary 
 is Grand Traverse Bay, the northern and part of the western boundary 
 being lake Michigan. It contains 37,614 acres of assessable property, 
 and has over |250,000 of what is known as resort property. The village 
 of Northport, with a population of iive hundred, is also within the town- 
 ship, also eight plats or sub-divisions of summer resort property. 
 
 The examinations and appraisal of this township included personal 
 inspection of every description of real estate, and all tangible personal 
 property. 
 
 Such taxpayers as desired to be heard were present a.t the review and 
 gave testimony relative to the value of their respective properties. The 
 Board, after consideration of the evidence offered and the appraisals 
 made, fixed the cash value of the township at |1,024,385, an increase of 
 1685,940 froni the amount fixed by the local assessing officers. 
 
 Charlevoix, September 29, 1910, on complaint of R. N. Gibbons, of 
 the township of St. James-, in Charlevoix county, that discrimination had 
 been made in the assessment of properties in that township, and that the 
 Board of Eeview had held no meeting in said township, for the year 
 1910 as required by law. A reassessment of all property in the township 
 was ordered. This township consists of the northern part of Big Beaver 
 Island and eight smaller islands adjacent thereto. The total acreage 
 is 6,680 acres. The village of St. James is also situated in the township. 
 The same methods of examination and appraisal were employed as in 
 Leelanau township. Testimony of taxpayers was taken on the day of 
 review and after careful consideration of all facts presented and ap- 
 praisals made the cash value of this township was fixed at $149,820. 
 The assessed value fixed by the supervisor was |127,290. 
 
 Hancock, October 1, 193 0. This review was held for the purpose of 
 considering facts which had come to the knowledge of the Board tending 
 to show that a large amount of personal property in the shape of mort- 
 gage credits had been omitted from the assessment rolls, in the four 
 wards of the city of Hancock, Houghton county. Commissioner Shields 
 conducted the review. After listening to all the evidence presented and 
 due consideration of the same, it was determined that there should be 
 added to the said assessment rolls in each of said wards, amounts aggre- 
 gating 141,480, and the additions were so made. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant, October 3, 1910. On complaint of Louis P. Riley that 
 certain personal property in the township of Union, Isabella county, 
 had been greatly undervalued by the local assessing officers for the year 
 1910. On the day of the review testimony of the complainant and the per- 
 son against whose property complaint had been made were talfen, and 
 after consideration of the facts presented. Commissioner Thompson, the 
 acting member of the Board, fixed the actual value of the property under 
 consideration at |12,000. The assessed valuation of local assessing offi- 
 cers was |600. 
 
 Kalkaska, October 4, 1910, on complaint of the Prosecuting Attorney 
 of Kalkaska County relative to the assessment of property in the town- 
 ship of Excelsior in said County. This township had been reassessed 
 and the valuation fixed on review by the Board in 1909, at |602,726. The 
 
19 
 
 complainant alleged that the Supervisor and Board of Eeview in the 
 township had materially and intentionally reduced its assessed value 
 below that determined by the Board in the year previous, and that in so 
 doing they had wilfully discriminated against certain classes of property. 
 A preliminary examination showing these allegations to be correct. A re- 
 examination of the townships was made previous to the day of review, and 
 after listening to the testimony, given by taxpayers, and the report oi 
 said re-examination on the day of hearing, the Board fixed the cash 
 value of the township at |580,565. The assessed valuation, of the same 
 by the local officers was .f420,800. The decrease in yalue of |22,161 from 
 the amount fixed by the board In 1909 was due to the fact that standing 
 timber had been cut and removed from the township between the assess- 
 ment period of 1909 and 1910. 
 
 Public hearings for the purpose of reviewing assessment rolls, has con- 
 stituted only a part of the duties performed by the Board in the matter 
 of supervising the work of the assessing officers of the State during the 
 past two years. Numerous complaints regarding the assessment of prop- 
 erties in different parts of the State, ranging from small holdings of in- 
 dividual taxpayers to the entire assessments of townships and cities have 
 been investigated by the members of the Board and the Secretary. In 
 many cases a settlement of the matters complained of was made without 
 the necessity of a public hearing. 
 
 During the present year complaints were received from three town- 
 ships and one city, which, upon investigation, were found to warrant a 
 general reassessment, but owing to the late date on which they were re- 
 ceived, it was found impossible to complete the work prior to the second 
 Monday in October with the limited number of assistants available for 
 this kind of work. 
 
 The collection of data for the use of the State Board of Equalization, 
 in the city of Jackson, during, the early months of 1910, indicated_ that 
 the assessment of that city was at a low valuation and very irregular. 
 The assessing officers of this city were interviewed and urged to correct 
 these errors in the assessment for the present year. When the local 
 Board of Review met, it became evident that the desired results had not 
 been obtained. 
 
 An application was made by the Jackson Board of Review to this . 
 Board for assistance in reviewing the assessment rolls of the city. The 
 Board assigned for this purpose the examiner who _had collected the data 
 above mentioned, and as a result, most of the irregularities were cor- 
 rected and an increase of .f4,000,000 added to the assessed valuation of 
 the city. 
 
 Complaint was also made to the Board of the irregularities in the 
 assessment of bank stock in the county of St. Clair. The complaint 
 alleged that considerable amounts of this class of property was assessed 
 in the townshijjs adjacent to the City of Port Huron that should proper- 
 ly have appeared upon the rolls of that city. After a consultation by 
 members of the Board and the Secretary with the assessing officers and 
 owners of the stock, this matter was adjusted in compliance with the law 
 without a formal review. 
 
 Extended examinations were made in the early months of 1909, of 
 timber lands, wild lands, villages, and farm property in the township 
 
30 
 
 of Duncan, Houghton county, whicb consists of nearly Ave surveyed 
 towns or 112,655 acres. No review was held in this township as the local 
 Board of Review at its session so equalized the valuations that the com- 
 plaint on which the investigations were made was withdrawn. 
 
 The township of Baraga in Baraga county was also quite thoroughly 
 examined in the summer of 1909. This township consists of 107,448 
 acres and contains the village of Baraga with a population of about 
 eleven hundred. 
 
 The complaint in this case was made by a corporation which alleged 
 that illegal and intentional discriminations had been made against its 
 property by the assessing officer of the to'^^nship. 
 
 A review was not ordered in titis case for the reason that the results 
 •of the investigation made did not sustain the facts alleged in the com- 
 plaint. 
 
21 
 
 THE AVERAGE KATE. 
 
 The Board is convinced that a situation of great gravity confronts 
 the people of Michigan at the present time regarding the problem of 
 "equal taxation." An equitable equilibrium must be established between 
 the taxation of the different classes of property. Under our system of 
 an average rate of taxation measuring the share of the public burden to 
 be borne by certain specified properties and all the different rates, de- 
 pending on the necessities of eighty-three counties and over seventeen 
 hundred taxation districts within this state, measuring the share to 
 be borne by all other properties, the utmost vigilance and integrity, and 
 best business capacity must be exercised to prevent inequality and in- 
 justice in levying such taxes as are necessary for a proper administration 
 of State and other municipal affairs. 
 
 The most important step in this direction is to secure a proper basis 
 on which to levy the different sums that go to make up the aggregate 
 taxes for state, county, school and municipal uses. The law clearly de- 
 fines what this basis shall be, namely, "Cash value" of all property liable 
 to taxation. 
 
 This method is the best for two reasons. First, because it is the law, 
 second, because it is the simplest as no percentage of cash value can be 
 determined unless the cash value is first ascertained. We might add an- 
 other reason, and that is : No other method is just or equitable under our 
 present system. 
 
 To illustrate: In a certain township it is necessary to raise for the 
 public needs |500. If the property to be taxed is worth $100,000 and 
 assessed at cash value the rate is five mills and the owner of $1,000 
 worth of taxable property, would be taxed |5. If the assessment is made 
 at 50 per cent of cash value, then the tax roll would show a rate of ten 
 mills on the dollar. The man who in the first instance was assessed 
 . at $1,000 would now be assessed at $500 and his tax would be $5, the 
 same as before. 
 
 An adjoining township needs to raise $600. The value of it is $60,000 
 and it is so assessed. The rate would then be ten mills on the dollar 
 and the tax would be $10 on property worth $1,000. If the property 
 in the township is assessed at 40 per cent of the cash value or $24,000 
 the tax rate would be twenty-five mills on the dollar, the property worth 
 $1,000 assessed at $400 and the tax would be $10, just the same. 
 
 It is evident then, that, as to the local needs of these two townships the 
 amount of tax paid by the individual property owners is not changed 
 whether the assessment is at cash value or any percentage thereof. This 
 is because the tax to be raised is a fixed, determined amount before any 
 rate is struck. 
 
 Let us suppose that there is certain property situated in both these 
 townships that must be assessed by a board of assessors and a tax levied 
 according to the average rate of taxation of the townships, which is de- 
 termined by adding together the assessed valuation, and taxes of the 
 two townships and dividing the sum of the taxes by the sum of the assess- 
 ments. In the instance of a cash value assessment the dividend "will be 
 ilfiO.OOO, the divisor or the taxes $1,100 and the average rate $.00675. 
 
22 
 
 The value of the property to be assessed by a board of assessors is 
 
 000 and is so assessed. ' The tax would 'be $10,000 multiplied by the 
 
 average rate |.00G75 or $67.50. 
 
 If we use the assessment of one township at 50 per cent or $50,000 
 and the other at 40 per cent or $24,000 the divisor would be |7,000, the 
 dividend or taxes remaining unchanged. As the amount to be raised, is 
 |1,100 dividing as before the average rate in this instance is $.01486 and 
 the tax levied by the board of assessors on the $10,000 which they have 
 determined to be the \'alue of that property, would be $148.60 instead 
 of $67.50 an increase of $81.10 taxes on property which has not changed 
 in value. Neither is there any change in the amount of taxes in the 
 two townships, being $1,100 in each case; and this additional burden is 
 P'U,t on the $10,000 for the simple and sole reason that in the second 
 assessment of the two townships the assessing officers had failed to as- 
 sess at "cash value." 
 
 We trust the great importance of this phase of our taxation question 
 •will be apparent to the assessing officers of the state and to the Legis- 
 lature, and that the one will cooperate with the board in their capacity 
 as supervisors and assessors, and the other by making such amendments 
 to the present law as will enable us to perform the- duties of our office 
 with a thoroughness that will remove any doubt as tO' the pennanency 
 of what has already been achieved in the cause of equal taxation. 
 
 RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 The largely increasing number of complaints filed with the board each 
 year concerning alleged irregnilar and illegal assessments of property by 
 local assessors demands a vast amount of detail work in their investi- 
 gation. 
 
 In a large majority of cases facts are disclosed which justify a general 
 review of all the property situated within the assessing district where 
 the property complained of is situated. 
 
 The term during which the corrective powers of the board over assess- 
 ment rolls is in force extends from about the first of July to the second 
 Monday in October of each year, or a little over three months. What is 
 called a general review means an entire re-assessment of the township or 
 city under investigation, and this re-assessment includes an actual per- 
 sonal inspection of every description of real estate liable to taxation 
 within the district; also the same inspection of all taxable personal 
 property so situated. Apply this kind of an investigation to from fifty 
 to one hundred assessment districts in the state each year, varying from 
 $300,000 to $20,000,000 in value, and some idea can be formed of the 
 labor that confronts the board during the time allowed yearly for cor- 
 rective work. Added to this is the duty of preparing once in five years 
 a report of the cash value of all taxable properties in the state, (not 
 under the jurisdiction of the state board of assessors) for the use of the 
 state board of equalization. 
 
 In addition to the duties above mentioned is the work of preparing 
 each year for the use of assessing officers in the state information con- 
 cerning certain classes of personal property which has been referred to in 
 another part of this report. 
 
 The statute at pi-esent provides that the board shall be authorized to 
 employ not to exceed ten clerks exclusive of the secretary and chief 
 clerk; a force entirely inadequate to carry out, even in the most perfunc- 
 
23 
 
 tory manner, the duties imposed upon it. These duties are of such nature 
 that the service required is more or less elastic. The time within which 
 data is being prepared for the state board of equalization rccjuires an 
 additional force not necessary in other years in order that the most 
 complete and reliable information possible can be laid before said board. 
 The classes of property in this state are so gi-eatly diversified that with- 
 out extensive and careful investigation it is almost impossible to arrive 
 at such a valuation in each county as the law contemplates. 
 
 We would, therefore, recommend that the law be so amended as to give 
 the board full power to employ such assistance from time to time as in 
 its judgment is necessaiw to carry out the spirit and letter of the 
 statute prescribing the duties referred to. 
 
 AUTHORITY TO INITIATE REVIEWS. 
 
 In a former report the Board called attention to the injustice of that 
 portion of the law which confines its jurisdiction to hold reviews to 
 those cases in which complaints were filed by resident taxpayers of the 
 assessing district in which the property sought to be reviewed was 
 located. 
 
 The Legislature of 1909 amended section 152 of the general tax law, 
 which gives the board its corrective powers, by striking out the words 
 "residing in the district" and that portion of ,the statute which directs 
 when the board shall have jurisdiction to review, reads as follows: "And 
 in case it shall appear, or be made to appear, by written complaint of 
 any taxpayer to said board that property subject to taxation, has been 
 omitted from said roll or individual assessments have not been made in 
 compliance with law, the said Board may issue an order," etc., etc. 
 
 This amendment clearly removed the constitutional objection which 
 existed in the former statute, which limited the right of appeal to this 
 Board to a certain class of property owners: namely, those residing in 
 the township or city where their property was situated and left the non- 
 resident owner without such right of appeal. 
 
 The added experience of two years since the last report was written 
 leads the Board to the conclusion that the right to initiate reviews upon 
 investigation made by its members, or under its authority, should be 
 clearly conferred, for the reason that complaints are frequently made 
 from a single township or city within a county, which, upon investiga- 
 tion, demand a review of all the property situated within that district, 
 and the Board is compelled to act and reassess at cash value such prop- 
 erty ; at the same time having knowledge that the other townships or 
 cities in the same county are not equitably assessed ; but, with no proper 
 comp'laints from such districts, the Board is without the authority to 
 bring all propertv in the countv to the same basis. 
 
 The Attorney General of the' State on April 19, 1910, filed with the 
 board a written opinion relative to the powers of the board in the matter 
 of calling reviews, which is herewith submitted: 
 
 "April 19, 1910. 
 
 Hon. William H. Hoyt, President of State Tax Commissioners, Lansing, 
 
 Michigan : 
 
 My Dear Sir — I am in receipt of your request for an opinion upon 
 
 the right of the Board of State Tax Commissioners to review generally 
 
 upon its own initiative under the powers conferred on it by Act 281, 
 
 "--' '-- * -" " ^ " 1909. That part of Section 
 
24 
 
 152 of Act 8 of the Laws of 1909 which, is material to your inqtiiry 
 is as follows: 
 
 "After the various assessment rolls required to be made under this 
 act shall have been passed upon by the several boards of review, and 
 prior to the meeting of the board of supervisors in October of each year 
 the said several assessment rolls in the state shall be subject to inspection 
 by said board of state tax commissioners, or by any member thereof 
 and in case it shall appear, or be made to appear, by written complaint 
 of any taxpayer to said board that property subject to taxation has been 
 omitted from said roll, or individual assessment have not been made in 
 compliance with law, the said board may issue an order," etc. 
 
 The question as to whether the Tax Commission has the power under 
 this statute to proceed on its own initiative to review assessment rolls 
 must turn upon the construction of the language "in case it shall appear 
 or be made to appear, by written complaint of any taxpayer." If the 
 phrase "in case it shall appear" as well as the phrase "be made to ap- 
 pear" be qualified by the words "by written complaint of any taxpayer," 
 you would not have power to proceed upon your own initiative to re- 
 view assessments. If, on the other hand, the phrase "be made to appear" 
 is alone qualified by the words "by written complaint of any taxpayer," 
 you would have the power to review assessments upon your own in- 
 itiative. 
 
 If the qualifying words apply to both phrases, you have as a result 
 two phrases meaning substantially the same thing and the statute 
 would in effect read in this wise, "in. case it shall appear by written 
 complaint of any taxpayer, or in case it be made tO' appear by the writ- 
 ten complaint of any taxpayer." This construction would amount to a 
 repetition and if either phrase were eliminated the remaining one would 
 express as much as both. One of the two phrases vrould be surplusage 
 and we must not assume that the Legislature so intended it. 
 
 If we construe the qualifiying words to apply solely to the last phrase, 
 then both phrases are consistent and each means -something different 
 from, the other. This construction also is justified by precedent and 
 the rules of statutory construction. 
 
 Sutherland's Statutory Ck)nstruction, Section 420, lays down the 
 following rule to guide in such cases: "Eelative and qualifying words 
 and phrases, grammatically and legally, where no contrary intention 
 appears, refer solely to the last antecedent." 
 
 In Quinn v. Lowell Electric Co., 140 Mass. 106, a statute, was con- 
 strued which provided for the adoption of a statute by cities and town 
 ' " at a legal meeting of the city council, or the inhabitants of the town 
 called for that purp<)se." It was held that "called for that purpose" 
 did not apply to a city council. 
 
 In Dearborn v. Brookline, 97 Mass. 466, a statute was construed 
 which provided: 
 
 "That any town or city might appropriate money for suitable build- 
 ings or rooms, and for the foundation of a library, a sum not exceeding 
 one dollar for each of the ratabte pools in the year next preceding, and, 
 annually thereafter, a sum not exceeding fifty cents for each of its ratable 
 polls." 
 
 It was held that the power to make the subsequent appropriations 
 with its limitation was for the s ame nhdect as Jilie_ flrst._jand ji3id_Ti mi- 
 apply to the power to appropria 
 
25 
 
 Where the by-laws of a society provided flirst for an annual meeting 
 for the election of ofScei's and then for a monthly meeting on a specified 
 day "at half-past seven o'clock p. m.," it was held that the phrase 
 specifying the hour of meeting had reference only to the monthly meet- 
 ing. 
 
 State V. Conklin, 34 Wis. 21. 
 
 Applying the rule laid down in these cases that qualifying words 
 refer solely to the last antecedent, to the language under consideration, 
 we have a construction which is consistent and which enables your 
 board to review assessments upon your own initiative under the power 
 given you in the first phrase, and under the power given you in the 
 second phrase you must act when your attention is challenged to under- 
 valuations or omissions by a taxpayer in a particular district. 
 
 I am of the opinion that this statute should be construed as giving 
 you the power to review assessments upon your own initiative and as 
 making it obligatory upon you to act when your attention is challenged 
 by a taxpayer of any particular district to undervaluations and omis- 
 sions of property from the roll in that district. 
 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 JOHN E. BIRD, 
 B-bu-o Attorney General." 
 
 Under this opinion the right to initiate reviews by the Board seems 
 to have been conferred and in a few instances has been exercised; but the 
 great importance of this question leads the Board to recommend that the 
 Legislature take such action as will clearhf indicate what powers it shall 
 exiercise in relation to this portion of its duties. 
 
 TERM OP MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. 
 
 The larger part of the duties imposed on the State Board of Assessors 
 consists of the assessment and levying of taxes upon the property of 
 Railroad Companies, sleeping car companies, car loaning companies, 
 telegraph, telephone and express companies. 
 
 There are at the present time on the assessment roW of the Board one 
 hundred railroad, sixty-six car loaning, one sleeping car, two hundred 
 and two telegraph and telephone and seven express companies, each of 
 which is required to make an annual report to the Board showing the 
 condition and value of its physical property also statement of its finan- 
 cial status on the .30th of June. An examination of such report is es- 
 sential in arriving at the assessable value of the properties above men- 
 tioned. It can be readily seen that this involves much time and labor 
 to arrive at the desired result. The term of office of each member is for 
 six years dating from the first Wednesday in January of the rear in 
 which the'appointment is made. 
 
 The assesment roll for the class of property described must be com- 
 pleted on or before the fifteenth day of January annually. The roll is 
 then open for review until the fifteenth day of February following, and 
 previous to the first day of March, the taxes must be levied and the tax 
 roll delivered to the auditor general of the State. 
 
 The time, then, in which a new member of the Board has to become 
 familiar with the mass of evidence presented upon which to base his 
 judgment as to a proper value of the properties mentioned is at the most 
 
26 
 
 fifteen days; the number, of companies to be assessed is 376 and thear. 
 separate values ranging from |500 to over |50,000,000. The time allow^ 
 for these examinations and computations is, in the opinion of the J^oard, 
 too brief for such study of the problem as will enable a member acting 
 for the first time to perform this duty as directed by the statute. 
 
 We would therefore, recommend that the law be so amended that any 
 appointment for the full term of six years shall date from the first day 
 of March of the year in which such appointment is made. 
 
 FIFTH EEPOET OF STATE BOARD OF ASSESSORS. 
 
 The new constitution having provided for the assessment by the State 
 Board of Assessors of the property of telegraph and telephone conipames 
 in addition to duties heretofore imposed, and the Legislature of 1909, 
 having amended in some important particulars the statute under which 
 the Board has heretofore acted, the full text of the constitution and 
 statutes now in force relative to the assessment of and levying of taxes 
 upon such properties as come within the jurisdiction of the Board is here 
 submitted : 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 ARTICLE X. FINANCE AND TAXATION. 
 
 Sec. 3. The legislature shall provide by law a uniform rule of taxation, 
 except on property paying specific taxes, and taxes shall be levied on 
 such property as shall be prescribed by law : Provided, That the legisla- 
 ture shall provide by law a uniform rule of taxation for such prop- 
 erty as shall be assessed by a State Board of Assessors, and the rate of 
 taxation on such property shall be the rate which the State Board of 
 Assessors shall ascertain and determine is the average rate levied upon 
 other property upon which ad valorem taxes are assessed for State, 
 county, township, school and municipal purposes. 
 
 Sec. 5. The legislature may provide by law for the assessment at its 
 true cash value by a State Board of Assessors, of which the Governor 
 shall be ex-officio a member, of the property of corporations and the prop- 
 erty, by whomsoever owned, operated or conducted, engaged in the busi- 
 ness of transporting passengers and freight, transporting property by 
 express, operating any union station or depot, transmitting messages 
 by telephone or telegraph, loaning cars, operating refrigerator cars, fast 
 freight lines or other car lines and running or operating cars in any 
 manner upon railroads, or engaged in any other public service business; 
 and for the levy and collection of taxes thereon. 
 
 STATUTES. 
 
 Act 282, P. A. 1905, as amended by Act 49, P. A. 1909. 
 An act to provide for the assessment of the property, by whomsoever 
 owned, operated or conducted, of railroad companies, union station 
 and depot companies, telegraph companies, telephone companies, sleep- 
 ing car companies, express companies, car loaning companies, stock ' 
 car companies, refrigerator car companies, and fast freight companies, 
 and all other companies owning, leasing, running or operating any 
 
27 
 
 freight, stock, refrigerator, or any otlier cars, not being exclusively 
 the property of any railroad company paying taxes upon its rolling 
 stock under the provisions of this act, over or upon the line or lines 
 of any railroad or railroads in this State, and for the levy of taxes 
 thereon by a State Board of Assessors, and for the collection of such 
 taxes, and to repeal all acts or parts of .acts contravening any of the 
 provisions of this act. 
 
 Section 1. The Board of State Tax Commissioners, created under tlie 
 laws of this State, together with the Governor, shall ex-offlcio, constitute 
 a State Board of Assessors, one of whom shall be elected chairman of 
 said board. The secretary of the Board • of State Tax Commissioners 
 shall be ex-offlcio secretary of the State Board of Assessors without extra 
 compensation, and shall keep a record of all its proceedings in addition 
 to such other duties as may be required of him by said board, and 
 shall devote his whole time to the duties of his offlce. In iddition to the 
 secretary, said board may- employ such other clerical assistance as may be 
 necessary and required to perform the duties impased upon it by this 
 act. 
 
 Sec. 2. Provided, That the compensation paid for such clerical as- 
 sistance shall not in any case exceed one thousand dollars for each person 
 employed, per annum : Provided further, That said board may employ 
 such other assistance as may be necessary, with the consent of the Gov- 
 ernor and the Board of State Auditors. The compensation of the said 
 secretary and clerks, and all other necffiisary expenses incurred in carry- 
 ing out the provisions of this act, shall be allowed by the Board of Stat« 
 Auditors upon proper vouchers approved by the chairman and secretary 
 of the board, and paid by the State Treasurer out of the general fund. 
 
 Sec. 3. The board shall have access to all books, papers, documents, 
 statements and accounts, on file or of record in any of the departments 
 of State, subject to the rules and regulations of the respective depart- 
 ments relative to the care of public records. It shall have like access 
 to all books, papers, documents, statements and accounts, on file or of 
 record in counties, townships and municipalities. It shall have the right 
 to subpoena witnesses, upon a subpoena signed by the chairman of said 
 board and attested by the secretary thereof, delivered to such witnesses, 
 which subpoena may be served by any person authorized to serve sub- 
 poenas from courts of record in this State, and the attendance of wit- 
 nesses, may be compelled by attachment, to be issued by any circuit court 
 in this State, upon proper showing that such witness has been properly 
 subpoenaed, and has refused to obey such subpoena. The person appear- 
 ing in response to such subpoena shall receive like compensation as is 
 allowed by the statutes of this State to witnesses in the circuit court, to 
 be allowed by the Board of State Auditors upon the presentation of a 
 copy of such subpoena, with the number of days' service and mileage en- 
 dorsed thereon and approved by a member of said Board of Assessors, or 
 the secretary thereof. Tiie person serving such subpoena shall receive the 
 same compensation now allowed to sheriffs or other oflflcers for serving 
 subpoenas. Said board shall have power to examine witnesses under oath, 
 said oath to be administered by any member of the board, or by the secre- 
 tary thereof. It shall haA'e the right to inspect and examine the books, pa- 
 pers or accounts of any corporation, firm or individual owning property 
 to be assessed by said board, and if such corporation, firm or individual 
 
28 
 
 refuse to permit said inspection and examination, or neglect or fail to 
 appear before said board in response to its subpoena, said corporation, 
 firm or individual shall, for each such refusal, neglect or failure, forfeit 
 the sum of five hundred dollars to the State, the sum so. forfeited to be 
 recovered in a proper action brought in the name of the people of the 
 State of Michigan, in any court of competent jurisdiction. 
 
 Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of said board to make an annual 
 assessment upon an assessment roll, to be prepared by said board, of the 
 property by whomsoever owned, operated or conducted, and having a situs 
 in this State as hereinafter defined, of railroad companies, union station 
 and depot companies, telegraph companies, telephone companies, sleeping 
 car companies, express companies, car loaning companies, stock car com- 
 panies, refrigerator car companies, and fast freight line companies, and all 
 other companies, owning, leasing, running or operating any freight, stock, 
 refrigerator, or any other cars not being exclusively the property of 
 any railroad company paying taxes upon its rolling stock under the pro- 
 visions of this act, over or upon the line or linefe of any railroad or rail- 
 roads in this State: Provided, That the property of telegraph and tele- 
 phone companies whose gross receipts within the State for the year end- 
 ing June thirty do not exceed five hundred dollars shall be exempt from 
 taxation. All telegraph and telephone companies doing business in this 
 State shall make the report required by section six of this act to the 
 State Board of Assessors : Provided, That such report for the year nine- 
 teen hundred nine shall be made and filed with' said board on or before 
 the first day of November, nineteen hundred nine. 
 
 Sec. 5. The term property, as used in this act, shall be deemed to in- 
 clude all property, real or personal, belonging to the persons, corpora- 
 tions, companies, copartnerships and associations subject to taxation un- 
 der this act, including the right of way, road bed, stations, cars, rolling 
 stock, tracks, wagons, horsesi, oifice furniture, telegraph and telephone 
 poles, vrires, conduits, switchboards, and all other property used in carry- 
 ing on their business and owned by them respectively, and all other real 
 and personal property, and all franchises, said franchises not to be di- 
 rectly assessed, but to be taken into consideration in determining the 
 stalue of the other property: Provided, however, That this definition 
 shall not include, apply to, or subject to taxation, such real estate as is 
 owned and can be conveyed by such persons, corporations, companies, 
 copartnerships and associations under the laws of this State which is not 
 actually occupied in the exercise of their franchises, or in use in the 
 proper operation and conduct of tlieir business ; but such real estate so 
 excepted shall be liable to taxation in the same manner and for the same 
 purposes and to the same extent and subject to the same conditions and 
 limitations 'as to the collection and return of taxes thereon as is other 
 real estate in the several townships or municipalities in which the same 
 may be situated. The term company, corporation, copartnership, associa- 
 tion, or person, wherever used in this act, shall apply to and be construed 
 as referring respectively to any railroad company, union station and de- 
 pot company, telegraph company, telephone company, sleeping car com- 
 pany, express company, car loaning company, stock car company, refrig- 
 erator or fast freight line company, and any other companies owning 
 leasing, running or operating any freight, stock; refrigerator, or any 
 other cars, not being exclusively the property of any railroad company 
 paying taxes upon its rolling stock under the provisions of this act over 
 
29 
 
 or upOn the line or lines of any railroad dr railroads in this State; and 
 to any firm, joint stock association, copartnership, corporation, or other 
 association or .person, engaged in carrying on any business, the property 
 of which is subject to taxation under this act. The term "property hav- 
 ing a situs in this State," shall include all the property, real and personal, 
 of the persons, corporations, companies, copartnerships and associations 
 enumerated in this act, owned, used and occupied by them within the 
 limits of this State, apd also such proportion of their rolling stock, cars 
 and other property as is used partly within and partly without this 
 State, as herein provided to be determined. 
 
 Sec. 6. The several corporations, persons, copartnerships, companies 
 and -associations whose property is subject to assessment and taxation 
 under the provisions of this act shall, annually, between the first day 
 of July and the fifteenth day of September in each year, under oath of 
 the president, secretary, superintendent, or chief officer of such corpora- 
 tion, company or association, or of the person or persons owning such 
 property, make and file with the State Board of Assessors, in such form 
 as said board may provide, upon blanks to be furnished by said board, 
 a statement' containing the following facts: The blanks furnished to 
 railroad and union station and depot companies, telegraph and telephone 
 companies, shall provide for the following information: 
 First. The name of the company; 
 
 Second. The nature of the company, and under the laws of what state 
 or country organized; 
 
 Third. The location of its principal office; 
 
 Fourth. The name of the postoflfice address of the president, secretary, 
 auditor, treasurer and superintendent or general manager; 
 
 Fifth. The name and postoflfice address of the chief oflQcer or mana- 
 ging agent of the company in Michigan; 
 
 Sixth. The number of shares of capital stock; 
 
 Seventh. The par value and market value, or, if there be no market 
 value, the actual value, of the shares of stock on the thirtieth day of 
 June of the year in which the report is made; 
 
 Eighth. A detailed statement of the real estate owned by the company 
 in Michigan, where situate, and the value thereof ; 
 
 Ninth. A detailed statement of the personal property, including moneys, 
 and credits owned by the company in Michigan on the thirtieth day of 
 June in the year in which the report is made, where situate and the 
 value thereof; 
 
 Tenth. The total value of the real estate owned by the company outside 
 of Michigan ; 
 
 Eleventh. The total value of the personal property of the company 
 situate outside of Michigan; 
 
 Twelfth. The whole length of their lines, and the length of so much 
 of their lines as is within, or is without Michigan, which lines shall in- 
 clude what said railroad companies, union station and depot companies, 
 telegraph companies, and telephone companies, control or use as owners, 
 lessees or otherwise; 
 
 Thirteenth. A statement of the entire gross receipts of the companies, 
 from whatever source derived, for the year ending the thirtieth day of 
 June in the year for which the report is made; 
 
 Fourteenth. Such other facts and information as said board may re- 
 quire, in the form of returns prescribed by it. 
 
30 
 
 The blanks furnished to express companies shall provide for the fol- 
 lowing information : 
 
 First. The name of the company; 
 
 Second. The nature of the company, under the laws of what state or 
 country organized; 
 
 Third. The location of its principal office; 
 
 Fourth. The name and postoflSce addreSvS of the president, secretary, 
 auditor, treasurer and superintendent or general manager; 
 
 Fifth. The name and postofflce address of the chief engineer or mana- 
 ging agent of the company in the State of Michigan; 
 
 Sixth. The number of' shares of capital stock, (a) authorized (b) 
 issued ; 
 
 Seventh. The par and market value, or if there be no market value, 
 the actual value of the shares of stock, together with the total amount of 
 bonded indebtedness, on the thirtieth day of June of the year for which 
 the report is made; 
 
 Eighth. The situation, income and value in detail of its real estate in 
 this State; 
 
 Ninth. The total income from and cash value of all its real estate 
 situated outside of this State; 
 
 Tenth. A full and correct inventory, at the true cash value, of its 
 personal property, including moneys and credits, within this State; 
 
 Eleventh. Tlie true cash value of all of its personal property, including 
 money and credits, without this State; 
 
 Twelfth. The whole length and names of railroad lines and water and 
 stage routes over which it did business, and separately in detail, the por-^ ■ 
 tions of such lines and routes within this State, and the portions of 
 such routes over navigable waters of the United States within this 
 State ; 
 
 Thirteenth. Such other facts and information as may be deemed nec- 
 essary by the State Board of Assessors, or any member thereof, to the 
 proper assessment of the property of such companies. 
 
 The blanks furnished car loaning, stock car, refrigerator and fast 
 freight line companies, and other car companies, and other companies 
 owning, leasing or operating any cars not the property of railroad com- 
 panies, upon railroads, shall provide for the following information : 
 
 First. The name of the company; 
 
 Second. The nature of the business of said company, and under the 
 laws of what state or country organized ; 
 
 Third. The location of its principal office; 
 
 Fourth. The name and postoflfice address of the president, secretary, 
 auditor, treasurer and superintendent or general manager; 
 
 Fifth. The location of its principal office in the State of Michigan, to- 
 gether with the name and address of the chief officer or managing agent 
 of the company in Michigan; 
 
 Sixth. The total number of cars and rolling stock of any such com- 
 pany, run over or operated upon, any line or lines of railroad within 
 this State each day during the entire year preceding the date of making 
 and filing such report ; 
 
 Seventh. The cost of construction of each of said cars ; 
 
 Eighth. The length of time the same have been in service ; 
 
 Ninth. The cash value of each of said cars so operated and run in this 
 State, at the time of making and filing such report ; 
 
31 
 
 Tenth. And such other and additional information as may be deemed 
 necessary by said board, or any member thereof, to the proper assessment 
 of the cars of such company in this State in accordance with the pro- 
 visions of this act and to the -performance of the duty imposed upon it 
 hereby. 
 
 Sec. 7. Every joint stock association, company, co-partnership, or 
 association incorporated or acting under the laws of this or any other 
 State, or of any foreign nation, and conveying to, from, through, in or 
 across the State, or any part thereof, passengers or travelers, in palace 
 cars, drawing room cars, sleeping cars or tourist cars, under any con- 
 tract, express or implied with any railroad company, or the managers, 
 lessees, agents or receivers thereof, shall be deemed and held to be a . 
 sleeping car company for the purposes of this act; and every such sleep- 
 ing car company doing business in this State, shall annually, between 
 the first day of Jtily and the thirty-first day of August, make out and de- 
 liver to the State I3oard of Assessors, a statement, verified by the o^th 
 of the officer or agent of such company making such statement, with 
 reference to the thirtieth of June next preceding, showing: 
 
 First. The total capital stock of such association, company, copartner- 
 ship, or corporation invested in palace cars, drawing uom cars, sleeping 
 cars and tourist cars; 
 
 Second. The number of shares of capital stock issued and outstanding, 
 and the par or face value of each share, representing its palace cars, 
 dra,wing room cars, sleeping cars and tourist cars; 
 
 Third. Its principal place of business; 
 
 Fourth. The market value of said shares and stock on the thirtieth of 
 June next preceding, and if such shares have no market value, then the 
 actual value thereof; 
 
 Fifth. All mortgages and where recorded, and the names and resi- 
 dences of the holders of the same, together with the franchise and 
 amounts thereof, upon its palace cars, drawing room cars, sleeping cars 
 and tourist cars. 
 
 Sixth, (a) The total length of the main lines of all the railroad com- 
 panies over which said cars are run; (b) The total length of so much 
 of the main line of the railroad companies over which said cars are 
 run as is outside of the State of Midiigan; (c) The length of the main 
 lines of said railroad companies over which said cars are run within each 
 of the counties and townships within the State of Micliigan : Provided, 
 That where the railroads over which said lines have double tracks, or 
 a greater number of tracks than a single track, the statement shall only 
 give the mileage as though such tracks were but a single track; and in 
 case the State Board of Assessors shall require it, such statement shall 
 show the number of miles of each or any particular railroad system or 
 division within this State in detail. Upon the filing of such statements 
 the State Board of Assessors shall examine them, and each of them, and 
 if it shall deem the same insufficient, or in case it shall deem that other 
 information is requisite, it shall require such officer to make such other 
 and further statements relative to the information required by this act, 
 as said State Board of- Assessors may call for. In determining the value 
 of the personal property of any sleeping car company as herein defined 
 subject to assessment and taxation in this State, the State Board of 
 Assessors shall first ascertain the total value of the palace cars, draw- 
 
32 
 
 ing room cars, sleeping room cars and tourist cars of such sleeping car 
 company; such amount shall be taken and considered as the aggregate 
 value of the personal property of said sleeping car company invested 
 in and devoted to the sleeping car feature of its business. The board 
 shall then multiply the amounts thus obtained by the number of miles 
 of railroad main tracks over which such cars were used within the state 
 of Michigan, and shall then divide the amount thus obtained by the num- 
 ber of miles of railroad track over which such cars are used both within 
 and without this State, and the quotient thus obtained shall be taken 
 and considered as the true cash value of the personal property of such 
 sleeping car company, subject to assessment and taxation within tjie 
 State of Michigan. The said amount shall thereupon be assessed and 
 taxed, and the taxes collected, in all respects in accordance with the ex- 
 isting laws now in force for the taxation of the personal property of 
 other companies and corporations which are assessed by the State Board 
 of Assessors of the State of Michigan. 
 
 Sec. 8. Blanks for making the statements provided for in sections 
 six and seven shall be furnished to such companies on making applica- 
 tion to said board : Provided, That the reports hereby provided for shall 
 not in any way relieve any of said companies from making the reports 
 now required to be made to other State officers. In case any company 
 fail or refuses to make the statement required by this act, or refuses 
 to furnish any information requested, the board shall inform itself as 
 best it may on matters necessary to be known, in order to discharge its 
 duties with respect to the assessment of the property of such companies, 
 Any company which shall refuse or neglect to make the report required 
 by this act or any part thereof, within the time specified, shall be subject 
 to a penalty of five hundred dollars for each day of the continuance of 
 such neglect or refusal to file said report, to be recovered in a proper ac- 
 tion brought in the name of the people of the State of Michigan in any 
 court of competent jurisdiction: Provided, That when any company 
 shall show to the satisfaction of said board that it cannot furnish any 
 of the information requested, said board may excuse said company from 
 furnishing such information. 
 
 Sec. 9. Subsequent to the filing of the reports required in the preced- 
 ing sections, and prior to the fifteenth day of January in each year, it 
 shall be the duty of the State Board of Assessors to prepare an assess- 
 ment roll as provided in section four of this act, upon which they shall 
 assess, at the true cash value, on the thirtieth day of June next preceding 
 the time of making said assessment, all the property of the companies 
 herein enumerated, subject to taxation under this act, which said assess- 
 ments shall not be final until reviewed as hereinafter provided. For the 
 purpose of arriving at the amount and character and true cash value of 
 the property belonging to said companies as appearing upon the assess- 
 ment roll for the purpose of assessment and taxation, the said board 
 may personally inspect the property belonging to said companies, and 
 may take into consideration the reports filed under this act, the reports 
 and returns of said companies filed in the oflice of any officer of this 
 State, and such other evidence or information as may be obtainable or 
 possessed by said board, bearing thereon. In determining the true cash 
 value of the property of each railroad and union station and depot 
 company which owns, leases, operates or uses lines partly within or 
 
33 - 
 
 partly without this State, the said board shall be guided, in ascertaining 
 the property subject to taxation in Michigan, by the proportion which 
 the number of miles of main track controlled or used by said company as 
 owner, lessee or otherwise, within the State of Michigan, bears to the en- 
 tire mileage of main track controlled or used by said company as owner, 
 lessee or otherwise, both within and without this State. In determining 
 the true cash value of the property of each telegraph company and tele- 
 phone company, which owns, leases, operates or uses lines partly within 
 and partly without this State, the said board shall be guided, in ascer- 
 taining the property subject to taxation in Michigan, by the proportion 
 which the number of miles of telegraph or telephone lines controlled or 
 used by said company as owner, lessee or otherwise, within the State of 
 Michigan, bears to the entire mileage of telegraph or telephone lines con- 
 trolled or used by said company, as owner, lessee or - otherwise, both 
 within and without this State. In determining the true cash value of 
 ■the property of express companies, they shall ascertain and determine the 
 actual value in money of the entire amount of the capital stock and 
 bonded indebtedness of such express company. From the amount so 
 obtained and determined, said board shall deduct the actual value of 
 all real estate owned by it as ascertained by said board, and the actual 
 value of all its personal property as ascertained by said board, which is 
 not used in the express business of such express' company. And the 
 remainder thus obtained shall be used in determining the assessment of 
 such express company in the following manner: The said board shall 
 then divide the amount as obtained above by the total number of miles, 
 as determined by said board, of railroad, stage^ water and other routes, 
 over which the company did business to obtain the value per mile, and 
 shall then multiply the value per mile thus obtained by the total num- 
 ber of miles of such routes within this State, as determined by said 
 board, to which result shall be added the value of all real estate owned 
 by such express company in this State, as determined by said board, and 
 the sum so obtained shall be taken and considered as the actual value of 
 the property of such express company, subject to assessment and taxation 
 in this State : Provided, That if in any case it shall become apparent to 
 the said board that the ocean routes of any company are so different in 
 character from its other, routes that the mileage basis of apportionment 
 of the value of the entire property to be apportioned in Michigan would 
 be unfair if the full mileage of such ocean routes were included, then 
 it may make such allowance for such ocean routes of any company as in 
 its judgment will bring such routes upon a parity with its other routes, 
 being guided therein by the relative mileage values and earning capacities 
 of such ocean and other routes. For this purpose the Board of Assessors 
 shall require special reports of the character, mileage, earnings and value 
 of such ocean routes and may exclude from its aggregate mileage any 
 ocean routes respecting which the company shall fail to furnish reports, 
 and no further penalty shall be imposed for the failure to report the 
 mileage of ocean routes: Provided further, That if any such company 
 shall claim, in writing, that the mileage basis of apportionment of the 
 value of the entire property to be attributed to Michigan is unfair, then 
 such board shall make such apportionment as shall in its judgment be 
 fair, being guided by the mileage within and without the State, making 
 5 
 
34 
 
 proper allowance for ocean mileage, as above provided for. In ascertain- 
 ing tlie true cash value of the property in Michigan, of car loaning, stock 
 car, refrigerator, fast freight line and other car companies, and other 
 companies owning, leasing, running or operating cars subject to taxation 
 under this act, the said State Board of Assessors shall be guided by the 
 relation which the aggregate car mileage made or run by the entire 
 number of cars owned or operated by each of such companies bears to 
 the car mileage made or run by the entire number of cars owned or 
 operated by any such company within this State. 
 
 Sec. 10. Upon said assessment roll, after the name cf each of the 
 companies assessed thereon, shall be placed a general description of the 
 property of said companies, which shall be deemed to include all of the 
 properties of said companies liable to taxation under this act. In the 
 case of railroad,' union station and depot companies, such general descrip- 
 tion may be as follows: "Real estate, rolling stock, right of way and 
 appurtenances, and all other property used in carrying on the corporate' 
 business and subject to taxation by a State Board of Assessors." In the 
 case of telegraph and telephone companies, the following general de- 
 scription may be used: "Real estate, exchanges, switchboards, conduits, 
 telegraph and telephone poles, and lines, and other appurtenances, and 
 all other property used in carrying on the business of said company, and 
 subject to taxation by a State Board of Assessors." In the case of car 
 loaning, stock car, refrigerator and fast freight line, and other car com- 
 panies and other companies, owning, leasing, running or operating, any 
 cars subject to taxation under this act, the following general descrip- 
 tion maj"^ be used: "Oars subject to taxation by a State Board of As- 
 sessors." In the case of express companies and sleeping car companies, 
 the following general description may be used: "Property subject to 
 taxation by a State Board of Assessors." In an appropriate column op- 
 posite the names of said corporations shall be extended the cash valua- 
 tions of the properties of the said companies so assessed. 
 
 Sec. 11. On the third Monday of January in each year it shall be the 
 duty of the State Board of Assessors to meet at the State Capitol at 
 Lansing, and to continue in session from day to day for so long a period 
 as may be necessary, not later than the fifteenth day of February next 
 thereafter, for the purpose of reviewing said assessment roll, and any 
 company or person interested shall have the right to appear during said 
 period and be heard as to the valuation of the property of any company, 
 and said Board of Assessors may, on such application or on its own 
 motion, correct. the assessment or valuation of the property of such 
 company in such manner as will, in its judgment, make the valuation 
 thereof just and equal ; and for the purpose of arriving at tbe true cash 
 value of the properties assessed on said assessment roll, may subpoena 
 witnesses as provided in section three of this act, and have such hearing as 
 may be deemed necessary. In case it shall appear or be made to appear 
 to the members of said board, acting in review for assessment purposes, 
 that the property of any corporation subject to taxation under the pro- 
 visions of this act shall have been omitted from said assessment roll, it 
 shall place the same thereon and make the assessment thereof as re- 
 quired in sections nine and ten of this act: Provided, That any such 
 assessment shall take place in time to allow five full days for the review 
 
35 
 
 of the same before the expiration of the time herein provided for the 
 completion of the review. After said State Board of Assessors shall 
 have completed the review of said rolls as herein provided, they shall 
 place opposite each description of property in said roll, in a column 
 provided for that purpose, the true cash value of the same as ascertained 
 and determined by them, and such valuation so fixed by them shall be 
 the final valuation upon which the tax upon said property shall be levied 
 and spread as herein provided. After said board shall have completed 
 the review of said roll, a majority thereof shall certify under their hands 
 ofBcially and spread on said roll, a certificate to the effect that the same 
 has been acted upon and reviewed in accordance with law, which cer- 
 tificate shall state all the alterations, changes, corrections and additions 
 made in or to the assessment or vialuation of the property appearing on 
 said roll. And all the alterations, changes and corrections made in the 
 determination of the true cash value of the property of the State other 
 than that included in this act upon which ad valorem taxes are assessed 
 for State, county, township, school and municipal purposes for the cur- 
 rent year, arid also all the alterations, changes and corrections made in 
 the computation of the average rate as hereinafter provided., ' 
 
 Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the county clerk in each county in 
 this State, as soon as possible after the equalization of the board of super- 
 visors of his county of the assessment rolls of the several municipalities 
 therein, and not later than the first day of December in each year, to 
 make a report, duly certified, to the State Board of Assessors, of the rec- 
 ord of such equalization and of the record required to be made under 
 section thirty-seven of the general tax law, being section three thousand 
 eight hundred sixty of the compiled laws of eighteen hundred ninety- 
 seven, as appears upon the records of such board of supervisors, which 
 report shall, among other things, contain a statement of the amount of ad 
 valorem taxes to be raised in the several municipalities of such county, 
 for State, county, municipal, township, school and other purposes, and a 
 statement of the aggregate valuation of the property in each of said 
 several municipalities, as taken from the assessment rolls of said mu- 
 nicipalities for the year in which such equalization is made. It shall 
 be the duty of the supervisor or other assessing officer of cities and vil- 
 lages in this State governed by special charters, which provide for the 
 collection of ad valorem taxes, which are not reported to the board of 
 supervisors for the purposes of equalization or review, and the super- 
 visors or other assessing officers of cities organized under general laws, 
 to make, within the time above limited, a properly certified report to 
 the State Board of Assessors of all ad valorem taxes raised in any of 
 said municipalities, which have not been reported to the board of super- 
 visors for the purpose of equalization- and review. In case any county 
 clerk or any supervisor or assessing officer shall neglect or fail to make 
 the report by this section required, within the time limited, the said 
 State Board of Assessors shall inspect and examine, or cause an inspec- 
 tion and examination of the records of said board of supervisors, or in 
 cities affected by this section, an examination of the records of the 
 -proper officers, for the purpose of procuring the information required 
 for the purpose of arriving at the average rate of taxation in this State ; 
 and the said board, in addition thereto, may require such reports on 
 
36 
 
 blanks that it shall prepare and furnish therefor, from all county, State 
 and municipal offlcers, as it shall deem necessary to the accomplishment 
 of the purpose of this act. Any county clerk, supervisor or assessing 
 ofiScer, who shall fail to make the report required by this section shall 
 be subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars, to be recovered in a prop- 
 er action in the name of the people of the State of Michigan, in any 
 court of competent jurisdiction. 
 
 Sec. 13. It shall be the duty of the said State Board of Assessors, 
 not later than the fifteenth day of January in each year, from the iafor- 
 mation contained in the reports provided for in section twelve of this 
 act, to ascertain and determine the average rate of taxation for the year 
 in which said reports are required to be made, levied upon other property 
 u'pon which ad valorem taxes are assessed for State, county, township, 
 school and municipal purposes, and enter the same upon its records 
 forthwith, together with the method by which such average rate was 
 ascertained and determined. 
 
 Sec. 14. Said board shall tax the property of the several companies 
 as assessed by it at the rate as determined by it, and the amount of tax 
 to be paid by each of said companies shall be extended upon said assess- 
 ment roll, opposite the description of their respective properties. After 
 the completion of said tax roll, and prior to the first day of March, in 
 each year, the said board shall attach thereto a certificate, signed by the 
 members of the board, or a majoi-ity thereof, which shall be as follows: 
 "We do hereby certify that we have set down in the above assessment 
 roll, all the property of railroad companies, express companies, union 
 station and depot companies, telegraph and telephone companies, car 
 loaning, stock car, refrigerator and fast freight line, and other car 
 companies, and other companies owning, leasing, running or operating 
 cars, and sleeping car companies, liable to be taxed in this State, ac- 
 cording to our best information, and that we have estimated the same 
 at what we believe to be the true cash value thereof, and that we have 
 assessed the taxes thereon at the average rate of taxes for State, county, 
 township, school, municipal and other purposes, levied through this State 
 during the preceding year, as determined by us." The said tax roll shall 
 thereupon be forthwith delivered to the Auditor General, who shall im- 
 mediately notify by registered mail the several companies taxed thereon 
 to pay the taxes extended thereon to the State Treasurer. The said 
 taxes shall be payable on the first day of April, following the assessment 
 and levy thereof, and shall be in lieu of all taxes for State and local pur- 
 poses, not including special assessments on property particularly bene- 
 fited, made in any county, city, village or township. All taxes not paid 
 before the first day of May in the year in which the same are payable, 
 shall bear interest thereafter at the rate of one per centum per month or 
 any fraction thereof. The taxes so extended against said companies 
 shall become forthwith a debt from each of said companies to the State 
 and shall constitute a lien upon all the property of said companies, real, 
 personal and mixed, which lien shall take precedence of all demands, 
 judgments, assignments by warranty deed or otherwise, or decrees against 
 said companies, which lien and debt may be enforced by seizure, or 
 sale of said property or such portion thereof as may be necessary to 
 satisfy the same, as hereinbefore provided. The State Board of Assessors 
 
37 
 
 shall, upon the completion of said roll and the correction hereinbefore 
 provided for, annex to said roll a warrant, signed by the said State board, 
 or a majority of them, commanding the Auditor General to collect the sev- 
 eral sums mentioned in the last column of such roll, and being the sum 
 for which the said company was assessed and was liable to pay for a tax 
 upon its property, under the provisions of this act for the purposes pro- 
 vided for in this act; and the said warrant shall authorize and conu- 
 mand the Auditor General, in case any corporation, company or person 
 named in the assessment roll shall neglect or refuse to pay its tax, to levy 
 the same by distress and sale of the properties of said corporation, com- 
 pany or person or such portion thereof as shall be necessary to raise 
 sufficient mondy to satisfy said tax and the expense of said sale, after . 
 giving the same notice of said sales as provided for in the general laws 
 of this State for the sale of property seized for taxes, and offered for sale : 
 Provided, That he may bring an action in the name of the People of the 
 State of Michigan in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of 
 Michigan, or in any other State, for the enforcement of said lien, and 
 upon the recovery of judgment or decree therein, the same may be col- 
 lected by execution, levy and sale, as in other cases, upon judgments in 
 courts of record. 
 
 Sec. 15. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge that 
 any tax levied under the provisions of this act is illegal on account of 
 any irregularity or informality in the determination of average rate of 
 taxation required to be ascertained and determined by said State Board 
 of Assessors, or for the reason that such average rate has not been ascer- 
 tained and determined according to law, it shall be the duty of said 
 State Board of Assessors, whether any part of the taxes assessed and 
 levied has been paid or not, to redetermine and reascertain the average 
 rate of taxation throughout the State in accordance with law, and when 
 such redetermination and reascertainment has been had, to make a du- 
 plicate of the original assessment roll and to extend the taxes thereon 
 according to such redetermined and reascertained average rate, and 
 when such duplicate roll has been made and the taxes extended thereon 
 in the manner provided in this section, it shall be of the same force and 
 effect as an original assessment made in accordance with law. All pro- 
 ceedings on the redetermination and I'eascertainment of such average 
 rate and for the extension and collection of taxes upon said duplicaite 
 assessment rolls shall be conducted in the method originally provided for, 
 so far as may be. Whenever any sum or part thereof levied upon any 
 property subject to taxation under this act, so set aside, has been paid 
 and not refunded, the payment so made shall be applied upon, the reas- 
 sessment upon said property, and the reassessment to that extent shall 
 be deemed to be satisfied. 
 
 Sec. 16. No tax assessed upon any property and no average rate de- 
 termined by said Staite Board of Assessors as hereinbefore required, shall 
 be held invalid by any court of this State on account of any irregularity 
 in any assessment or on account of any assessment or tax roll not hav- 
 ing been made or proceeding had within the time required by law, or on 
 account of the property having been assessed without the name of the 
 owner, or in the name of any corporation or person other than the owner, 
 or on account of any other irregularity, informality or omission, if the 
 method and manner of ascertaining and determining the average rate of 
 
38 
 
 taxation on property in this State is in accordance with the constitution 
 and statutes of this State. 
 
 Sec. 17. All taxes collected under this act shall be applied in paying 
 the interest upon the primary school, university and other educational 
 funds, and the interest and principal of the State debt, in the order here- 
 in recited, until the extinguishment of the State debt, other than the 
 amounts due to educational funds, when such taxes shall be added to 
 and constitute a part of the primary school interest fund; and such 
 taxes as are collected under the provisions of this act shall be treated 
 and disbursed as specific taxes are now treated and disbursed : Provided, 
 however, That if any of the corporations, companies or associations here- 
 in named were not paying specific taxes to this State on Noveimber six, 
 A. D. nineteen hundred, the tax collected from such corporations, com- 
 panies, or associations under this act shall be paid into and become a 
 part of the general fund of the State. 
 
 Sec. 18. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed a waiver or affect 
 the collection of the specific taxes required to be paid by the companies 
 hereby affected, on the first day of July in the year nineteen hundred nine, 
 and previous years, under the general laws upon the property or business 
 of such companies within this State. The existing laws providing for the 
 collection of such specific taxes shall be continued in force until the 
 collection and payment of all taxes levied thereunder for the year nine- 
 teen hundred nine and previous years. 
 
 Sec. 19. If said board shall wilfully assess any property at more or 
 less that what the members taking part in making such assessment 
 believe to be its true cash value, the members voting in favor of such 
 assessment shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof 
 shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 
 one year, or by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars each. 
 
 Sec. 20. If any person, company, association or corportaion whose 
 property is subject to assessment under this act shall directly or in- 
 directly promise, .offer or give to any member of said board, during 
 his term of office, or to any other person at his request, any gratuity of 
 any kind whatever, such person or corporation shall forfeit to the State 
 the sum of ten thousand dollars for each such offense, to be recovered 
 in an action in the name of the people of the State of Michigan, in any 
 cc^urt of competent jurisdiction*. And the recovery of such fine under 
 this act shall not constitute a bar to any prosecution of the person or 
 colrporation so offending under the criminal laws of this State. 
 
 Sec. 21. All acts or parts of acts, whether contained in any act for 
 the incorporation of rail-road companies, union stations and depot com- 
 panies, telegraph and telephone conipanies, express companies, car loan- 
 ing companies, stock car companies, refrigerator car companies, sleeping 
 car companies, fast freight line companies, or other car companies, or 
 in any other law of the State, so far as such acts or parts of acts are 
 inconsistent with the provisions of this act, are hereby repealed, except 
 as herein expressly stated: Provided, however, That all taxes levied 
 or in process of assessment and levy, under the act to which this act 
 is amendatory, shall be assessed, levied and collected under said act; 
 all rights which the State now has under any of said acts for taxes or 
 penalties shall not be in any way affected by this act; noi- shall this 
 act constitute a bar to any prosecution or suit for such taxes" or penalties 
 or the recovery of judgment therefor. 
 
39 
 
 STATE BOARD OF ASSESSORS. 
 
 The Legislature of 1909, acting under the new constitution amended 
 the act prescribing the powers and duties of the State Board of As- 
 sessors by adding the properties of telegraph and telephone companies 
 to those already under the jurisdiction of the Board for the purpose 
 of assessment and levying of taxes. This required an appraisal of the 
 properties as a preliminary step tO' their assessment. How that was 
 done and the results obtained will be referred to in another part of the 
 report. 
 
 The manner of assessment of railroad companies and the diflQculiies 
 encountered in arriving at a true cash value of the same wa i 1 reated 
 of in our last report and the Board has nothing to add to what was then 
 said upon this subject. 
 
 The assessed valuation of all properties under the jurisdiction of 
 the Board for 1908 was: 
 
 Railroad Companies $207,305,000 00 
 
 Sleeping Car Companies 500,000 00 
 
 . Express Companies ,. 1,211, (>25 00 
 
 Oar Loaning Companies '. 973,300 00 
 
 $209,989,925 00 
 
 The average rate of $18.0080 per $1,000 being applied to those flg- 
 u¥es resulted in a tax levy of $3,781,505.55. 
 
 ASSESSED VALUATION FOR 1909. 
 
 Railroad Companies $211,764,500 00 
 
 Sleeping Car Companies 500,000 00 
 
 Express Companies 1,287,020 00 
 
 Car Loaning Companies 1,131,250 00 
 
 Tfelegraph and Telephone Companies 20,948,375 00 
 
 $235,631,145 00 
 
 The average rate of $20.6733 per $1,000 being applied to these figures 
 resulted in a tax levy of $4,871,275.86. 
 
 Telephone and telegraph companies were first assessed and taxed 
 under the ad valorem system in 1909. The amount of taxes levied for 
 that year were $433,072.50. Taxes levied on the same class of property 
 for the year 1908 under the specific system was $148,482.01. 
 
 These figures show an increase of $286,590.29 in favor of the method 
 adopted in 1909. 
 
 A comparative statement of the taxes levied by the board since 1902 
 with those levied by the Legislature for state purposes discloses:* 
 
40 
 
 State Board of Assessors. State Tax. 
 
 1902 $3,313,013 37 $2,669,875 29 
 
 1903 3,796,359 79 4,003,255 11 
 
 1904 3,360,278 77 2,958,004 98 
 
 1905- 3,566,882 47 3,871,080 34 
 
 1906 3,442,620 74 3,384,064 57 
 
 1907 3,690,202 07 4,886,742 37 
 
 1908 3,781,505 55 4,194,333 80 
 
 1909 4,871,275 86 5,929,304 89 
 
 Total ". $29,822,138 62 $31,896,661 35 
 
 The taxes levied by this board forming but a part of the primary 
 school fund of the state, it might not be inappropriate to mention in 
 connection with this comparative table, that during the period covered 
 by the same, this fund has received from other sources $2,439,875.29 
 making a total amount of $32,262^013.91 or $365,352.56 in excess of all 
 state taxes levied during the corresponding years. 
 
 CAR LOANING COMPANIES. 
 
 The subject of the assessment of Car Loaning Companies was treated 
 quite at length in our last report. The work of securing detailed in- 
 formation on which to base a correct valuation of this class of property 
 was extended in the years 1908, 1909 so as to include all movements of 
 every car, in the state, belonging to these companies, throughout the en- 
 tire year. This included both mileage and speed of travel. 
 
 The results show in the increased assessment as follows: Assessment 
 for the year 1907, $741,400; assessment for the year 1909, $1,131,250, 
 Increase, $389,850. The total increased valuation of this property since 
 a systematic method of securing data was inaugurated is $642,600. 
 
 EXPRESS COMPANIES. 
 
 The Legislature of 1909 so amended the act under which these com- 
 panies are assessed that the board was given discretion in determining 
 the vexed question of Oceanic Routes. This has eliminated much of the 
 trouble in ai-riving at a correct valuation of their properties and has re- 
 sulted in a substantial increase in their assessments. 
 
 TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES. 
 
 Under the provisions of Act No. 49, Public Acts of 1909, telephone ajad 
 "telegraph properties were brought under the ad valorem system of assess- 
 ment, and taxation thereby adding new duties to those of the State Board 
 of Assessors. 
 
 The Act provides for an annual assessment : 
 
 "Of railroad companies, union station and depot companies, telegraph 
 companies, telephone companies, sleeping car companies, express com- 
 panies, car loaning companies, stock car companies, refrigerator car com- 
 panies atid fast freight line companies, and all other companies owning, 
 leasing, running or operating any freight, stock, refrigerator or any other 
 
41 
 
 cars not being exclusively the property of any railroad company paying 
 taxes upon its rolling stock under the provisions of this act, over or upon 
 the line or lines of any railroad or railroads in this State: Provided, 
 That the property of telegraph and telephone companies whose gross re- 
 ceipts within this State for the year ending June thirty do not exceed five 
 hundred dollars shall be exempt from taxation. All telegraph and tele- 
 phone companies doing business in this State shall make the report re- 
 quired by section six of -this act to the State Board of Assessors." 
 
 This Act did not go into effect until September, 1909, but it was no 
 sooner passed and signed than it became apparent, if an intelligent as- 
 sessment was to be made, no time could be lost waiting for the bill to 
 become law. The Board began at once the work of formulating blanks 
 for annual reports, and as telephone and telegraph property, as a class, 
 had not previously appeared on any of the assessment rolls of the State, 
 plans were laid for an appraisal of the various companies. 
 
 Assistants were employed for this purpose who had been actively en- 
 gaged in the operating departments of telephone companies, and had had 
 practical experience in construction and installation. These men, with 
 members of the Board, met the officials of several of the larger companies 
 and tentatively went over various plans of appraisal. As a result of 
 these conferences, inventory blanks were finally prepared which listed 
 in a thorough manner all the equipment and construction material, which 
 assembled makes up the completed plant. 
 
 Fortunately for the board some of the largest manufacturers of tele- 
 phone and telegraph equipment were located in Chicago and Cleveland, 
 and visits were made to these plants in order that the Board might 
 familiarize itself with regard to the mirious kinds and prices of equip- 
 ment. Oorresimndence was also had with other prominent manufacturers 
 and prices obtained on wire of all kinds, cable and various specialties. . 
 
 Telephone engineers and others long familiar with construction .•jud its 
 cost were interviewed regarding the same and opinions had regarding 
 the per cent of depreciation which should be considered in estimating 
 the present value. 
 
 The largest companies were, in the meantinie, individually preparing 
 price lists showing costs of material and cost of installation, as deteir- 
 mined by the experience of the company. 
 
 After careful consideration of information- from these various 
 sources, a table of unit prices was prepared which seemed fairly to repre- 
 sent conditions in Michigan. 
 
 It is but fair to state that while there was much question among tele- 
 phone and telegraph ofQcials regarding the constitutionality of the act 
 piroviding for the ad valorem assessment of this class of property, they 
 were almost without exception willing and anxious to render to the 
 Board any and all assistance possible. Without this hearty co-opera- 
 tion, it would have been impossible to have made more than a beginning 
 of an appraisal in the limited amount of time at the disposal of the 
 Board. 
 
 From the records of the offices of the Secretary of State and Auditor 
 General was compiled a list of companies, and this was largely increased 
 by the special reports received from the larger operating companies 
 showing the names of over five hundred companies of which the Board 
 had previously no knowledge. 
 
42 
 
 Blanks were sent to all companies and persons for the purpose of an 
 annual report, and the inTentory blank set out to such, as appeared at 
 this time to be assessable. As fast as the annual report was returned and 
 new companies appeared to coma under the provisions of this act, in- 
 ventory blanks were also sent them. In the meantime, the properties 
 were being visited by the inspectors who were now working night and day 
 in order to check over the quantities reported and estimate the amount 
 of depreciation. These blanks were then returned to the office and placed 
 in the hands of a compiling and computing force, which applied the unit 
 prices to. the various quantities, afterwards affecting the same with the 
 depreciation reported by the inspector, in this manner was determined 
 the cost of the property and its present value. 
 
 This melthod of appraisal was applied to the property of about 220 
 companies and the results, together with the annual report and such 
 other information as could be obtained, formed the basis for the first 
 assessment made. 
 
43 
 
 yaluatton of property assessed 
 
 iV the State Board of Assessors and taxes levied 
 thereon— 1908. 
 
 BAUJIOAD COMPANIES. 
 
 Name of Railroad. 
 
 Ann Arbor Railroad Co 
 
 Arcadia & Betsey River Railway Co 
 
 Au Sable & Northwestern Railway Co 
 
 Benton Harbor Terminal Railway Co 
 
 Boyne City, Gaylord & Alpena Railroad Co 
 
 Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw Railway Co 
 
 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Co 
 
 Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co 
 
 Cincinnati Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railway, operated by the 
 
 Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway Co.,. 
 
 Copper Range Railroad Co 
 
 Delray Connecting Railroad Co 
 
 Delray Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit & Charlevoix Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit & Mackinac Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Short Line Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railway Co 
 
 Detroit Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit Union Railroad Depot & Station Co 
 
 Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway Co 
 
 East Jordan & Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Erie & Michigan Railway & Navigation Co 
 
 Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad Co 
 
 Port Street Union Depot Co 
 
 Gogebic & Montreal River Railroad, operated by the Wis- 
 consin Central Railway Co 
 
 Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Co , 
 
 Muskegon, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Co 
 
 Traverse City Railroad Co 
 
 Grand Trunk Western Railway Co 
 
 Chicago, Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction Rail- 
 way Co 
 
 Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway Co. (Grand 
 
 Haven to Pontiac) ". 
 
 Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway Co. (Pon- 
 tiac to Detroit) 
 
 Grand Rapids Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Michigan Air Line Railway Co 
 
 St. Clair Tunnel Co 
 
 Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Railway Co 
 
 Detroit & Toledo Shore Line Railroad Co 
 
 Hecla Belt) Line Railroad Co 
 
 Hecia & Torch Lake Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo, Gull Lake & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Keweenaw Central Railroad Co 
 
 Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Co 
 
 Detroit & Chicago Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Hillsdale & Southwestern Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Railroad Co 
 
 Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo, Allegan & Grand Rapids Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo & White Pigeon Railroad Co 
 
 Northern Central Michigan Railroad Co 
 
 Sturgis, Goshen & St. Louis Railroad Co 
 
 Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railway Co 
 
 Lake Superior & Southern Railway Co . . .' 
 
 Lansing Manufacturers' Railroad Co 
 
 Lansing Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Lewiston & Southeastern Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Grand Rapids Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Luther Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Northeastern Railroad Co 
 
 Manistique, Marquette & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Manistiqiie Railway Co ; 
 
 Marlborough Railroad Co 
 
 Marquette & Southeastern Railway Co , 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $7,725,000 
 
 $139,112 00 
 
 63,500 
 
 1,143 51 
 
 225,000 
 
 4,051 81 
 
 10,000 
 
 180 08 
 
 650,000 
 
 11,705 22 
 
 610,000 
 
 10,984 90 
 
 3,800,000 
 
 68,430 53 
 
 11,850,000 
 
 213,395 20 
 
 580,000 
 
 10,444 66 
 
 925,000 
 
 16,657 43 
 
 2,593,000 
 
 46,694 83 
 
 170,000 
 
 3,061 37 
 
 32,500 
 
 585 .26 
 
 400,000 
 
 7,203 21 
 
 4,565,000 
 
 82,206 68 
 
 1,220,000 
 
 21,969 80 
 
 900,000 
 
 16,207 23 
 
 211,000 
 
 3,799 70 
 
 1,200,000 
 
 21,609 64 
 
 1,450,000 
 
 26,111 65 
 
 9,675,000 
 
 174,227 73 
 
 205,000 
 
 3,691 65 
 
 126,000 
 
 2,269 01 
 
 1,066,000 
 
 19,196 56 
 
 1,800,000 
 
 32,414 46 
 
 '380,000 
 
 6,843 05 
 
 10,350,000 
 
 186,383 15 
 
 500,000 
 
 9,004 02 
 
 250,000 
 
 4,502 01 
 
 11,700,000 
 
 210,694 00 
 
 1,400,000 
 
 25,211 25 
 
 700,000 
 
 12,605 62 
 
 4,100,000 
 
 73,832 94 
 
 2,100,000 
 
 37,816 87 
 
 300,000 
 
 5,402 41 
 
 500,000 
 
 9,004 02 
 
 1,300,000 
 
 23,410 44 
 
 550,000 
 
 9,904 42 
 
 2,000,000 
 
 36,016 07 
 
 25,000 
 
 450 20 
 
 375,000 
 
 6,753 01 
 
 3,000 
 
 54 02 
 
 50,000 
 
 900 40 
 
 9,450,000 
 
 170,175 92 
 
 230,000 
 
 4,141 85 
 
 700,000 
 
 1«,605 62 
 
 3,950,000 
 
 71,131 73 
 
 600,000 
 
 10,804 82 
 
 1,225,000 
 
 22,059 84 
 
 800,000 
 
 14,406 43 
 
 900,000 
 
 16,207 23 
 
 32,000 
 
 576 26 
 
 1,050,000 
 
 18,908 44 
 
 10,000 
 
 180 08 
 
 90,000 
 
 1,620 72 
 
 5,000 
 
 90 04 
 
 30,000 
 
 540 24 
 
 400,000 
 
 7,203 21 
 
 190,000 
 
 3,421 53 
 
 1,575,000 
 
 28,362 65 
 
 400,000 
 
 7,203 21 
 
 185,000 
 
 2,971 33 
 
 5,000 
 
 90 04 
 
 600,000 
 
 10,804 82 
 
44, 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed. — Continued. 
 
 BAILBOAD COMPANIES. 
 
 Name of Railroad. 
 
 Mason & Oceana Railroad Co 
 
 Micliigan Central Railroad Co , 
 
 Battle Creek & Sturgis Railway Co 
 
 Bay City & Battle Creek Railway Co 
 
 Bucbanan & St. Josepb River Railroad Co 
 
 Canada Southern Bridge Co 
 
 Detroit & Bay City Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Delray & Dearborn Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit Manufacturers' Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit River Tunnel Co 
 
 Grand River Valley Railroad C(r 
 
 Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad Co 
 
 Michigan Air Line Railroad Co 
 
 St. Clair & Western Railroad Co 
 
 St. Joseph, South Bend & Southern Railroad Co. 
 
 . Toledo,' Canada Southern & Detroit Railway Co 
 
 Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway Co 
 
 Mineral Range & Hancock & Calumet Railroad Co 
 
 Munising Railway Co 
 
 Onaway & North Michigan Railway Co 
 
 Pere Marquette Railroad Co '. 
 
 Pere Marquette Railroad Co. (from Lawton to South Haven) 
 
 Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Port Huron Southern Railway Co 
 
 Quincy & Torch Lake Railroad Co 
 
 Rapid Railroad Co 
 
 Sainte Marie Union Depot Co 
 
 Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Co 
 
 Sagihaw, Owosso & Lansing Railroad Co 
 
 Traverse City, Leelanau & Manistique Railway Co 
 
 Wabash Railroad Co 
 
 Wisconsin & Michigan Railway Co 
 
 Wyandotte Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Wyandotte Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Total 
 
 SLEEPING CAR COMPANIES. 
 
 The Pullman Company 
 
 EXPRESS COMPANIES. 
 
 Adams Express Co 
 
 American Express Co .' 
 
 Canadian Express Co 
 
 Pacific Express Co 
 
 United States Express Co 
 
 Western Express Co 
 
 Total 
 
 CAR COaiPANIES. 
 
 American Cotton Oil Co 
 
 American Fast Freight Line 
 
 American Refrigerator Transit Co ... . 
 
 American Tank Line 
 
 Armour Car Lines 
 
 Arms Palace Horse Car Co 
 
 Barrett Manufacturing Co 
 
 Boomer Coal & Coke Co 
 
 Canadian Oil Refining Co 
 
 Case, J. I., Threshing Machine Co. . . . 
 
 ■$500,000 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 , Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $80,000 
 
 $1,440 64 
 
 32,300,000 
 
 581,659 50 
 
 360,000 
 
 6,482 89 
 
 150,000 
 
 2,701 21 
 
 10,000 
 
 180 08 
 
 300,000 
 
 5,402 41 
 
 4,400,000 
 
 79,235 35 
 
 50,000 
 
 900 40 
 
 100,000 
 
 1,800 80 
 
 332,500 
 
 5,987 67 
 
 1,500,000 
 
 27,012 05 
 
 4,500,000 
 
 81,036 15 
 
 325,000 
 
 5,852 61 
 
 2,OT5,000 
 
 37,366 67 
 
 100,00(^ 
 
 1,800 80 
 
 350,000 
 
 6,302 81 
 
 4,500,000 
 
 81,036 15 
 
 6,525,000 
 
 117,502 42 
 
 2,125,000 
 
 38,267 07 
 
 600,000 
 
 10,804 82 
 
 15,000 
 
 270 12 
 
 28,550,000 
 
 514,129 37 
 
 250,000 
 
 4,502 01 
 
 725,000 
 
 13,055 82 
 
 25,000 
 
 450 20 
 
 131,000 
 
 2,719 21 
 
 100,000 
 
 1,800 80 
 
 100,000 
 
 1,800 80 
 
 450,000 
 
 8,103 62 
 
 1,500 
 
 27 01 
 
 100,000 
 
 1,800 80 
 
 4,400,000 
 
 79,235 35 
 
 675,000 
 
 12,155 42 
 
 18,000 
 
 324 14 
 
 20,000 
 
 360 16 
 
 $207,305,000 
 
 $3,733,155 42 
 
 $9,004 02 
 
 $163,800 
 
 $2,949 71 
 
 655,525 
 
 .11,804 72 
 
 12,550 
 
 ?26 00 
 
 83,900 
 
 1,510 87 
 
 258,850 
 
 4,661 38 
 
 37,000 
 
 666 30 
 
 $1,211,625 
 
 $21,818 08 
 
 $1,200 
 
 $21 61 
 
 500 
 
 9 00 
 
 23,100 
 
 415 99 
 
 1,800 
 
 32 41 
 
 155,400 
 
 2,798 45 
 
 3,000 
 
 54 02 
 
 1,500 
 
 27 01 
 
 37,800 
 
 68C 70 
 
 1,800 
 
 32 41 
 
 400 
 
 7 20 
 
45 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — Continued^ 
 
 CAK CO.MPANIES — Continued. 
 
 Chicago, New York & Boston Refrigerator Co 
 
 Chicago Refrigerator Car Co 
 
 Cold Biaat Transportation Co 
 
 Consolidated Rolling Stock Co 
 
 Craig Oil Co 
 
 Crystal Car Lines 
 
 Gudahy Milwaukee Refrigerator Line 
 
 Cudahy Refrigerator Line and Cudahy Oil Tank Line. 
 
 Dairy Shippers' Despatch 
 
 Doud Stock Car Co . . . -. 
 
 Bzpress Car Line 
 
 Fairmont Coal Co , . . 
 
 Fox River Despatch 
 
 Freedom Oil Works 
 
 German-American Car Co 
 
 Crermania Refining Co 
 
 Heinz,. H. J. & Co 
 
 Independent Refining Co 
 
 Indian Refining Co : . . . . 
 
 Indianapolis Abajttoir Co 
 
 Johnson Automatic Refrigerator Line. 
 
 Eingan Refrigerator Line 
 
 Lackawanna Live Stock Transportation Co. 
 
 Libby, McNeill & Libby 
 
 Live Poultry Transportation Co 
 
 Lutz & Schramm Co 
 
 Mather Horse & Stock Car Co 
 
 Merctiauts' Despatch Transportation Co. 
 
 Midland Linseed Despatch 
 
 Milwaukee Refrigerator Transit Co 
 
 Missouri River Despatch . 
 
 Morreil Refrigerator Line 
 
 Morris, Nelson, & Co 
 
 Moton Gregson Car Line 
 
 National Car Co 
 
 National Car Line Co 
 
 New York Butchers' Dressed Meai Co. 
 
 Pacific Fruit Express 
 
 Paragon Refining Co 
 
 Peerless Transit Line 
 
 Pittsburg-Buffalo Co 
 
 Pittsburgh Coal Co 
 
 Produce Shippers' Despatch 
 
 Santa Fe Refrigerator Despatch 
 
 St. Louis Refrigerator Car Co 
 
 Shamberg, J. & Son 
 
 Shippers' Refrigerating Car Co 
 
 Stiefel, I. & Co 
 
 Streets' Western Stable Car Line 
 
 Swift Refrigerator Transportation Co 
 
 Union Refrigerator Transit Company of Wisconsin. 
 
 union Tank Line Co 
 
 Webber, Richard 
 
 Western Heater Despatch .' 
 
 Western Live Stock Express 
 
 Total 
 
 SUMMARY. 
 
 Railroad Companies 
 
 Sleeping Car Companies 
 
 Express Companies 
 
 Car Loaning Companies 
 
 Total 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $35,000 
 
 $633 88 
 
 3,000 
 
 54 02 
 
 40,200 
 
 723 9'2 
 
 20,400 
 
 367 36 
 
 4,200 
 
 75 63 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 14,400 
 
 259 31 
 
 16,800 
 
 302 53 
 
 9,200 
 
 165 67 
 
 9,600 
 
 172 88 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 1,800 
 
 32 41 
 
 7,500 
 
 133 06 
 
 600 
 7,000 
 
 10 80 
 
 126 06 
 
 1.200 
 
 21 61 
 
 7,500 
 
 135 06 
 
 900 
 
 16 21 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 1,500 
 
 27 01 
 
 19,000 
 
 342 15 
 
 2,400 
 
 43 22 
 
 4,200 
 
 75 63 
 
 1,000 
 
 18 01 
 
 24,300 
 
 437 60 
 
 50,000 
 
 900 40 
 
 1,200 
 
 21 61 
 
 4,200 
 
 75 63 
 
 2,400 
 
 43 22 
 
 5,000 
 
 90 04 
 
 11,500 
 
 207 09 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 20,100 
 
 361 96 
 
 65,200 
 
 1,174 12 
 
 9,200 
 
 165 67 
 
 36,300 
 
 653 69 
 
 3,600 
 
 64 83 
 
 600 
 
 10 80 
 
 400 
 
 7 20 
 
 1,200 
 
 21 61 
 
 2,500 
 
 45 02 
 
 15,900 
 
 286 33 
 
 19,200 
 
 345 75 
 
 3,500 
 
 63 03 
 
 2,700 
 
 48 62 
 
 1,000 
 
 18 01 
 
 18.400 
 
 331 35 
 
 141,000 
 
 2,539 13 
 
 13,300 
 
 239 51 
 
 78,000 
 
 1,404 63 
 
 2,000 
 
 36 02 
 
 900 
 
 16 21 
 
 2,000 
 
 36 02 
 
 $973,300 
 
 $17,527 13 
 
 $207,305,000 
 
 $3,733,155 42 
 
 500,000 
 
 9,004 02 
 
 1,211,623 
 
 21,818 98 
 
 •973,300 
 
 17,527 IS 
 
 $209,989,925 
 
 $3,781,50.5 53 
 
46 
 
 Valuation of property assessed 
 
 by the State Board of Assessors and taxes levied 
 thereon— 1909. 
 
 BA.ILBOAD COMPANIES. 
 
 Name of Railroad. 
 
 Ann Arbor Railroad Co 
 
 Arcadia & Betsey River Railway Co 
 
 Au Sable & Northwestern Railway Co 
 
 Benton Harbor Terminal Railway Co 
 
 Boyne City, Gaylord & Alpena Railroad Co 
 
 Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw Railway Co 
 
 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Co 
 
 Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co 
 
 Cincinnati Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railway, operated by the 
 
 Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway Co. 
 
 Copper Range Railroad Co 
 
 Delray Connecting Railroad Co 
 
 Delray Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit & Charlevoix Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit & Mackinac Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Short Line Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railway Co 
 
 Detroit Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit Union Railroad Depot & Station Co 
 
 Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic, Railway Co 
 
 East Jordan & Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Erie & Michigan Railway & Navigation Co 
 
 Bscanaba & Lake Superior Railroad Co 
 
 Fort Street Union Depot Co 
 
 Gogebic & Montreal River Railroad, operated by the Wis- 
 consin Central Railway Co 
 
 Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Co 
 
 Muskegon & Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway Co 
 
 Traverse City Railroad Co 
 
 Grand Trunk Western Railway Co 
 
 Chicago, Detroit & Canada Grand Trunk Junction Rail' 
 
 way Co 
 
 Cincinnati Saginaw & Mackinaw Railway Co 
 
 Grand Rapids Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Michigan Air Line Railway Co 
 
 St. Clair Tunnel Co 
 
 Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Hallway Co 
 
 Detroit & Toledo Shore Line Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway Co. (Grandl 
 
 Haven to Pontlac) 
 
 Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway Co. (Pontlac 
 
 to Detroit) 
 
 Hecia Belt Line Railroad Co 
 
 Hecla & Torch Lake Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo, Gull Lake & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Keweenaw Central Railroad Co 
 
 Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Eiiilway Co 
 
 Detroit & Chicago Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Hillsdale & Southwestern Railway Co 
 
 Detroit, Monroe & Toledo Railroad Co 
 
 Fort Wayne & Jackson Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo, Allegan & Grand Rapids Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo & White Pigeon Railroad Co 
 
 Northern Central Michigan Railroad Co 
 
 Sturgis, Goshen & St. Louis Railroad Co 
 
 Lake Superior & Ishpemlng Railway Co 
 
 Lake Superior Southern Railway Co 
 
 Lansing Manufacturers' Railroad Co 
 
 Lansing Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Lewlston & SouthesLstern Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Grand Rapids Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Luther Railroad Co 
 
 Manistee & Northeastern Railroad Co 
 
 Manlstlque & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Manlstique Railway Co --r 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $7,600,000 
 
 $157,117 16 
 
 60,000 
 
 1,240 40 
 
 225,000 
 
 4,651 49 
 
 15,000 
 
 310 10 
 
 675,000 
 
 13,954 48 
 
 625,000 
 
 12,920 82 
 
 3,840,000 
 
 79,385 51 
 
 11,875,000 
 
 245,495 56 
 
 575,000 
 
 11,887 15 
 
 925,000 
 
 19,122 81 
 
 2,600,000 
 
 53,750 61 
 
 200,000 
 
 4,134 66 
 
 35,000 
 
 723 57 
 
 400,000 
 
 8,269 32 
 
 4,585,000, 
 
 94,787 13 
 
 1,300,000 
 
 26,875 30 
 
 800,000 
 
 16,538 65 
 
 215,000 
 
 4,444 76 
 
 1,100,000 
 
 22,740 64 
 
 1,500,000 
 
 31,009 97 
 
 9,600,000 
 
 198,463 78 
 
 225,000 
 
 4,651 49 
 
 122,000 
 
 2,522 14 
 
 1,126,000 
 
 23,278 15 
 
 1,800,000 
 
 37,211 96 
 
 380,000 
 
 7,855 86 
 
 10,350,000 
 
 213,968 76 
 
 500,000 
 
 10,336 66 
 
 250,000 
 
 5,168 33 
 
 11,900,000 
 
 246,012 39 
 
 1,400,000 
 
 28,942 63 
 
 700,000 
 
 14,471 32 
 
 300,000 
 
 6,201 99 
 
 500,000 
 
 10,336 66 
 
 1,300,000 
 
 26,875 30 
 
 550,000 
 
 11,370 32 
 
 2,000,000 
 
 41,346 62 
 
 4,100,000 
 
 84,760 57 
 
 2,100,000 
 
 43,413 95 
 
 25,000 
 
 516 83 
 
 375,000 
 
 7,752 49 
 
 3,000 
 
 62,02 
 
 50,000 
 
 1,033 67 
 
 9,650,000 
 
 199,497 44 
 
 230,000 
 
 4,754 86 
 
 750,000 
 
 15,504 98 
 
 3,950,000 
 
 81,659 58 
 
 700,000 
 
 14,471 32 
 
 1,450,000 
 
 29,976 30 
 
 800,000 
 
 16,538 65 
 
 1,075,000 
 
 22,223 81 
 
 32,000 
 
 661 55 
 
 1,050,000 
 
 21,706 98 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 100,000 
 
 2,067 33 
 
 12,000 
 
 248 08 
 
 27,500 
 
 568 52 
 
 350,000 
 
 7,235 66 
 
 200,000 
 
 4,134 66 
 
 1,625,000 
 
 33,594 13 
 
 350,000 
 
 7,238 66 
 
 150,000 
 
 3,101 00 
 
47 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — Continued. 
 
 BAILKOAD COMPANIES. 
 
 Name of Railroad. 
 
 Marlborough Eallroad Co 
 
 Marquette & Southeastern Railway Co :.......... 
 
 Mason & Oceana Railroad Co \ _\ 
 
 Michigan Central Railroad Co ,', 
 
 Battle Creek & Sturgis Railway Co ..'. 
 
 Bay City & Battle Creek Railway Co 
 
 Buchanan & St. Joseph River Railroad Co 
 
 Canada Southern Bridge Co 
 
 Detroit & Bay City Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit Belt Line Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit, Delray & Dearborn Railroad Co . ." 
 
 Detroit Manufacturers' Railroad Co 
 
 Detroit River Tunnel Co 
 
 Grand River Valley Railroad Co 
 
 Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad Co 
 
 Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad Co 
 
 Lansing Transit Railway Co 
 
 Michigan Air Line Railroad Co 
 
 St. Clair & Western Railroad Co 
 
 St. Joseph, South Bend & Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Toledo, Canada Southern & Detroit Railway Co 
 
 Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway Co 
 
 Mineral Range Railroad Co. and Hancock & Calumet Rail- 
 road Co 
 
 Muntslng Railway Co -. . . 
 
 Onaway & North Michigan Railway Co 
 
 Pere Marquette Railroad Co 
 
 Pere Marquette Railroad Co. (from Lawton to South Haven) 
 
 Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad Co 
 
 Port Huron Southern Railway Co 
 
 Qulncy & Torch Lake Railroad Co , 
 
 Rapid Railroad Co 
 
 Sainte Marie Union Depot Co 
 
 Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Co 
 
 Saginaw, Owosso & Lansing Railroad Co 
 
 Traverse City, Leelanau & Manistique Jlailway Co 
 
 Wabash Railroad Co 
 
 Wisconsin & Michigan Railway Co 
 
 Wyandotte Southern Railroad Co 
 
 Wyandotte Terminal Railroad Co 
 
 Total 
 
 SLEEPING CAK COMPANIES. 
 
 The Pullman Company 
 
 EXPEESS COMPANIES. 
 
 Adams Express Co 
 
 American Express Co 
 
 Canadian Express Co 
 
 Pacific Express Co 
 
 United States Express Co 
 
 Wells Fargo & Co 
 
 Western Express Co 
 
 Total 
 
 Value 
 
 $3,000 
 
 550,000 
 
 75,000 
 
 33,000,000 
 
 360,000 
 
 150,000 
 
 10,000 
 
 300,000 
 
 4,720,000 
 
 50,000 
 
 50,000 
 
 100,000 
 
 900,000 
 
 1,500,000 
 
 5,000,000 
 
 325,000 
 
 10,000 
 
 2,075,000 
 
 100,000 
 
 350,000 
 
 4,700,000 
 
 6,600,000 
 
 2,000,000 
 614,000 
 
 12,500 
 
 30,000,000 
 
 250,000 
 
 750,000 
 
 25,000 
 
 151,000 
 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 450,000 
 
 1,500 
 
 75,000 
 
 4,400,000 
 
 550,000 
 
 20,000 
 
 20,000 
 
 $211,764,500 
 
 $500,000 
 
 $156,640 
 
 716,975 
 
 11,280 
 
 86,100 
 
 240,725 
 
 25,000 
 
 , 50,300 
 
 $1,287,020 
 
 Taxes 
 Levied. 
 
 $62 02 
 
 11,370 32 
 
 1,550 50 
 
 682,219 24 
 
 7,442 39 
 
 3,101 00 
 
 206 73 
 
 6,201 99 
 
 97,578 02 
 
 1,033 67 
 
 1,033 67 
 
 2,067 33 
 
 18,605 98 
 
 31,009 97 
 
 103,366 55 
 
 6,718 83 
 
 206 73 
 
 42,897 12 
 
 2,067 33 
 
 7,235 66 
 
 97,164 56 
 
 136,443 85 
 
 41,346 62 
 12,693 41 
 
 258 42 
 
 020,199 31 
 
 5,168 33 
 
 15,504 98 
 
 516 83 
 
 3,121 67 
 
 2,067 33 
 2,067 33 
 9,302 99 
 
 31 01 
 
 1,550 50 
 
 90,062 57 
 
 11,370 32 
 
 413 47 
 
 413 47 
 
 $4,377,873 24 
 
 $10,336 66 
 
 $3,238 27 
 
 14,822 25 
 
 233 19 
 
 1,779 97 
 
 4,976 58 
 
 516 83 
 
 1,039 87 
 
 $26,606 96 
 
48 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — Continued. 
 
 CAK COIIPANIBS. 
 
 Agar Fresh Meat Express 
 
 American Cottoii Oil Co 1 . 
 
 American Fast Freight Line 
 
 American Refrigerator Transit Co 
 
 American Tanlj Line 
 
 Amco Express Tank Line 
 
 Armour Car Lines 
 
 Arms Palace Horse Car Co 
 
 Atlantic Seaboard Despatch 
 
 Barrett Manufacturing Co 
 
 Boomer Coal & Coke Co '■ . . . 
 
 Case, J. I., Threshing Maphine Co 
 
 Chicago, New Yorls; & Boston Refrigerator Co 
 
 Chicago Refrigerator Car Co 
 
 Cold Blast Transportation Co 
 
 Columbia Tank Line 
 
 Consolidated Rolling Stock Co 
 
 Craig Oil Co 
 
 Crystal Car Lines 
 
 Cudahy Milwaukee Refrigerator Line 
 
 Cudahy Refrigerator Line & Cudahy Oil Tank Line 
 
 Dairy Shippers' Despatch 
 
 Doud Stock Car Co 
 
 Fairmont Coal Co 
 
 Fidelity Oil Co 
 
 Fox Riyer Despatch 
 
 German-American Car Co 
 
 Germania Refining Co 
 
 Heinz, H. J. & Co 
 
 Independent Refining Co 
 
 Kingan Refrigerator Line . . . .' 
 
 Lackawanna Live Stock Transportation Co 
 
 Lewis, F. J., Manufacturing Co ■ 
 
 Libby, McNeil & Libby 
 
 Live Poultry Transportation Co 
 
 Lutz & Schramm Co -. 
 
 Mather Horse & Stock Car Co 
 
 Mercliauts' Despatch Transportation Co 
 
 Midland Linseed Despatch 
 
 Milwaukee Refrigerator Transit Co 
 
 Mineral Point Zinc Co 
 
 Missouri River Despatch >- 
 
 Morrell Refrigerator Line 
 
 Morris, Nelson, & Co .' 
 
 National Car Co 
 
 National Car Line Co 
 
 Pacific Fruit Express Co 
 
 Paragon Refining CD 
 
 Peerless Transit Line 
 
 Pittsburg-Buffalo Co 
 
 Pittsburg Coal Co 
 
 Ruddy Refrigerator Line 
 
 Santa Fe Refrigerator Despatch 
 
 St. Louis Refrigerator Car Co 
 
 St. Louis Independent Packing Co 
 
 Shamberg, J. & Son 
 
 Shippers' Refrigerating Car Co 
 
 Stiefel, The I. Company 
 
 Streets' Western Stable Car Line 
 
 Swift Refrigerator Transportation Co 
 
 Assessed 
 Value 
 
 $2,000 
 
 700 
 
 1,600 
 
 26,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 2,000 
 
 151,650 
 
 2,900 
 
 600 
 
 6,400 
 28,600 
 
 400 
 
 32,700 
 
 4,500 
 
 68,300 
 
 300 
 
 20,400 
 
 5,600 
 
 800 
 13,500 
 23,000 
 
 850 
 10,400 
 
 500 
 1,200 
 3,500 
 
 3,600 
 1,400 
 
 5,050 
 
 1,400 
 
 1,650 
 
 18,900 
 1,600 
 4,800 
 5,100 
 1,500 
 
 10,300 
 
 105,000 
 
 700 
 
 4,400 
 
 2,000 
 
 2,800 
 
 6,400 
 
 30,000 
 
 7,500 
 79,600- 
 
 39,600 
 
 7,700 
 
 2,100 
 
 500 
 
 5,800 
 
 2,000 
 
 31,000 
 
 7,000 
 
 900 
 
 1,000 
 
 4,500 
 
 1,000 
 
 22,600 
 
 182,250 
 
49 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — Continued. 
 
 CAK COMPANIES — Continued. 
 
 Union Refrigerator Transit Company of Wisconsin 
 
 Union Tanli Line Co 
 
 United Coal Co 
 
 Webber, Richard 
 
 Western Heater Despatch 
 
 Western Live Stock Express 
 
 , Total 
 
 TBLHPHONE COMPANIES. 
 
 Adams, Carl J 
 
 AdamsvUle Telephone Union 
 
 Addison Teleplione Exchange 
 
 Adrian Telephone Co 
 
 Alamo Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Alcona County Telephone Co 
 
 Aldrich, A. A. & Son 
 
 Allen Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Almont Telephone Co ' 
 
 Alpena Mutual Benefit Telephone Co 
 
 American Telephone & Telegraph Company of Michigan 
 
 American District Telegraph Company of Detroit 
 
 American District Telegraph Company of Michigan, Limited. 
 
 Arbela Mutual Telephone Company 
 
 Arenac Telephone Co 
 
 Augusta Co-operative Telephone Co 
 
 Aureliua and Vevay Telephone Co 
 
 Bad Axe Telephone Co 
 
 Bainbridge Telephone Co 
 
 Bail, Mrs. Edwin 
 
 Baraga County Telephone Co 
 
 Beaverton Telephone Co 
 
 Benzie County Telephone Co 
 
 Billings Telephone Co 
 
 Birch Lake Telephone Co 
 
 Blanehard Telephone Co 
 
 Blissfleld Telephone Co 
 
 Bloomingdale Telephone Co 
 
 Boulton, B. P 
 
 Brant Rural Exchange 
 
 Brigham, F. D 
 
 Britton Telephone Co 
 
 Bronson Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Brown, C. C 
 
 Brown City Telephone Co 
 
 Camden Rural Telephone Co 
 
 Capac Telephone & Messenger Co 
 
 Cass City 'Telephone Co 
 
 Cass County Home Telephone Co 
 
 Central Citizens Telephone Association. 
 
 Central Michigan Telephone Co 
 
 Chambers' Telephone Co 
 
 Chandler, I. B 
 
 Chapin Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Cheboygan Telephone Co 
 
 Chesaning Home Telephone Co 
 
 Chickaming & Weesaw Telephone Co 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Banfleld 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Battle Creek . . . 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Grand Rapids. 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Howard City . . . 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Jackson 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Marshall 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Muskegon 
 
 Citizens' Telephone Company of Schoolcraft 
 
 Clark Wireless Telegraph & Telephone Co 
 
 Clayton Telephone Co 
 
 Coleman Telephone Company 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 S15,000 
 
 $310 10 
 
 92,400 
 
 1,910 21 
 
 5,200 
 
 107 50 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 2,700 
 
 55 82 
 
 $1,131,250 
 
 $23,386 70 
 
 $1,850 
 
 $38 25 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 800 
 
 16 54 
 
 42,000 
 
 868 28 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 2,550 
 
 52 72 
 
 1,350 
 
 27 91 
 
 1,950 
 
 40 31 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 30,000 
 
 620 20 
 
 450,000 
 
 9,302 99 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 7,500 
 
 155 05 
 
 4,500 
 
 93 03 
 
 3,850 
 
 79 59 
 
 1,100 
 
 22 74 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 4,500 
 
 93 03 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 850 
 
 17 57 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 700 
 
 14 47 
 
 27,000 
 
 558 18 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 16,000 
 
 330 77 
 
 900 
 
 18 61 
 
 600 
 
 12 40 
 
 1,400 
 
 28 94 
 
 1,850 
 
 38 25 
 
 1.850 
 
 38 25 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 6,000 
 
 124 04 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 4,000 
 
 82 69 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 47,000 
 
 971 65 
 
 1.500 
 
 31 01 
 
 28,000 
 
 578 85 
 
 1,800 
 
 37 21 
 
 3,600 
 
 74 42 
 
 950 
 
 19 64 
 
 14,000 
 
 289 43 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 550 
 
 11 87 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 72,000 
 
 1,488 48 
 
 2,300,000 
 
 47,548 61 
 
 750 
 
 15 50 
 
 160,000 
 
 3,307 73 
 
 17,000 
 
 351 45 
 
 140,000 
 
 2,894 26 
 
 7,100 
 
 146 78 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 1,150 
 
 23 77 
 
 2,800 
 
 57 89 
 
50 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — OontiMued. 
 
 TELEPHONE COMPANIES — Continued. 
 
 Concord Telephone Co , 
 
 Coopers' Branch Telephone Co 
 
 County Line Indgpendent Telephone Co 
 
 Dansville Telephone Exchange 
 
 Davison Telephone Co 
 
 Deckerviile Telephone Co 
 
 Deerfield Farmers' Telephone Co 
 
 Dinkel, Mrs. George J 
 
 Easton Independent Telephone Co 
 
 Eaton County Telephone Co 
 
 Eau Claire Telephone Co. . ; 
 
 Elwell Telephone Co 
 
 Faner, John G 
 
 Farmers' Telephone Company of Coe 
 
 Farmers' Exchange Telephone Co 
 
 Farmers' Independent Telephone Co 
 
 Farmers' Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Fayette Eural Telephone Co 
 
 Fowler, C. E 
 
 Freeland Telephone Co : ^ 
 
 Fremont Farmers' Telephone Co., Ltd 
 
 Frontier Eural Exchange 
 
 Gaines Farmers' Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Garter, H. L 
 
 Girard Telephone Co 
 
 Grand Blanc Telephone Co 
 
 Grand Ledge Telephone Co. 
 
 Grawn Eural Telephone Co 
 
 Hallenbeck, S. C 
 
 Hamilton, W. E 
 
 Hamilton Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Hanover Telephone Co 
 
 Harlan Eural Telephone Co 
 
 Hengesbach, Theo. N 
 
 Hibbler & Mack 
 
 Hilbert, P. F 
 
 Hillsdale County Telephone Co 
 
 Hlnchman Telephone Co 
 
 Holden & Wilson 
 
 Holton Eural Telephone Co : 
 
 Home Telephone Company of Detroit 
 
 Home Telephone Company of Grass Lake 
 
 Home Telephone Company of Monroe 
 
 Home Telephone Company of Palo 
 
 Home Telephone & Telegraph Company, The 
 
 Homer Telephone Company 
 
 Hulbert, S. W 
 
 Hemingway, B. J. : 
 
 Ida Telephone Co 
 
 Inter-County Telephone Co .■ 
 
 Inter-State Long Distance Telephone Co 
 
 Iosco County , Telephone Co 
 
 Independent Telephone Co. of Tipton 
 
 Kibble Telephone Co 
 
 Lacey Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Lakefleld Telephone Co 
 
 Lamb, W. J 
 
 Laporte Telephone Co 
 
 Laughridge, C. A 
 
 Leslie Home Telephone Co 
 
 Levering Telephone Co 
 
 Litchfield Farmers' Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Livingston County Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Locke Mutual Telephone Co. 
 
 Lund, Carl 
 
 Macon Telephone Co 
 
 Manlstique Telephone Co 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $2,500 
 
 $51 68 
 
 850 
 
 17 57 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 500 
 
 10 34 
 
 4,150 
 
 85 79 
 
 2,400 
 
 49 62 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 17,000 
 
 351 45 
 
 1,800 
 
 37 21 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 6,500 
 
 134 38 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 1,800 
 
 37 21 
 
 250 
 
 5 17 
 
 1,150 
 
 23 77 
 
 2,700 
 
 55 82 
 
 6,500 
 
 134 38 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 1,250 
 
 25 84 
 
 1,250 
 
 25 84 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 20,000 
 
 413 47 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 3,650 
 
 75 46 
 
 700 
 
 14 47 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 175 
 
 3 62 
 
 1,700 
 
 35 14 
 
 1,800 
 
 37 21 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 4,600 
 
 95 10 
 
 3,800 
 
 78 56 
 
 1,492,000 
 
 30,844 58 
 
 13,850 
 
 286 33 
 
 8,000 
 
 165 39 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 20,000 
 
 413 47 
 
 16,000 
 
 330 77 
 
 2,850 
 
 58 92 
 
 1,100 
 
 22 74 
 
 9,000 
 
 ' 186 06 
 
 24,000 
 
 496 16 
 
 225,000 
 
 4,651 49 
 
 2,400 
 
 49 62 
 
 700 
 
 14 47 
 
 80,000 
 
 1,653 86 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 1,850 
 
 38 25 
 
 1,350 
 
 27 91 
 
 1,350 
 
 27 91 
 
 8,000 
 
 165 39 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 300 
 
 6 20 
 
 26,000 
 
 537 51 
 
 2,300 
 
 47 55 
 
 1,300 
 
 26 88 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 15,000 
 
 310 10 
 
51 
 
 Taluation of Property Assessed — Contimued. 
 
 TBLEPHONB COMPANIES — Continued. 
 
 Marquette County Telephone Co 
 
 Memphis Telephone Co 
 
 Michigan State Telephone Co 
 
 Milf ord Home Telephone Co 
 
 Missaukee Telephone Co 
 
 Monroe County Telephone Co 
 
 Montmorency County Telephone Company 
 
 Moore, W. J ' 
 
 Morenci Telephone Co 
 
 Morrice Telephone Co 
 
 Mosgroye, B. E 
 
 Mundy Telephone Co > 
 
 Munising Telephone & Electric Co 
 
 Mutual Telephone Company of Copemish 
 
 Mutual Telephone Company of Lapeer County 
 
 National District Telegraph Company of Michigan 
 
 North Adams Telephone Exchange 
 
 North Branch Telephone Co 
 
 North Onondaga and Baton Eapids Telephone Co 
 
 North Parma Telephone Co 
 
 Northeastern Telephone & Telegraph Co 
 
 Norton Rural Telephone Co 
 
 Oakland County Telephone Co 
 
 Oceana Farmers' Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Ogemaw Telephone Co 
 
 Okemos Independent Telephone Co 
 
 Onaway Telephone Co 
 
 Ousted Switchboard Association 
 
 Ontonagon County Telephone Co 
 
 Orion Telephone Co 
 
 Osceola Rural Telephone Co 
 
 Oscoda County Farmers' Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Otsego County Telephone 
 
 Palo Telephone Co 
 
 People's Mutual Telephone Company of Leroy and White Oak 
 
 People's Telephone Company of Wayne 
 
 Phillips Telephone Line 
 
 Pigeon Telephone Co 
 
 Pine River Telephone Association 
 
 Plumley, H. A 
 
 Postal Telegraph-Cable Co 
 
 Pullman Telephone Co 
 
 Reading Central Telephone Co 
 
 Readmond Township Telephone Co 
 
 Ries, Ray M • 
 
 RoUin Telephone Co 
 
 Roscommon Telephone Co ■ 
 
 Rural Telephone Company of Waterloo 
 
 Richmond Telephone Co 
 
 Sagola ■ Telephone Co 
 
 St. Charles Roadway Telephone Co 
 
 St. Clair Central Telephone Co 
 
 St. Mary's Telephone Co 
 
 Saline Telephone Co • 
 
 Sand Creek Telephone Co 
 
 Sandusky Telephone Co 
 
 Saugatuck & Gauges Telephone Co 
 
 Scio Rural Telephone 
 
 Shiawassee Telephone Co - 
 
 Shiawassee & Genesee Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Smith, Geo. W 
 
 Smyrna Telephone Co 
 
 Soper, H. B ■ 
 
 Southern Michigan Telephone Co 
 
 Spinks Corners Telephone Co. 
 
 Springport Telephone Exchange Co 
 
 Springport Mutual Telephone Co 
 
 Staley & Bricker ■ ■ • -, 
 
 Steuben County Electric Telephone Co 
 
 Sunfield Co-operative Telephone Co 
 
 Superior Telephone Co ■■ 
 
 Swaverly Telephone Co _• • • 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $40,000 
 
 $826 93 
 
 2,800 
 
 57 89 
 
 11,500,000 
 
 237,743 07 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 11,000 
 
 227 41 
 
 15,000 
 
 310 10 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 17,000 
 
 351 45 
 
 15,000 
 
 310 10 
 
 650 
 
 13 44 
 
 .950 
 
 19 64 
 
 5,500 
 
 113 70 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 2,900 
 
 59 95 
 
 2,400 
 
 49 62 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 750 
 
 15 50 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 1,100 
 
 22 74 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 80,000 
 
 1,653 86 
 
 900 
 
 18 61 
 
 22,000 
 
 454 81 
 
 8,000 
 
 165 39 
 
 1,900 
 
 39 28 
 
 1,400 
 
 28 94 
 
 19,000 
 
 392 79 
 
 900 
 
 18 61 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 3,200 
 
 66 15 
 
 2,700 
 
 55 82 
 
 4,000 
 
 82 69 
 
 7,500 
 
 155 05 
 
 6,000 
 
 124 04 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 8,000 
 
 165 39 
 
 4,000 
 
 82 69 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 700 
 
 14 47 
 
 1,150 
 
 23 77 
 
 300,000 
 
 6,201 99 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 7,400 
 
 152 98 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 1,200 
 
 24 81 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 6,000 
 
 124 04 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 800 
 
 16 54 
 
 1,550 
 
 32 04 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 10,000 
 
 206 73 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 6,500 
 
 134 38 
 
 3,000 
 
 62 02 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 1,350 
 
 27 91 
 
 1,550 
 
 32 04 
 
 1,100 
 
 22 74 
 
 220,000 
 
 4,548 13 
 
 1,500 
 
 ,31 01 
 
 1,600 
 
 33 08 
 
 1,000 
 
 20 67 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 2,000 
 
 41 35 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 2,200 
 
 45 48 
 
 23,000 
 
 516 83 
 
52 
 
 Valuation of Property Assessed — Continued. 
 
 TELEPHONE COMPANIES COnCluded. 
 
 Tecumseh Telephone Co 
 
 Tekonsha Telephone Co 
 
 Thetford Telephone Co 
 
 Three Rivers Telephone Co 
 
 Thumb Telephone Co 
 
 Traverse Bays Telephone Co 
 
 Twin City Telephone Co 
 
 Union Telephone Co 
 
 ■ Union Telephone Line 
 
 United Home Telephone Co 
 
 United States Telephone Co 
 
 United Wireless Telegraph Co 
 
 Valley Home Telephone Co 
 
 Wakeman, Lyle O 
 
 Waldron Telephone Co 
 
 Walled Lake Home Telephone Co 
 
 Washtenaw Home Telephone Co 
 
 Watson Telephone Co 
 
 Wayne County Telephone Co 
 
 Western Union Telegraph Co 
 
 Wexford County Independent Telephone Co 
 
 Whitetord Farmers' Telephone Co 
 
 Williamston Home Telephone Co. 
 
 Wilson, P. P. 
 
 Wise, D. E 
 
 Worden Farmers' Rural Telephone Co, ... . 
 
 Zeigen, Chas 
 
 Total 
 
 SUMMARY. 
 
 Railroad Companies 
 
 Sleeping Car Companies 
 
 Express Companies 
 
 Car Loaning Companies 
 
 Telegraph and Telephone Companies, 
 
 Total , 
 
 Assessed 
 
 Taxes 
 
 Value 
 
 Levied. 
 
 $13,500 
 
 $279 09 
 
 7,000 
 
 144 71 
 
 > 3,500 
 
 72 36 
 
 85,000 
 
 1,757 23 
 
 4,200 
 
 86 83 
 
 16,000 
 
 330 77 
 
 65,000 
 
 1,343 77 
 
 545,000 
 
 11,266 95 
 
 8,000 
 
 165 39 
 
 70,000 
 
 1,447 13 
 
 65,000 
 
 1,343 77 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 400,000 
 
 8,269 32 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 85,000 
 
 1,757 23 
 
 2,500 
 
 51 68 
 
 13,000 
 
 268 75 
 
 1,500,000 
 
 31,009 97 
 
 4,300 
 
 88 90 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 4,000 
 
 82 69 
 
 1,650 
 
 34 11 
 
 5,000 
 
 103 37 
 
 1,500 
 
 31 01 
 
 2,200 
 
 45 48 
 
 $20,948,375 
 
 $433,072 30 
 
 $211,764,500 
 
 $4,377,873 24 
 
 500,000 
 
 10,336 66 
 
 1,287,020 
 
 26,606 96 
 
 1,131,250 
 
 23,386 70 
 
 20,948,375 
 
 433,072 30 
 
 $235,631,145 
 
 $4,871,275 86 
 
53 
 
 EAILROAD TAXATION. 
 
 So many inquiries, from officials of other States are being received 
 at the office of the Board for information concerning the problem of 
 "railroad taxation" and what methods are being employed to solve this 
 most important question, that Commissioner Shields has been requested 
 by the other Commissioners to allow an address which he delivered before 
 the International Tax Association at Milwaukee, in September of this 
 year, to be incorporated in our report. This he has consented to do. His 
 treatment of this subject meets with our hearty approval, and we believe 
 that the same will prove valuable to those seeking information on one 
 of the most interesting and vital questions that confront the public at 
 the present time. 
 
 RAILROAD TAXATION. 
 
 BY EGBERT H. SHIELDS. 
 
 To one that has had to do with the practical side of life rather than 
 the theoretical; who has been educated in the slow school of experience 
 rather than in the university whose curriculum includes the science of 
 political economy, it is no small task to prepare in form and vet-biage ap- 
 propriate to so august a body as the International Tax Association, 
 an essay on a theme so pregnant with theories as "Railroad Taxation 
 Problems." And so my subject might well be "Experience v. Theory." 
 Because of individual selfishness, there exists, and probably always will 
 exist great inequality in the taxation of railroads, as in other property, 
 and any theory tending to ameliorate this condition ought to receive the 
 closest study and attention from those interested in this great problem. 
 
 Speaking from experience I would say that of all the theories advanced 
 for the equitable taxation of railroads, at least those that have come under 
 toy observation, not one in its universal application supplies a satisfac- 
 tory remedy. Experience teaches me that no single theory, no hard and 
 last rule may be applied to all railroads alike and produce equitable 
 results in taxation. 
 
 This lack of uniformity of method in the taxation of railroads in the 
 different states furnishes one of the great railroad taxation problems of 
 the day; and if some method could be devised and applied whereby all 
 railroads, and more especially inter-state railroads, could be taxed upon 
 the same general basis, one of the great railroad problems would be 
 solved; but no theory should be arbitrarily employed without first con- 
 sidering the equity of the results which follow it. 
 
 A casual study of the revenue laws of the various states of the union, 
 reveals a wide divergence both in taxation principles and in application, 
 resulting in a corresponding difference in tax burdens that is well nigh 
 
54 
 
 startling. For instance, the resultant tax on railroad property varies from 
 |148. per mile in Indian Territory to |1,926. per mile in New Jersey (1908) 
 the average tax per mile for all states being $382. with only ten states 
 approaching even approximately the average, the rate for Michigan being 
 $396. This wide divergence in results cannot be entirely explained away 
 by any theory of value; it is the inevitable result of the application of 
 differdnt theories, or methods of taxation by the taxing bodies in the 
 diflferent states, and calls for a remedy. 
 
 Given a body of twelve hundred or fifteen hundred local assessing o£B- 
 cers each in his district valuing different parts of the railway property 
 of the State and the result is going to be inharmonious and inequitable. 
 And yet in as great a measure this situation is produced today through 
 the lack of anything even approaching uniformity of methods employed 
 by the taxing bodies of the diflferent states. And the results attained 
 force the conclusion upon the investigator that the question of method 
 is one of the most complex connected with the matter of railroad taxr 
 ation. It also furnishes convincing proof that certain forms of specific 
 taxation are employed because of their simplicity of administration rather 
 than because of the equity of the results obtained. 
 
 Whatever the first impression, analysis will show that the diversities 
 in the various systems employed in the diflferent states are not altogether 
 accidental nor without refason, but they arise from the diversities in 
 the general theory of taxation and from the peculiar problems which 
 surround the whole subject of railroad taxation. 
 
 My own state, Michigan, has had much experience in the taxation of 
 railroads. It was some twelve or thirteen years ago when Hazen S. 
 Pingree, then Governor, first warned the people of the great danger 
 threatened by powerful private corporations and the first to awake to 
 the great inequalities in railroad taxation and to initiate steps for re- 
 form. At that time, railroad influence controlled the politics of the 
 State and railroad property did not pay its fair proportion of the taxes. 
 Today, all this has changed. 
 
 In Michigan all property is now assessed under the ad valorem system. 
 By this is meant according to the actual value of the property and not 
 its physical value alone. In regard to railroads, it includes all their 
 property, real or personal, used in carrying on their business. It includes 
 the right. of way, road beds, stations, cars, rolling stock, tracks and all 
 franchises; although the franchises are not directly assessed, but are 
 taken into consideration in determining the value of the property. 
 
 For the purpose of arriving at the amount and character and true cash 
 value of railroad property the State Board of Assessors may personally 
 inspect the property belonging to the company, and may also take into 
 consideration the reports filed with that board or the reports and returns 
 of those companies filed in the oflflce of any ofllcer of the State, and 
 such other evidence or information as may be obtainable or be possessed 
 by that board, bearing thereon. In other words, the board may avail 
 itself of all the information it may obtain from any source. 
 
 Previous to the adoption of the present system, the railroads paid a 
 specific tax. The principal objection to this system was the inequalities 
 produced in the relative amount of taxes paid by the diflferent railroad 
 companies. The plan provided for a certain per cent of the gross earn- 
 
55 
 
 ings per mile and was graduated. It may have been the fault of the 
 graduating, but the fact remains that the tax was not an equitable one 
 and the system was abolished. 
 
 Many theories were submitted to the State Board of Assessors, every 
 one of them having stron| advocates; but we found no single theory 
 adapted to an equitable assessment of all the railroads. 
 
 Take the theory of net earnings as a basis of taxation. We no sooner 
 begin its application than we find a railroad that has no net earnings, 
 and this theory in this particular instance must be abandoned forthwith. 
 The utter lack of uniformity of system among the railroad accountants 
 also made the net earnings reported too uncertain a quantity to apply 
 generally with any degree of certainty that they were correct. And how 
 could this theory be applied to a railroad company that might have ex- 
 pended a million dollars in extensions not yet operative and earning 
 nothing? These are some of the objections advanced against the net 
 earnings tax theory. While I believe that the measure of value of a rail- 
 road property is its earning capacity, when it has any, the objections 
 to the net earnings system are given to show the impracticability of its 
 universal application. ' 
 
 We found many objections to the so-called stock and bond theory of 
 raining a railroad, though fully appreciative of the advantage of know- 
 mg the value of the stock and bonds issued. But as far as applying this 
 theory to all the railroads in Michigan was concerned, it was found to 
 be impracticable from the fact that the stocks and bonds of but a com- 
 paratively few railroads were quoted in the market, that the stocks and 
 bonds of many of the railroads were unknown to the open market and 
 the method could be applied only to the few railroads. 
 
 Then, too, the computation of the bond value is rendered intricate and 
 uncertain by reason of the fact that there may be several different issues 
 of bonds issued by a company upon different portions of its line or upon 
 the same portion of its line; or an issue may cover a line partly in one 
 state and partly in an adjoining state; lor the issue may have been made 
 at a certain time covering the whole line, "since which time tlie line may 
 have been extended without it appearing how the issue is affected, or 
 in what manner. 
 
 Another diflSculty encountered in attempting to apply the stock and 
 bonds method in determining the value of railroads lies in the separa- 
 tion of railroad property devoted to operation from the property owned 
 by the railroad but not used in its operation. The stocks and bonds of 
 a railroad company represent the value of all the property of that com- 
 pany whether devoted to operation or not; manufacturing jrtants, real 
 estate, mines, elevators, warehouses, stock and bonds in other corpora- 
 tions, etc. This latter property is subject to local appraisal and taxa- 
 tion. To ascertain and separate all these items and make the proper 
 deductions from the total value represented by the stocks and bonds,, 
 would involve more time and labor than the ends would seem to justify. 
 And when we consider, in addition to the intricacy and uncertainty of 
 " the computation of stocks and bonds values, the manipulation by stock 
 brokers, regardless of actual values, and the many conditions that affect 
 the price or value of the stocks and bonds regardless of the real value 
 of the property itself, we cannot but appreciate the incompetency an* 
 unreliability of this system. 
 
56 
 
 It is contended by some that the best available measure of the value 
 of a railroad is the cost of construction as. shown by the general balance 
 sheet of the company. There can be little said in favor of the method. 
 While it may be of assistance to the assessor to know the cost of the 
 railroad in deitermining its value, the queslion of whether the road is 
 worth more or less than its cost of construction is decided upon other 
 considerations. We found that this method received the approval only 
 of those railroads that would be benefited by its application, and it 
 received but little consideration at the hands of the assessors. 
 
 Still another method, and one that claims some distinguished ad- 
 herents, is what is called "The inventory method supplemented by a 
 consideration of the effective earning capacity of the roads." Probably 
 in Michigan this is better known as the "Oooley- Adams" method. This 
 method contemplates a complete inventory of all the physical elements 
 of the road, showing the cost of reproduction and the present value sup- 
 plemented by a capitalization of the net corporate surplus earnings. This 
 scheme of railroad appraisal received its first application in 1900 in 
 Michigan, its execution being placed by the tax commission under the 
 supervision of Prof. Mortimer E. Cobley, Dean of the Department of 
 Engineering of the University of Michigan, and, admittedly, a gentle- 
 man of great engineering skill and ability. In his appraisal of the so- 
 called physical or tangible elements of the Michigan railroads, Cooley 
 proceeded in the same manner as if a new road were projected in the 
 exact location of the present road, and computed the cost of building 
 and equipping the road to the extent already existing, everything being 
 new, and then, allowing for depreciation where deemed necessary and 
 proper, fixed other values representing the actual or present condition 
 of those elements subject to change with time. This work included a 
 careful inventory and inspection by competent engineers of practically 
 every locomotive and passenger car belonging to Michigan railroads, as 
 well as all shop machinery and tools, locomotive, passenger, freight and 
 miscellaneous equipment and of all stores and supplies. Experienced 
 railroad engineers proceeded over the different railroads by means of 
 hand-cars or on foot and made a personal inspection of all the railroads 
 in the State. The work was classified under thirty-seven different items, 
 or accounts, and included:, engineering; right of way and station 
 grounds ; real estate ; grading ; terminals ; bridges ; culverts and trestles ; 
 ties; rails, track fastenings, frogs, switches and crossings; ballast, track 
 laying and surfacing; fencing; cattle guards and signs; interlocking 
 and signal apparatus; telegraph; stations, buildings and fixtures; shops, 
 round-houses and turn-tables; shop machinery and tools; water stations; 
 grain elevators; warehouses; docks and wharfs; miscellaneous struc- 
 tures; locomotives; passenger equipment; freight equipment; miscel- 
 laneous equipment; telephone; ferries and steamships; electric plants; 
 terminals; legal expenses; interest; miscellaneous expenses and supplies. 
 
 The result of this most complete inventory showed the total cost of 
 - reproduction of the railroads of Michigan to be |202,716,262, and ttie 
 "Present Value," that is the value after allowing for depreciation, 
 $166,398,156. But this was an appraisal of the physical elements of the 
 railroads, and did not presume to represent their actual or cash value. 
 It was said that in many of the railroads there existed non-physical, or 
 
57 
 
 intangible or franchise elements possessing a value beyond that found 
 in the appraisal of the physical properties. Mr. Cooley's part of the work 
 being completed, the rest of the work embraced in this general plan was 
 placed in the hands of Prof. Henry C. Adams, Statistician to the Inter- 
 state 'Commerce Commission. And no one more familiar with the work 
 at hand, nor better fitted by education and experience to cope with this 
 subject could have been chosen. 
 
 The rule submitted by Prof. Adams for the determination of the non- 
 physical values of railroad properties is as follows: 
 
 1. Begin with gross earnings from operation, deduct therefrom the 
 aggregate of operating expenses, and the remainder may be termed in- 
 come from operation. To this should be added income from corporate 
 investments, giving a sum which may be termed total income,, and which 
 represents the amount at the disposal of the corporation for the support 
 of its capital and for the determination of its annual surplus. 
 
 2. Deduct from the above amount, that is to say, total income, an an- 
 nuity properly chargeable to capital, a certain per cent of the appraised 
 value of the phvsical properties. 
 
 3. From this amount should be deducted taxes, rents paid for the 
 lease of property operated, provided such property is not covered by the 
 physical valuation made the basis of the annuity referred to under para- 
 graph 2, and permanent improvements charged directly to income. -The 
 remainder would represent the surplus which, capitalized at a certain 
 rate of interest gives the value of immaterial properties. 
 
 The following illustration will show the result of the application of 
 the Cooley-Adams theory, or plan, or the "Inventory method, supple- 
 mented by capitalization of corporate surplus earnings : 
 
 Prof. Adams found from the average gross earnings of the Michigan 
 Central System for the years 1898. to 1902 inclusive, that the average net 
 
 earnings amounted to f3,620,37T 
 
 The Michigan proportion, based on track mileage, was 2,503,345 
 
 Mr. Cooley had appraised the physical elements at 45,438,599 
 
 Prof. Adams allowed an annuity of 8 1-2 per cent on the 
 
 physical elements, or 1,590,351 
 
 He then deducted this amount from the total net earnings, 
 
 leaving a remainder of 912,994 
 
 This amount was then capitalized at 5 per cent to determine 
 
 the value of the non-physical elements which amounted 
 
 to 18,259,880 
 
 To this amount was added the value of the physical elements 
 
 ' appraised by Mr. Cooley, at 45,438,599 
 
 And the total value of the road in question was fixed at. . . . 63,698,479 
 
 Plausible as it may appear, however, this ingenious method does not 
 entirely fill all the requirements of the case at hand, at least not as it was 
 applied in Michigan. In the first plate, it will be observed that at any 
 stage of the process a deficit might be discovered, and where such was 
 actually the case, the physical value as found by Mr. Cooley was taken 
 and regarded as the value of the property. The rule, apparently, does 
 not work both ways. Now, as a general principle; if 'the amount as 
 shown by the physical appraisal of railroad property which earns more 
 
58 
 
 than a fair percentage of profit does not represent its actual cash value, 
 neither does the physical appraisal of a railroad property which does 
 not earn a fair percentage of profit, represent its actual cash value. And 
 in this connection it may be of interest to state that in the Cooley- 
 Adams appraisal of Michigan railroads a non-physical value was placed 
 on only twenty-six of the 123 railroads appraised, and the physical 
 appraisal made by Mr. Cooley was adopted as the actual cash value of the 
 other 97 roads. 
 
 An analysis of this theory, therefore, disclosed the fact that in reality 
 two distinct methods are employed in valuing the same class of property. 
 The method employed in valuing the 97 railroads that did not earn more 
 than a "fair profit," is the inventory plan pure and simple whereby the 
 value was determined by an inventory of the physical elements only. 
 While in the valuation of the 26 railroads earning more than a "fair . 
 profit" the capitalization of a portion of the net earnings followed by a 
 further capitalization of the surplus net earnings is the method employed. 
 Here, then, we have two different methods or stands of valuation em- 
 ployed in valuing the same class of property which is hardly in harmony 
 with the constitution and laws of our State. 
 
 But there is another reason which would preclude the application of 
 this twin theory in assessing Michigan railroads. The rate of taxation 
 levied against the railroads in Michigan is the average rate of taxation 
 levied upon other property of the State upon which ad valorem taxes are 
 assessed for State, county, township, school and municipal purposes. 
 Now this theory is applicable to a considerable amount of other property 
 in the State, but is not applied in a single instance by any of the seven- 
 teen hundred assessing officers; and furthermore, because of the technical 
 skill and theoretical training "required for its intelligent application, its 
 adoption is not likely. 
 
 It would, therefore, be manifestly unfair to adopt this plan in the 
 assessment of the railroad property unless the same plan be used in the 
 assessment of all other property to which this theory might equally ap- 
 
 piy- 
 
 I have so far enumerated some of the railroad taxation problems. In 
 Michigan the problem of how to compel the railroad companies to pay 
 at least their fair share of the tax burdens of the State' has been solved. 
 
 But there are two problems in connection with the taxation of Michi- 
 gan railroads that-are not solved; problems that are becoming of greater 
 . importance every day to every tax payer in the State. 
 
 The first of these problems is how to obtain an equitable and fair rate 
 to apply to the assessed valuation of these properties. As before stated 
 the rate applied is the average rate levied upon other property of the 
 State upon which ad valorem taxes are assessed for State county, town- 
 ship, school and municipal purposes. It is the sworn duty of the State 
 Beard of Assessors to assess the railroad property at its full cash value 
 and to ascertain and determine the average rate of taxation levied upon 
 other property and to tax the property of the several companies accord- 
 ingly. The Board has no discretionary powers to equalize. The rate, 
 obtained by a simple mathematical calculation, must be applied. The 
 amount of taxes to be raised is not determined in the same way as are 
 the requirements for state, county, township and municipal purposes* 
 
59 
 
 Now, while we do not contend that the railroad companies are assessed 
 beyond their value, it is generally admitted that the general property 
 in the State is assessed below its value, resulting in an "average rate" 
 correspondingly higher than it ought to be. This is one of 51iehigan's 
 railroad taxation problems yet to be solved. 
 
 The other problem referred to relates to the disposition of the taxes 
 paid by the railroad companies. All taxes collected from the railroad 
 companies are distributed to the various school districts in the State 
 in proportion to the number of children of school age residing therein. 
 The money so received by these school districts may be applied only in 
 paying the wages of school teachers and tuition for high school pupils 
 and for no other purpose. / 
 
 While, theoretically, this method of distribution seem equitable on its 
 face, the fact is that many school districts in the Statel are receiving 
 annually more money from this source than can with any degree of 
 reason be applied to the payment of teacher's salaries and tuition as 
 required by law. This has already resulted in the accumulation of large 
 funds in the treasuries of many of these school districts, in some in- 
 stances amounting to thousands of dollars, and as these accumulations 
 will increase from year to year as the annual distribution of railroad 
 taxes is made, the situation a few generations hence may be better left to 
 the imagination. 
 
 In closing I would say that, in the preparation of this paper, I have 
 rather confined myself "to railroad taxation problems that have come 
 under my observation in Michigan, and they are respectfully submitted 
 here with the indulgent hope that some of the experiences cited may be 
 of possible bemeflt to those interested in solving the great problem of 
 railroad taxation. Those experiences have led me to the following con- 
 clusions. 
 
 1. To remove inequalities in the assessment of all property taxable on 
 an advalorem basis, the text of the laws and the methods of their ad- 
 ministration should be improved so as to require the use of uniform 
 tables, rules and directions by all local assessors and boards of review 
 or equalization, with the view of making assessment work more accurate, 
 economical and uniform throughout the State. 
 
 2. Efforts should be directed to the reduction of all ad valorem tax 
 rates to the lowest practicable limit, by securing the assessment of all 
 property at full value, and by limiting public expenditures to the ac- 
 tual requirements of the government when economically administered. 
 
 3. All public utility corporations should be assessed by a State board. 
 
 4. Whenever, by the operation of law, or of custom, the general 
 property of a State is assessed at any percentage less than full value, 
 all property assessed on an ad valorem basis should be assessed on the 
 same percentage of value. 
 
 5. The great cost incidental to the annual appraisal of the physical 
 elements of a railroad for assessment purposes, and the apparent ap- 
 proximation only of values obtained, would seem to make this method 
 impracticable, unsatisfactory, and without justification. 
 
60 
 
 
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62 
 
 [Extract from the Report for the years 1907 and 1908.] 
 
 ADVISORY WORK OF THE BOARD. 
 
 The advisory work of the board provided for in subdivisions 1 and 2 
 of section 150, of Act No. 281, hereinbefore referred to, and which has 
 been set forth in a general way in former reports, has been coiitiuned 
 in all the various forms mentioned in such i-eports. 
 
 MORTGAGE CREDITS PROM OTHER STATES. 
 
 In the matter of collecting •and distributing to assessing officers evi- 
 dence on which to base credit assessments, the board has during tlie 
 past two years extended its investigations into the states of New York, 
 Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and slightly in Iowa. The method 
 pursued has been by a personal examination of the recorded mortgages 
 and land contracts, etc., in the various counties visited. A transcript 
 was taken from the records of each undischarged mortgage or land con- 
 tract, where the mortgagee or vendor was a resident o'f Michigan. 
 
 This transcript included the names of mortgagor and mortgagee, resi- 
 dence of each, county, liber and page where instrument was recorded, and 
 consideration or face value of the credit. These were then classified and 
 arranged according to the assessing district in this State, where the va- 
 rious owners resided, and the information forwarded to the proper as- 
 sessing oflScer. The counties visited were mostly those adjoining this 
 State in each of the different states mentioned. 
 
 The following table will show the total face value of such credits owned 
 by residents of Michigan, and recorded in the counties indicated: 
 
 OHIO. 
 
 Lucas Co 1202,223 
 
 Fulton Co 253,646 
 
 Williams Co 85,076 
 
 Henry Co. 10,000 
 
 INDIANA. 
 
 De Klab Oo 11,475 
 
 La Grange Oo 110,005 
 
 Steuben Co 108,699 
 
 Noble Co 34,294 
 
 Elkhart Go 180^261 
 
 St. Joseph Oo ■ 448,507 
 
 Porter Co 13,565 
 
 La Porte Co 56,080 
 
 I^ake Co 5 278 
 
63 
 
 WISCONSIN. 
 
 Milwaukee Co 944,704 
 
 Douglas Oo. '. 12,716 
 
 Iron Co 39'660 
 
 Ashlaud Co. 20,074 
 
 Florence Co 41,927 
 
 Racine Co 10,122 
 
 Marinette Co 114,531 
 
 Brown Co ." 18,000 
 
 Oconto Co , 34,281 
 
 Outagamie Co 13,100 
 
 MINNESOTA. 
 St. Louis Co 252,034 
 
 IOWA. 
 Pottawattamie Co 32,572 
 
 NEW YOEK. 
 Erie Co 109,656 
 
 Total 13,173,486 
 
 The amount of .$32,572 credited to Pottawattamie county, Iowa, was 
 obtained through correspondence. 
 
 An attempt was made to secure the same kind of information from 
 Cook county, Illinois, which contains the city of Chicago, but this was 
 found to be impossible from^ the fact that the forms in use there are in 
 the nature of trust deeds, the trustee named not being the actual owner 
 and acting either as an agent or only a convenient friend for the pur- 
 pose of concealing the real owner of the credit. 
 
 The amount of taxes that have accrued to the State and its various 
 municipalities, by reason of these investigations has repaid many times 
 over the cost of obtaining the information. 
 
 MORTGAGE CREDITS OWNED AND RECORDED IX THE STATE. 
 
 The plan of securing information concerning this class of credits, evi- 
 dence of which is recorded within the State, and placing the same in the 
 hands of local assessing oificers, has been extended and systematized un- 
 til the board believes it is in a position to give with accuracy the status 
 of mortgage credit taxation in the State at the present time. 
 
 The accuracy attained in this branch of advisory work has involved 
 a great amount of experimental and detail labor. 
 
 In October, 1899, steps were taken by the members of the first Board 
 of State Tax Commissioners to secure from the ofliice of the register of 
 deeds in each county of the State a record of all undischarged mortgages ; 
 such transcript to contain county where recorded, liber and page of 
 record, date of mortgage, name of mortgagor and residence, name of 
 
64 
 
 mortgagee and residence, amount of mortgage, if one of more assign- 
 ments had been made, the name and residence of assignees. 
 
 A blank form was provided for this purpose. A classification by coun- 
 ties of the residence of the mortgagees or assignees was then made and 
 these were subdivided into assessment districts. 
 
 In the spring of 1900 the form slips of all assessable mortgage credits 
 were sent to the assessors and supervisors of the various cities and 
 townships of the State, together with a letter explaining how the infor- 
 mation had been obtained and what it represented, namely, the face 
 value of each mortgage at the date of record, and that they were to be 
 used as a guide in making assessments of personal property of this 
 class. * 
 
 Supervisors were requested to return these slips, after their respective 
 rolls had been passed upon by the board of review, with notations show- 
 ing the assessment made against the mortgagee or assignee named on 
 such slips, and if not assessed at all or for less than face value, the rea- 
 .son therefor. 
 
 The result of the first year's work disclosed, first, that in taking a 
 record of all mortgages in the State the board was burdening itself with 
 a large amount of work that was of no benefit except as a matter of 
 mere statistical information, /htch was the classification of mortgage 
 credits that were not assessable under the present laws of the Stale, 
 being those owned by organize! banks, insurance companies, non-resi- 
 dents of the State, colleges, building and loan assocations, trust com- 
 panies and some classes of charitable, fraternal or other educational or- 
 ganizations. In the year 1901 the plan was changed and the registers 
 of deeds were required to report only such mortgages as the records in- 
 dicated were owned by residents of the State, and they were also required 
 to furnish a transcript of all discharges and assignments recorded during 
 the year, where the owner of the credit was a resident of the ssfate. 
 
 The experience of the board and the assessing officers was that infor- 
 mation given by persons liable to assessment, as to the fact of a mortgage 
 having been discharged, was not always reliable. Tht^ plan w is then 
 adopted of classifying this information by throwing out such mortgages 
 as were shown by the records to have been discharged during the year, 
 and by giving the owner credit for such partial payments as were re- 
 corded by assessing officers to have been made subseqiient to the n ite of 
 the mortgage. 
 
 The results of this new classification were then compiled on blanks 
 showing the name of parties, residence of owner of credit, umoimt un- 
 paid, being either the sum disclosed by record or such balance as remain- 
 ed after deductions mentioned above had been made, also a column indi- 
 cating amount assessable for current year, and one for such explanations 
 as might be necessary, where the credit was not assessed at all or for less 
 than face value. These blanks filled out as described were sent to 
 assessing oflScers, in place of slips, as in years previous. 
 
 The original record of each mortgage was retained in our ofQce. 
 
 The returns made bv supervisors and assessors on the blanks men- 
 tioned were more complete and reliable than those made by former plans, 
 and the latter method is in force at the present time. The original records 
 are now kept by the card system, and the history and status of each 
 mortgage credit assessable in the State is as nearly accurate as possible 
 
65 
 
 in dealing witli 125,000 separate cards each year, many of which are 
 handled several times over. 
 
 The following table shows by counties, for the year 1907, the result 
 of the classification and compilation referred to. Column 1, "Face 
 Value," includes the amount unpaid or still due on mortgages recorded 
 previous to April, 1906, and, the consideration stated in the instrument, 
 of those recorded between April, 1906, and April, 1907; column 2, "Dis- 
 charged or Part Paid," indicates the amounts deducted from column 1 
 for these two reasons, for the year ending April, 1907; column 3, "Offset 
 by Indebtedness," indicates sums unassessed by reason of irldebtedness on 
 part of owners to such amounts, the law allowing an offset of debits 
 against credits to the extent of bona fide indebtedness; column 4, "As- 
 signed or Eemoved to Other Assessing Districts," shows the amounts 
 involved by a change of ownership to persons outside the assessing dis- 
 trict from which the original holder lived, but still held and assessable 
 in the State, or a change of r^idence by owner of credit ; column 5, shows 
 amounts involved by removal from the State of owner during year pre- 
 vious to the second Monday in April, also change of ownership from per- 
 sons within the State to those without the State during the same period. 
 
 In column 6 is found the amount belonging, supposedly, to residents 
 of the State, which persons neither this board nor the local assessing 
 oflBcers are able to locate. 
 
 Column 7, ''Not Assessable," are amounts which are returned to this 
 board by local assessing officers as not subject to assessment for various 
 reasons, among which are exemptions by reason of poverty, where the 
 apparent owner is the officer of some organized -bank or building and 
 loan association, which is the actual owner of the credit; mortgages 
 given as security for indorsement of notes or to secure the performance of 
 some contract. 
 
 Column 8, "Not Assessed," shows those amounts not appearing on the 
 assessment rolls, but for which assessing officers giye no explanation. 
 
 Column 9, shows by counties the aggregate amount of mortgage credits 
 actually on the assessment rolls as reported by the local assessing officers 
 of the State, also total amount for the entire State. In column 10 is 
 found the taxes levied in each county, upon amounts assessed as mort- 
 gage credits for that county, also total of taxes levied for entire State. 
 
 The Board of Assessors of the City of Detroit has in use a plan .some- 
 what similar to that used by our board, in relation to mortgage credits, 
 and only reports to us the amounts actually assessed. The amount report- 
 ed by them for 1907, as assessed, was |3,157,400, which, added to the ag- 
 gregate amount of the State, outside of that city, gives |4o,942,320 as the 
 total aggregate amount of mortgage and land contract credits assessed 
 for the year 190T. 
 
 In classification and compilation, land contracts have been treated as 
 mortgage credits, as they fall within the same class of personal property. 
 
 The sum of |8,449,227, being total of column 8, returned by local officers 
 as "Not Assessed," and without explanation, is one item that should not 
 appear in a table of this kind. Supervisors and assessors can very readily 
 report the disposition and reason therefor of each item submitted to 
 them; that this has not been done, notwithstanding our repeated efforts 
 to secure complete information on this question, is the only reason for 
 such a column appearing in this compilation. 
 9 
 
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68 
 
 MORTGAGE CREDIT ASSESSMENT, 1901 TO 1907, INCLUSIVE. 
 
 The following table shows by counties the assessed valuation of mort- 
 gage and land contract credits from 1901 to 1907, inclusive. The fluctua- 
 tions in amounts assessed in the various counties from year to year can 
 be accounted for in different ways, such as removal of owners from State, 
 distribution of estates of owners to heirs and legatees without the State, 
 payment of indebtedness and investment in different classes of property ; 
 and last,, but not least, the convenient assignment of such credits to per- 
 sons residing without the state, for the express purpose of evading taxa- 
 tion, or recording the instrument in the name of a non-resident and im- 
 mediately taking an assignment back to the actual resident owner, which 
 assignment does not appear of record until the mortgage is discharged. 
 
 In view of the extent to which these subterfuges are used for the pur- 
 pose of escaping taxation, we would recommend an amendment to the 
 law providing, under proper penalty, that all evidences of credits se- 
 cured by a lien on real estate, shall recite the name of iona fide owner of 
 the same and his actual domicile. 
 
69 
 
 
 
 Mortgage credits assessed, 1901-1901 
 
 
 
 
 County. 
 
 1901. 
 
 1902. 
 
 1903. 
 
 1904. 
 
 1905. 
 
 1906. 
 
 1907. 
 
 Alcona 
 
 $9,581 
 
 4,450 
 
 1,531,965 
 
 108,665 
 
 45,466 
 
 32,217 
 19,318 
 714,161 
 888,313 
 50,692 
 
 1,568,198 
 
 1,103,561 
 
 1,639,277 
 
 759,309 
 
 24,175 
 
 96,962 
 379,033 
 26,440 
 1,243,899 
 12,891 
 
 313,696 
 
 37,299 
 
 1,321,844 
 
 284,828 
 1,850,991 
 
 46,128 
 
 2,760 
 
 403,338 
 
 376,079 
 
 1,119,299 
 
 612,328 
 
 608,042 
 
 1,165,537 
 
 1,439,703 
 
 18,595 
 
 1,600 
 
 98,810 
 
 1,995,787 
 
 1,098,116 
 
 42,881 
 
 4,118,916 
 
 1,125 
 
 16,488 
 
 784,312 
 
 183,717 
 
 1,720,961 
 
 1,351,876 
 
 7,103 
 
 19,060 
 
 2,042,800 
 
 328,296 
 341,026 
 240,899 
 116,875 
 196,595 
 
 87,922 
 
 36,044 
 
 1,240,822 
 
 560,622 
 
 2,829 
 
 185,438 
 203,171 
 2,734,210 
 179,803 
 42,178 
 
 $18,827 
 
 8,840 
 
 1,441,269 
 
 87,026 
 
 19,070 
 
 26,560 
 32,963 
 675,569 
 683,121 
 44,030 
 
 1,639,229 
 
 1,293,438 
 
 1,712,133 
 
 728,392 
 
 31,304 
 
 78,440 
 305,921 
 24,485 
 1,275,877 
 17,408 
 
 231,545 
 
 32,122 
 
 1,318,446 
 
 285,309 
 1,830,609 
 
 49,432 
 18,715 
 381,431 
 400,671 
 1,045,151 
 
 810,880 
 
 547,711 
 
 1,214,851 
 
 1,404,025 
 
 18,892 
 
 9,100 
 
 114,827 
 
 1,924,931 
 
 1,094,222 
 
 30,949 
 
 6,819,692 
 
 1,125 
 
 16,438 
 
 843,766 
 
 172,957 
 
 1,636,682 
 
 1,263,286 
 
 7,658 
 
 13,705 
 
 1,953,337 
 
 371,513 
 264,787 
 178,997 
 91,632 
 183,641 
 
 93,722 
 
 38,868 
 
 1,204,923 
 
 459,743 
 
 6,369 
 
 428,228 
 
 185,664 
 
 2,190,463 
 
 178,468 
 
 27,285 
 
 $14,857 
 
 5,430 
 
 1,452,691 
 
 105,789 
 
 27,209 
 
 30,782 
 
 7,751 
 
 709,150 
 
 526,673 
 
 44,494 
 
 1,449,502 
 
 1,296,610 
 
 1,511,261 
 
 717,962 
 
 84,069 
 
 66,887 
 325,412 
 23,023 
 1,324,060 
 16,137 
 
 253,545 
 
 40,213 
 
 1,251,635 
 
 208,750 
 1,745,429 
 
 54,570 
 23,414 
 298,316 
 397.033 
 1,136,987 
 
 7\3,320 
 
 542,072 
 
 1,145,666 
 
 1,409,136 
 
 17,463 
 
 4,576 
 
 124,071 
 
 1,832,210 
 
 1,099,077 
 
 21,269 
 
 6,828,939 
 
 1,000 
 
 14,646 
 
 796,723 
 
 176,666 
 
 1,566,732 
 
 1,306,515 
 
 9,605 
 
 19,388 
 
 2,063,318 
 
 307,426 
 263,399 
 167,825 
 82,706 
 126,834 
 
 100,586 
 
 51 ,701 
 
 1,160,288 
 
 451,088 
 
 ■ 4,788 
 
 266,852 
 
 182,119 
 
 2,302,681 
 
 185,116 
 
 23,732 
 
 $6,929 
 8,409 
 1,397,399 
 77,291 
 66,815 
 
 41,924 
 22,140 
 730,903 
 561,648 
 52,415 
 
 1,370,726 
 
 1,279,474 
 
 1,618,466 
 
 618,418 
 
 70,606 
 
 55,111 
 
 273,775 
 
 19,840 
 
 1,394,506 
 
 15,240 
 
 173,910 
 
 57,973 
 
 1,363,267 
 
 266,432 
 1,823,656 
 
 39,659 
 
 21,409 
 
 255,085 
 
 383,343 
 
 1,150,909 
 
 666,878 
 
 552,407 
 
 1,071,969 
 
 1,384,547 
 
 10,892 
 
 1,885 
 
 152,571 
 
 1,754,433 
 
 1,255,322 
 
 30,277 
 
 5,462,440 
 
 1,000 
 
 11,729 
 
 756,820 
 
 185,047 
 
 1,566,897 
 
 1,304,169 
 
 22,694 
 
 13,850 
 
 1,747,282 
 
 291 ,270 
 255,758 
 145,024 
 94,641 
 184,564 
 
 96,645 
 
 37,387 
 
 1,262,812 
 
 472,392 
 
 7,875 
 
 243,692 
 
 174,761 
 
 2,239,717 
 
 226,624 
 
 29,083 
 
 $14,122 
 
 6,392 
 
 1,302,779 
 
 39,542 
 
 43,852 
 
 33,417 
 
 2,430 
 
 666,443 
 
 406,351 
 
 1,134 
 
 1,359,630 
 
 1,097,179 
 
 1,491,791 
 
 664,030 
 
 64,478 
 
 25,164 
 
 164,962 
 
 20,485 
 
 1,418,404 
 
 16,341 
 
 185,197 
 
 37,397 
 
 1,407,027 
 
 186,769 
 1J96,274 
 
 27,858 
 18,303 
 174,470 
 348,931 
 1,083,950 
 
 541,205 
 
 522,866 
 
 989,739 
 
 1,396,978 
 
 11,733 
 
 3,676 
 
 161,616 
 
 1,637,248 
 
 1,264,788 
 
 23,300 
 
 3,890,283 
 
 1,325 
 
 11,076 
 
 703,634 
 
 135,898 
 
 1,467,303 
 
 1,247,731 
 
 14,347 
 
 10,679 
 
 1,728,803 
 
 262,869 
 247,105 
 133,702 
 101 ,652 
 141,869 
 
 88,687 
 
 36,176 
 
 1,250,044 
 
 463,916 
 
 4,167 
 
 227,993 
 
 159,491 
 
 2,082,392 
 
 187,815 
 
 6,983 
 
 $2,870 
 16,759 
 1,237,436 
 33,599 
 37,045 
 
 42,839 
 36,921 
 664,844 
 302,648 
 42,982 
 
 1,424,010 
 
 1,080,064 
 
 1,424,013 
 
 685,694 
 
 56,334 
 
 29,570 
 
 199,279 
 
 15,122 
 
 1,435,386 
 
 17,674 
 
 172,831 
 
 27,170 
 
 1,348,605 
 
 226,590 
 1,653,968 
 
 29,044 
 10,288 
 191,132 
 411,849 
 1,107,450 
 
 532,919 
 
 470,980 
 
 929,345 
 
 1,281,337 
 
 19,828 
 
 1,997 
 
 155,488 
 
 1,627,429 
 
 1,322,527 
 
 25,081 
 
 5,464,964 
 
 $5,291 
 
 Alger 
 
 17,080 
 
 Allegan 
 
 1,017,194 
 
 
 24,000 
 
 Antrim 
 
 34,438 
 37.687 
 
 
 39,799 
 
 Barry 
 
 675,884 
 
 Bay 
 
 260,149 
 
 
 47,796 
 
 
 1,351,541 
 
 
 1,031,050 
 
 Calhoun 
 
 1,349,883 
 706,121 
 
 
 50,010 
 
 
 14,152 
 
 
 186,036 
 
 
 14,404 
 
 Clinton 
 
 1,413,149 
 15,826 
 
 
 112,294 
 
 Dickinson 
 
 19,980 
 1,304,795 
 
 
 171,323 
 
 
 1,502,730 
 
 
 14,682 
 
 
 16,026 
 
 
 181,661 
 
 Gratiot 
 
 382,892 
 
 
 1,051,792 
 
 
 429,658 
 
 
 411 ,882 
 
 
 969,467 
 
 
 1,286,938 
 
 
 15,209 
 
 
 3,219 
 
 Isabella 
 
 123,122 
 
 
 1,477,367 
 
 
 1,353,569 
 
 Kalkaska 
 
 16,056 
 5,121,770 
 
 Keweenaw 
 
 Lake 
 
 - 1,000 
 
 10,066 
 572,304 
 126,843 
 
 1,539,421 
 
 1,351,576 
 
 22,552 
 
 12,808 
 
 1,624,927 
 
 261 ,150 
 219,203 
 106,406 
 98,633 
 130,682 
 
 74,302 
 
 33,790 
 
 1,258,757 
 
 391 ,285 
 
 6,666 
 
 238,444 
 
 149,574 
 
 2,090,334 
 
 196,364 
 
 23,171 
 
 9,231 
 69^,582 
 
 
 107,072 
 
 
 1,576,696 
 
 
 1,233,330 
 
 
 15,115 
 
 
 12,518 
 
 
 1,587,203 
 
 
 251,128 
 
 
 203,641 
 
 
 99,458 
 
 
 71 ,419 
 
 
 209,919 
 
 
 60,644 
 
 
 20,318 
 
 
 1,184,140 
 
 
 434,982 
 
 
 3,085 
 
 
 248,673 
 
 
 122,646 
 
 Oakland 
 
 
 
 177,786 
 
 
 16,909 
 
 
 
70 
 
 Mortgage credits assessed, 1901-1907.- — Concluded. 
 
 ■ County. 
 
 1901. 
 
 1902. 
 
 1903. 
 
 1904. 
 
 1905. 
 
 1906. 
 
 1907. 
 
 Ontonagon,, 
 
 Osceola 
 
 Oscoda 
 
 Ottawa 
 
 Presque Isle., 
 Roscommon.. 
 
 Saginaw 
 
 Sanilac 
 
 Schoolcraft . . 
 
 Shia 
 St. Clair... 
 St. Joseph . 
 Tuscola . . . 
 
 Van Buren.. 
 "Washtenaw . 
 
 "Wayne 
 
 "Wexford 
 
 t625 
 
 152,210 
 
 2,678 
 
 19,406 
 
 1,012,165 
 
 46,939 
 
 50 
 
 1,329,912 
 
 467,007 
 
 15,670 
 
 1,072,219 
 *663,424 
 758,322 
 601 ,666 
 
 887,063 
 
 2,680,078 
 
 5,624,948 
 
 87,433 
 
 $19,433 
 
 145,815 
 
 1,252 
 
 17,538 
 
 1,062,313 
 
 38,190 
 
 450 
 
 1,301,903 
 
 382,438 
 
 36,647 
 
 962,640 
 *566,008 
 846,228 
 611,523 
 
 918,734 
 
 2,580,005 
 
 6,666,308 
 
 85,350 
 
 $39,906 
 
 156,637 
 
 940 
 
 17,895 
 
 ,191,908 
 
 68,435 
 
 $59,584 
 
 131,179 
 
 725 
 
 22,698 
 
 1,333,626 
 
 71,121 
 
 1,167,191 
 360,304 
 21,693 
 
 ■ 960,180 
 763,602 
 814,123 
 621,011 
 
 853,354 
 
 2,377,347 
 
 4,580,790 
 
 81,040 
 
 700,265 
 342,846 
 12,692 
 
 ,021,385 
 793,675 
 744,207 
 619,813 
 
 2,949,636 
 
 4,144,877 
 
 82,607 
 
 $66,666 
 
 115,401 
 
 630 
 
 24,591 
 
 1,234,359 
 
 94,071 
 
 1,178 
 
 980,481 
 
 255,529 
 
 20,449 
 
 827,778 
 
 647,533 
 
 • 666,430 
 
 503,183 
 
 945,455 
 
 2,080,742 
 
 3,722,688 
 
 72,934, 
 
 $3,550 
 
 109,485 
 
 1,140 
 
 14,442 
 
 1,078,541 
 
 76,122 
 
 2,368 
 
 894,951 
 
 322,812 
 
 16,177 
 
 805,292 
 730,057 
 858,067 
 475,160 
 
 837,185 
 
 1,931,765 
 
 3,681,867 
 
 73,289 
 
 $106,062 
 
 912 
 
 8,536 
 
 993,167 
 
 63,440 
 
 3,130 
 
 697,677 
 
 251,628 
 
 18,859 
 
 816,370 
 726,505 
 878,109 
 398,041 
 
 827,674 
 
 1,854,363 
 
 4,354,129 
 
 64,630 
 
 Total $56,250,106 $56,681,305 $53,583,626 $52,762,931 $47,514,678 $48,144,334 $46,684,549 
 
 *No report for Port Huron City. 
 
 ANOTHER PHASE OF CREDIT TAXATION. 
 
 The question of taxation of credits is by no means confined to those 
 represented by mortgages and land contracts. Open accounts, promissory 
 notes, chattel mortgages, bank deposits and various classes of bonds form 
 a considerable part of the taxable property of the State. 
 
 An examination of all the assessment rolls in twenty-one counties of 
 the state has been made for the purpose of classifying the different 
 kinds of personal property assessed. This investigation was conducted 
 by means of personal interviews with each assessing oflScer in the coun- 
 ties visited. Where sworn statements were used, the division was made 
 as found in the same. If no sworn statements were available, the per- 
 sonal knowledge of the supervisor was taken and in every case the as- 
 sessment roll was thoroughly examined. 
 
 A table has been prepared" and is submitted, showing the result of this 
 examination as applied to credit assessments. 
 
 Column 1, sho"sving the amount of mortgage and land contract credits 
 assessed; column 2, the amount of other credits in which is included 
 every form of credit not secured by a lien on real estate, except bank 
 deposits; column 3, the amount of bank deposits assessed, and column 
 4, the total amount represented by savings or certificate of deposit ac- 
 counts in organized banks doing business in the counties examined; 
 column 5, shows the assessed valuation of all personal property in same 
 counties. 
 
 The twenty-one counties examined are one-fourth in number and rep- 
 resent about fifty per cent of assessed value of personal for the wliole 
 state. An examination of the table discloses that the sum assessed as 
 other credits, namely, |16,102,535 represented 8.9 per cent of assessed 
 valuation of personal in counties named in table. 
 
 The 17,294,875 assessed as bank deposits, is 4.05 per cent of assessed 
 
71 
 
 value of same class of property in the twenty-one counties. This item, 
 17,294,875 is also but 8 per cent of the total amount of interest bearing 
 deposits in the same twenty-one counties. 
 
 The state and national banks located in these same counties had on 
 deposit at the time this compilation was made approximately 170,000,000 
 of deposits, which were not taken into account, they bring what is 
 known as commercial de]X)sits, and are subject to check daily, and 
 owned largely by merchants and industrial firms and corporations. 
 
 The experience of the board has shown that but a very small portion 
 of such deposits are subject to assessment, being in nearly every in- 
 stance offset by indebtedness. 
 
 The amount submitted in column 3 as "Deposits Assessed," includes 
 not only interest bearing deposits, but those subject to check, it being 
 impossible to distinguish between the two on assessment rolls. 
 
 Deposits in private banks are not included in column 4, the date not 
 being sufficiently complete on which to base an accurate calculation. 
 They would probably exceed $15,000,000. 
 
 A summary based on the known assessment of mortgage and lanfl 
 contract credits, and an examination in the twenty-one counties re- 
 ferred to shows : 
 
 Assessed value of mortgage credits in State. .. .|48,144,334 
 Assessed value of bank deposits in State, not 
 
 including private banks 14,413,682 
 
 Assessed value of other credits, except bank 
 
 deposits, in State 31,672,314 
 
 Total of all credits assessed in state, $94,230,330 
 
 Per cent of credit assessments to assessed value of person- 
 al property in State, 26.5 per cent. 
 
 Per cent of assessed value of bank deposits represented by 
 savings and certificates of deposits accounts to {otal of 
 such deposits in State, 8.06 per cent. 
 
 The board knows of no method by which even an approximate cash 
 valuation could be determined of what has been denominated "Other 
 Credits," in the table which follows. 
 
 The report of the State Banking Commissioner, made two months 
 previous to the time of assessment, for the year in which the investiga- 
 tion herein detailed was made shows: The total amount in the State 
 of the class of deposits used in this compilation to have been, in round 
 numbers, |155,005,719, and of these only |14,413,682 were assessed. 
 
 The board, in the fall of 1899, secured from the assessing officers of 
 the State reports as to the amount of credit assessments then on the 
 rolls. The sum reported was |20,000,000. This amount has been in- 
 creased, as we have indicated, to |94,230,330, on which taxes are being 
 paid to exceed .$1,500,000 yearly. This information. the board has deemed 
 important, in view of the agitation concerning the question of credit as- 
 sessments in the two preceding Legislatures, and the probability that 
 the matter will come before the Legislature of 1909. 
 
72 
 
 Credit assessment in SI counties. 
 
 County. 
 
 Mortgage and 
 land contracts 
 credits assessed. 
 
 Other credits 
 
 except 
 bank deposits. 
 
 Bank deposits 
 
 Bank deposits 
 bearing interest. 
 
 Assessed value 
 all personal 
 property. 
 
 Clare 
 
 Genesee 
 
 Isabella 
 
 Jackson 
 
 Kalamazoo . 
 
 Lake 
 
 Macomb . . . 
 Manistee . • . 
 
 Mason 
 
 Mecosta 
 
 Monroe . . . .. 
 Muskegon . . 
 Newaygo . . 
 Oakland . . . 
 Oceana . . . . 
 
 Osceola 
 
 Saginaw . . . 
 St. Clair... 
 Washtenaw 
 Wayne .... 
 Wexford . . . 
 
 Total . . 
 
 $15,122 
 1,653,968 
 
 155.488 
 1,527,429 
 1,322,527 
 
 10.066 
 
 1 ,624.927 
 
 261,150 
 
 106,406 
 
 98,633 
 
 1.258,757 
 238,444 
 149,574 
 
 2,090,334 
 196,364 
 
 109,485 
 
 894,951 
 
 730,057 
 
 1,931,755 
 
 3,681.867 
 
 73,289 
 
 $422,586 
 
 - 11,113 
 
 525,883 
 
 481 ,219 
 
 501 ,193 
 
 526,808 
 
 34,849 
 
 178,903 
 317,751 
 
 13,301 
 502,751 
 
 30,435 
 
 32,750 
 
 470,704 
 
 509,500 
 
 947,433 
 
 10,595,356 
 
 $100 
 376,347 
 17,780 
 401 ,970 
 587,210 
 
 1,490 
 178,764 
 255,659 
 98,900 
 
 4,915 
 
 177,242 
 53,140 
 12,690 
 
 432,715 
 20,975 
 
 32,030 
 335,487 
 113,380 
 415,869 
 3,761,897 
 16,325 
 
 $129,226 
 
 13,072,190 
 
 359,066 
 
 3,477,507 
 
 3,631,454 
 
 2,613,118 
 843,892 
 839,649 
 262,422_ 
 
 548,633 
 
 1,768,854 
 
 88,003 
 
 3,111,151 
 
 171,770 
 
 601,777 
 
 2,152,382 
 
 2,807,295 
 
 6,263,000 
 
 57,660,450 
 
 709,270 
 
 $257,378 
 
 6,445,187 
 
 962,355 
 
 7,503,550 
 
 9,169,280 
 
 125,381 
 4,824,957 
 3,422,596 
 1,246,872 
 
 658,401 
 
 2,936,675 
 
 3,896,600 
 
 716,760 
 
 7,979,015 
 
 910,220 
 10,699,408 
 6,486,131 
 7,993,886 
 101,058,428 
 1,617,291 
 
 $18,130,593 
 
 $16,102,535 
 
 $7,294,875 
 
 $90,067,217 
 
 $179,780,694 
 
 MORTGAGE CREDITS RECORDED, 1907. 
 
 The board has, for the further information of your Excellency and 
 the Legislature, secured from the offices of the registers of deeds a 
 transcript of each mortgage and land contract recorded in the State 
 during the year 1907. In securing this information every liber in use 
 during the year stated has been examined, and the page where record is 
 found noted. The data thus secured has been classified and arranged 
 under the following heads: 
 
 First, All mortgages assessable under our present laws, their owners 
 being persons, Anns, corporations or associations residing or having a 
 principal place of business within this state; 
 
 Second, Those belonging to non-residents of the State, whether per- 
 sons, firms or corporations, except insurance companies, which are 
 classified by themselves, as such corporations now pay a specific tax ; 
 
 Third, Mortgages owned by State, national banks and trust com- 
 panies, organized under the laws of the State and not subject to taxa- 
 tion as such under the law. Mortgages owned by private banks are 
 included in the class of resident owners, they being assessable under 
 that classification ; 
 
 Fourth, Mortgages given to secure bond issues and held by trustees 
 for the benefit of bondholders; such mortgages as bear no interest and 
 become due only upon the contingency of failure to comply with the 
 condition of the bond or bonds tliey are given to secure. These do not 
 represent an actual commercial credit, and are not subject to taxation. 
 Bonds they are given to secure are taxable; also mortgages given to 
 trustees to secure creditors under certain stipulations; 
 
 Fifth, Mortgages held by building and loan companies or associations, 
 which are expressly exempt from any kind of taxation ; 
 
73 
 
 Sixth, "Other nonassessable mortgages." Included in this class are 
 mortgages owned by benevolent, charitable, educational, scientific and 
 fraternal institutions, exempted by law; those given to secure the per- 
 formance of some contract and which have no commercial value unless 
 the contract is forfeited ; those given as additional security for loans al- 
 ready made and secured in other mortgages. 
 
 As bearing upon the significance of the proposed amendment to the 
 law relative to the recording of mortgages, the board desires to call at- 
 tention to the amount of mortgages assessed in the most populous and 
 wealthy centers of the State, as compared with the amount assessed for 
 this class of credits in less populous and wealthy counties. 
 
 Reference to the table on a previous page discloses that in 1907, 
 there were assessed in each of seventeen counties of the State, exclusive 
 of Wayne and Kent, mortgage credits in ^excess of S1,000,000, aggre- 
 gating $23,598,900. The total assessed value of personal property in 
 these counties was |96,374,5o7, or 24.4 per cent. 
 
 The counties of Wayne and Kent which contain the two wealthiest 
 cities in the State, with an assessed valuation of |139,548,242 in per- 
 sonal, have assessed mortgage credits of |9,475,899, or 6.9 per cent. 
 
 In such centers the. volume of business is much larger, both in the 
 aggregate and in specific transactions, and, with very few exceptions, 
 the large individual items of mortgage credits appear to be owned by 
 non-residents. 
 
 Another interesting comparison is the resident and non-resident mort- 
 gages recorded in 1907, in the counties of Wayne and Kent with those 
 in the same seventeen counties mentioned. 
 
 Resident mortgages, Wayne and Kent .^2,346,7.57 
 
 Non-resident mortgages, Wayne and Kent 3,264,221 
 
 Resident mortgages in seventeen counties 7,359,034 
 
 Non-resident mortgages in seventeen counties 1,706,189 
 
 An attempt was made during the collection of data relating to mort- 
 gages recorded in 1907, to ascertain the amount of mortgage credits on 
 which the mortgagor bound himself to pay any taxes that might be 
 levied as well as taxes on real estate covered by the lien. This was 
 found not feasible, as the records containing forms ^vith a tax clause 
 could not be relied on, to show in all cases the actual facts relating to 
 this question. 
 
 A personal investigation among mortgages in several hundred in- 
 stances, disclosed that in quite a large per cent of cases where the 
 mortgage form contained the "tax clause," that part of the contract 
 was not in force: Therefore, while the records in the office of the 
 board show every instance where a recorded instrument shows such a 
 clause no compilation has been attempted. To secure anything like ac- 
 curate information on this subject, would involve a personal interview 
 with one of the parties to the transaction, of every recorded e\idence 
 of credit in the state bearing what we call the "mortgage tax clause."' 
 
74 
 
 Mortgages recorded during the year 1907. 
 
 Countyi 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Non-resident 
 
 Banis. 
 
 Trust 
 mortgages. 
 
 Insurance 
 mortgages. 
 
 Building 
 and loan. 
 
 Non- 
 assessable. 
 
 
 $19,338 
 48,279 
 
 438,350 
 10,930 
 39,352 
 
 40,293 
 
 28,759 
 
 212,431 
 
 142,547 
 
 63,048 
 
 676,727 
 429,098 
 542,174 
 261,684 
 66,923 
 
 28,675 
 108,947 
 
 40,238 
 337,526 
 
 18,824 
 
 45,310 
 33,849 
 445,840 
 181,479 
 424,280 
 
 54,397 
 26,722 
 105,342 
 287,060 
 449,232 
 
 289,890 
 297,637 
 486,135 
 336,624 
 38,688 
 
 47,191 
 195,679 
 544,459 
 672,112 
 
 32,810 
 
 1,019,210 
 
 22,042 
 
 30,098 
 
 228,400 
 
 46,130 
 
 464,107 
 316,632 
 19,762 
 . 17,896 
 395,297 
 
 95,583 
 
 75,223 
 
 84,038 
 
 110,837 
 
 103,790 
 
 86,396 
 54,503 
 376,062 
 269,966 
 14,911 
 
 130,784 
 
 97,682 
 
 500,380 
 
 129,36/ 
 
 70,380 
 
 $4,301 
 
 $32,272 
 38,890 
 
 200,872 
 63,864 
 64,511 
 
 36,218 
 
 1,000 
 
 73,052 
 
 106,868 
 
 33,523 
 
 118,236 
 56,363 
 
 348,008 
 29,852 
 30,873 
 
 62,077 
 71,252 
 30.819 
 108,176 
 365 
 
 30,375 
 11,770 
 77,741 
 60,672 
 457,869 
 
 49,181 
 
 
 
 
 $65 
 
 Alger 
 
 
 
 
 
 86,336 
 
 696 
 
 16,790 
 
 10,569 
 6,699 
 
 44,473 
 
 130,117 
 
 6,533 
 
 374,761 
 69,179 
 
 155,120 
 62,014 
 42,910 
 
 17,765 
 69,290 
 23,195 
 45,045 
 8,355 
 
 82,059 
 64,199 
 23,335' 
 51,949 
 
 85,141 
 
 33,080 
 164,784 
 
 65,463 
 103,406 
 
 61,093 
 
 7,529 
 83,804 
 174,893 
 49,774 
 30,099 
 
 26,521 
 
 54,763 
 
 115,626 
 
 175,902 
 
 e,258 
 
 548.884 
 4,723 
 
 ,22,589 
 
 29,020 
 
 8,915 
 
 219,403 
 17,800 
 
 
 
 
 1,200 
 
 Alpena 
 
 $5,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 $600 
 
 
 Arenac 
 
 
 
 
 Baraga 
 
 94,619 
 
 
 
 
 Barry 
 
 
 2,650 
 
 59,754 
 
 400 
 
 86,856 
 
 2,600 
 2,933 
 2,000 
 
 1,700 
 
 3,814 
 
 31,608 
 
 2,400 
 
 Bay 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 40,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 $28,350 
 
 36,366 
 11,050 
 10,200 
 
 200 
 165,650 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cheboygan 
 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 500,000 
 
 
 1,700 
 3,206 
 
 
 
 Clinton 
 
 4,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 250 
 
 
 Delta 
 
 
 
 7,653 
 
 
 2,600,000 
 
 
 176 
 
 Eaton 
 
 
 
 250,000 
 50,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Gladwin 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,600 
 
 Grand Traverse 
 
 104,770 
 157,214 
 100,739 
 
 261,637 
 220,064 
 159,089 
 174,741 
 9,340 
 
 650 
 117,772 
 185,797 
 151,826 
 16,625 
 
 881,632 
 
 5,000 
 
 
 
 Gratiot 
 
 
 7,400 
 2,000 
 
 796,070 
 
 
 Hillsdale 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,200 
 
 Huron ; 
 
 
 
 
 
 41,450 
 
 169,970 
 16,725 
 
 
 Ionia 
 
 
 
 Iosco .■ 
 
 
 
 500 
 
 
 10,126,000 
 
 
 600 
 
 700 
 
 352,375 
 
 303,731 
 
 3,800 
 
 432,060 
 400 
 
 Isabella 
 
 
 
 Jackson 
 
 4,429,000 
 
 1,110,000 
 
 100,000 
 
 131,600 
 
 
 687 
 27,910 
 
 
 
 Kalkaska 
 
 
 Kent 
 
 67,060 
 
 35,913 
 
 Keweenaw 
 
 Lake 
 
 7,038 
 268,038 
 82,830 
 
 314,997 
 33,763 
 10,000 
 
 
 
 
 Lapeer 
 
 
 
 
 1,065 
 
 Leelanau .• 
 
 
 
 
 Lenawee 
 
 
 600 
 
 
 
 Livingston 
 
 14,000 
 
 24,892 
 
 300,000 
 
 1,075,000 
 
 1,600,000 
 760,000 
 60,000 
 
 
 7,500 
 968 
 
 Luce 
 
 
 
 Mackinac 
 
 4,100 
 81,020 
 
 22,374 
 27,343 
 36,204 
 25,361 
 116,798 
 
 48,049 
 10,198 
 84,486 
 68,842 
 6,167 
 
 59,149 
 54,509 
 34,400 
 61,359 
 32,920 
 
 
 
 
 234,335 
 
 74,797 
 126,244 
 107,343 
 59,165 
 12,060 
 
 57,419 
 
 9,305 
 
 117,991 
 
 122,178 
 
 13,268 
 
 43,270 
 117,220 
 335,100 
 
 32,796 
 6,079 
 
 
 
 3,500 
 700 
 
 Manistee 
 
 
 
 Marquette 
 
 
 
 Mason 
 
 
 
 
 Mecosta 
 
 
 22,700 
 
 382 
 
 Menominee 
 
 
 1,000 
 
 Midland 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Monroe 
 
 100,000 
 
 
 
 11 ,000 
 
 Montcalm 
 
 
 285 
 600 
 
 960 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 40,000 
 
 1,200 
 
 
 Newaygo 
 
 4,794 
 4,475 
 6,700 
 2,000 
 
 Oakland 
 
 
 7,000 
 
 3,300 
 
 Oceana 
 
 
 Ogemaw 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■• 
 
75 
 
 Mortgages recorded during the year 1907. — Concluded. 
 
 County. 
 
 Resident. 
 
 Non-resident. 
 
 Banks. 
 
 Trust 
 mortgages. 
 
 Insurance 
 mortgages. 
 
 Building 
 and loan. 
 
 Non- 
 assessable. 
 
 
 $25,664 
 
 94,777 
 
 8,808 
 
 24,298 
 
 467,752 
 
 33,984 
 
 21,252 
 
 309,184 
 
 260,309 
 
 21,951 
 
 295,240 
 268,056 
 289,694 
 258,806 
 
 342,414 
 
 439,232 
 
 1,327,547 
 
 86,999 
 
 $19,685 
 14,643 
 9,490 
 12,396 
 68,360 
 
 16,292 
 
 2,255 
 
 94,282 
 
 110,484 
 
 3,300 
 
 34,820 
 174,297 
 
 61 ,972 
 166,594 
 
 138,733 
 
 96,937 
 
 2,715,337 
 
 20,340 
 
 $8,936 
 
 88,329 
 
 7,899 
 
 9,734 
 
 315,461 
 
 62,465 
 
 6,638 
 
 245,469 
 
 428,218 
 
 20,472 
 
 233,572 
 288,666 
 88,412 
 91,457 
 
 129,995 
 
 568,686 
 
 5,200,491 
 
 164,026 
 
 $125,000 
 
 
 $650 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 $530 
 
 
 200,000 
 7,022,434 
 
 
 
 500 
 
 Ottawa 
 
 $18,600 
 
 7,025 
 
 9,341 
 
 
 3,100 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 450,000 
 
 
 126,900 
 
 
 
 
 3,800 
 
 Schoolcraft . .... 
 
 7,461,717 
 
 
 11,500 
 
 
 
 8,850 
 6,000 
 4,000 
 
 
 St CHair 
 
 60,666 
 100,000 
 
 66,170 
 
 57,625 
 
 775 
 
 41,218 
 
 St. JoBeph 
 
 4,250 
 
 
 4,795 
 
 
 
 
 
 "Washtenaw 
 
 12,000,000 
 
 2,248,876 
 
 3,000 
 
 7,000 
 739,600 
 
 14,500 
 177,550 
 
 3,ioa 
 
 20,250 
 
 Wayne . 
 
 279,744 
 
 Wexford 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total 
 
 $17,884,322 
 
 $7,843,872 
 
 $14,859,657 
 
 $56,865,138 
 
 $918,700 
 
 $2,942,502 
 
 $543,000 
 
 
 
 An examination of the preceding table discloses that the total amount 
 of mortgages reported in the state during the year 1907 was |100,938,491. 
 The aggregate of each classification being, 
 
 Resident 17,884,323 
 
 Non-resident 7,843,872 
 
 Banks '. 14,859,657 
 
 Trust ._ 56,865,138 
 
 Insurance Companies .* 918,700 
 
 Building and Loan 2,942,502 
 
 Non-assessable 543,000 
 
 The taxes actually levied in the state for the same year on this class 
 of credits under the ad valorem system was |746,923.95. This is equiva- 
 lent to a specific tax of |.0073 on every dollar of recorded mortgages for 
 the year. If we eliminate the trust mortgages, and those non-assessable, 
 under the present law the result is $.0168 for each dollar. If trust and 
 non-resident mortgages are not considered the rate would be |.02 for 
 each dollar. 
 
 These figures are worthy of consideration when any proposed change 
 in the method of taxing such property is contemplated. The average 
 face value of all classes of recorded credits for this period is |2,394.00. 
 Total number of instruments recorded is 42,560. 
 
 An investigation of the record of all discharged mortgages in five 
 counties discloses that one thousand nine hundred eighty-seven instru- 
 ments were discharged and the average time. each had been in force was 
 four years, eleven months and three days. A Ifick of time accounts 
 for the fact that this branch of the inquiry was not extended to other 
 counties. In explanation of the average time above referred to, it is 
 well to say that no discharged in.strument was omitted in the counties 
 examined. The range of time such instruments were in force was from 
 twenty-two days to thirty-nine years. Such cases as these mentioned 
 were, of coui-se, infrequent. In a majority of cases where the instru- 
 ment were in force to exceed fifteen years, undoubtedly full payment 
 
76 
 
 had been made years before; but being without definite knowledge of the 
 facts in each case, it was not deemed advisable in making the compila- 
 tion to omit any record. 
 
 PEESONAIi PROPERTY OF DECEDENTS. 
 
 Another feature of the advisory work pursued by the board, is that 
 of procuring for the use of assessing officers information concerning 
 the personal property of decedents, whether in the hands of administra- 
 tors, trustees or guardians, or distributed to heirs and legatees as pro- 
 vided by law. To accomplish this, the returns made by the various 
 judges of probate in the State of Michigan to the Auditor General are 
 examined each year, and transcripts made of estates in which the 
 amount of personal property has been determined by such judges. This 
 transcript shows name and residence of decedent, name and residence 
 of administrator, executor or trustee, value of personal property de- 
 termined, name and residence of each person sharing in the distribution 
 of estate and amount of each share. Inquiry is then made in various 
 counties as to whether estates named have been distributed within the 
 year, and, if so, date of distribution. 
 
 This data is arranged according to the residence of the administrator, 
 trustee or executor (if estate is not distributed) or person sharing in 
 distribution if estate is closed. 
 
 The information is then sent out to the proper assessing officers, as a 
 guide and help to them in the assessment of personal proi)erty. There 
 are, of course, classes of this property which do not come within the 
 taxable property of the state, and the separation of the same would 
 involve an investigation of each estate at the county of record, \\'liich 
 the board has not the time, nor the clerical force, to attempt. An ex- 
 planation as to how the information was obtained, and the reason 
 therefor, is sent to each assessing officer who is instructed that it be 
 considered only as a guide. 
 
 The board believes this work has been of great benefit in the assess- 
 ment of personal, as it places within the knowledge of many officers 
 facts which it is quite improbable they would otherwise ascertain. This 
 is especially true where an assessing officer resides at a distance from 
 the county seat, and also where persons shfu^ in estates that are 
 probated in counties outside the one in which he acts.. 
 
 As an illustration of the extent of this part of the work of the board, 
 we call attention to the table which follows, showing by counties the 
 value as reported of this class of property for the year 1908. A not incon- 
 siderable value of this information lies in the fact, where claim is made 
 by the heirs or legatees that the money or security has been received 
 but transferred into chattels or real estate, that the assessor is thereby 
 assisted in determining the cash value of property so acquired. 
 
 Alger $2,469 
 
 Allegan 69,564 
 
 Alpena 360,345 
 
 Arenac 4^022 
 
 Baraga 13^450 
 
 Barry ; 45 545 
 
 Bay 336,836 
 
 Benzie 3 138 
 
 Berrien 129,914 
 
77 
 
 Branch |239,006 
 
 Calhoun 427,080 
 
 Cass 181,962 
 
 Cheboygan 9,353 
 
 Chippewa 150,165 
 
 Clare 4,189 
 
 Clinton 298,735 
 
 Crawford 1,734 
 
 Delta 39,123 
 
 Dickinson 83,951 
 
 Genesee 589,875 
 
 Grand Traverse 37,785 
 
 Gratiot 25,104 
 
 Hillsdale .' 95,304 
 
 Houghton 1,505,805 
 
 Huron 44,615 
 
 Ingham 248,165 
 
 Ionia 136,272 
 
 Iron 67,002 
 
 Isabella 8,451 
 
 Jackson 460,878 
 
 Kalamazoo 539,040 
 
 Kent 792,939 
 
 Lapeer 75,869 
 
 Lenawee 170,230 
 
 Livingston 13,036 
 
 Macomb 245,150 
 
 Manistee 208,691 
 
 Marquette 402,653 
 
 Mason 328,286 
 
 Mecosta 33,870 
 
 Menominee 6,157 
 
 Monroe 28,436 
 
 Montcalm 87,065 
 
 Muskegon 396,999 
 
 Oakland 409,181 
 
 Oceana 4,586 
 
 Osceola 34,307 
 
 Otsego 9,559 
 
 Ottawa 65,395 
 
 Presque Isle 3,371 
 
 Saginaw 915,669 
 
 Sanilac 17,728 
 
 Schoolcraft 82,123 
 
 Shiawassee 210,380 
 
 St. Clair 116,475 
 
 St. Joseph 56,854 
 
 Tuscola 40,007 
 
 Van Buren 126,166 
 
 Washtenaw 398,176 
 
 Wayne 10,774,566 
 
 Wexford 25,753 
 
 Total 122,238,653 
 
78 
 
 ASSESSMENT OF BANK STOCK. 
 
 An earlier. report of the then acting Board of State Tax Oommissioners 
 discussed somewhat at length the vast inequality in the assessment of 
 bank stock in the state. This seemed without justifiable excusej as the 
 law directs with a very reasonable degree of accuracy how this valuation 
 shall be determined. 
 
 The capital stock, surplus, undivided profits and real estate, contain 
 all the property which the bank as a corporation has invested in the 
 business, and only on these items can it be assessed under the present 
 law. Its large items of loans, discounts and other securities, except such 
 as come from its corporate personal property, are made from its deposits, 
 which are in reality the property of the depositors. 
 
 It would seem, therefore, that the assessment of this class of property 
 should cause the assessing officer the least of his trouble. Judging from 
 assessment records the opposite of this has been true. The investigations 
 of this board have shown as many as ten different bases of assessing the 
 stock of one bank in a single county. Desirous of securing more uniform 
 results in the assessment of bank stock throughout the state, the board 
 has endeavored to place before the men charged with this duty informa- 
 tion which would assist them in reaching the proper standard of equality. 
 The necessary data upon which to base the information required was 
 found in the oflSce of the Banking Commissioner of the State. The State 
 banking law requires organized banks to make reports at irregular in- 
 tervals throughout the year of their financial condition. From these re- 
 ports, made at the nearest preceding date to the second Monday in April, 
 is taken a copy of the amount of capital stock, surplus, undivided profits 
 and value of real estate of all banks. This information is compiled by 
 counties and names of banks in each county of the State, and valuations 
 set forth as per the table that follows : 
 
 Column one contains the aggregate value of the capital stock, surplus 
 and undivided profits of each bank ; column two, valuation of real estate 
 as shown by books of the various banks; column three, the value of per- 
 sonal property ; column four, the total number of shares of stock into 
 which the capital stock of each bank is divided; column five, the cash 
 value per share of its stock, as shown by each bank's report. 
 
 Subdivision 7, section 8, General Tax Law of Michigan, provides, that 
 all shares of organized banks in the state shall be assessed at cash value, 
 after deducting the assessed value of real property owned by and assessed 
 as such to such banks. The items that make up the personal corporate 
 property of a bank have already been referred to. If we subtract from 
 the sum of these items, which is shown" in column one, the items in col- 
 umn two we will have that amount of each bank's property which is assess- 
 able as personal property, or the shares of stock mentioned in section 8; 
 that is, this would be true if column two represented assessed valuation. 
 
 An attempt has been made in years past to secure information as to 
 the actual assessed value of the real estate owned by banks in the Ijtate, 
 but the returns have been incomplete and unsatisfactory. For this rea- 
 son, and kno-wing that no injustice would be done, the board has, in pre- 
 paring this guide for assessors, used the book value of real estate as re- 
 ported by the banks, in ascertaining what amount of corporate proi)ert7 
 should be considered as personal, and in this manner the amounts in 
 column three have been determined. 
 
79 
 
 The reason no inujstice has accrued to bank property through this 
 method, is that in common with other real estate within the state, it is 
 not assessed at cash value, as yet, notwithstanding the vast differences 
 between the assessed valuation of the State at the present time, as com- 
 pared with 1899; and the margin of difference between the assessed and 
 cash value of such real estate is sufQcient under normal conditions to 
 make up the actual losses that occur incident to the business. 
 
 The items in column five, representing the value per share of the stock 
 of each bank, are determined by dividing the amount of personal property 
 owned by each bank by the figures in colunm four, representing the num- 
 ber of shares into which its capital stock is divided. 
 
 These items representing the value per share of stock for the year 1908, 
 are believed by the board to be consevative cash valuations of the same. 
 
 The board, not having knowledge as to the residence of different bank 
 stock owners in the State, a statement as per the table is sent to each 
 assessing oflScer in a county where one or more banks are located, to- 
 gether with a statement of how the information is obtained, and instruc- 
 tions that it is only for his assistance and not something which he is 
 bound to accept. Unusual conditions may arise which would materially 
 modify the figures suggested; these he is expected to deal with as with 
 other problems which confront him. 
 
 Banks owning no real estate may be able to prove that the book value 
 does not represent actual cash value, or a bank with real estate may have 
 has extraordinary losses during the year which would reduce the value 
 of the stock. This is purely advisory work and assessors generally have 
 used the information understandingly. 
 
 The returns that have come to the board on the assessment of bank 
 stock indicate that a long step forward has been taken toward securing 
 equality in taxation of this class of personal property. 
 
80 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized bank in the state as shown by report to Banking Commissioner, 
 
 February 14, 1908. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 Alcona c6unty: 
 Alcona Co. Savings Bank . 
 
 Alger county: 
 First National Bank of Alger County. 
 
 Allegan county: 
 The Allegan State Savings Bank . 
 
 Citizens State Savings Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 First State Savings Bank 
 
 Hopkins State Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Wayland State Bank 
 
 Fruit Growers State Bank 
 
 Alpena county: 
 Alpena County Savings Bank. 
 
 Aipena National Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Antrim county; 
 Antrim County Savings Bank. . 
 
 Bellaire State Bank 
 
 Elk Rapids. Savings Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Arenac county: 
 
 State Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank . 
 
 Barry county: 
 
 Delton State Bank 
 
 Farmers' and Merchants' Bank. 
 
 Farmers' State Bank 
 
 Hastings City Bank 
 
 Hastings National Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Bay county: 
 
 Bay City Bank 
 
 Bay County Savings Bank . 
 
 Commercial Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Lumberman' s State Bank . . 
 Old Second National Bank . 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 Benzie county: 
 Benzie County State Savings Bank . 
 
 Berrien county: 
 
 Benton Harbor State Bank 
 
 Farmers' and Merchants' Bank . 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Niles City Bank 
 
 Union Banking Co 
 
 Branch county; 
 Branch County Savings Bank . . 
 
 Coldwater National Bank 
 
 Farmers' National Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Quincy State Bank — 
 
 South Michigan National Bank . 
 Union City National Bank 
 
 Calhoun county: 
 Albion National Bank . . 
 
 Albion State Bank 
 
 Athens State Bank 
 
 Calhoun State Bank — 
 Central National Bank. 
 City Bank 
 
 $26,943 
 
 68,468 
 
 31,474 
 29,110 
 71,715 
 52,495 
 26,178 
 21,874 
 19,057 
 25.032 
 26,861 
 
 188,550 
 119,123 
 125,218 
 
 40,942 
 21,049 
 46,339 
 21 ,261 
 
 27,549 
 21 ,027 
 
 21,489 
 37,983 
 43,988 
 113,646 
 113,697 
 25,799 
 
 307,763 
 91 ,390 
 
 155,618 
 
 236,211 
 58,480 
 
 115,000 
 65,574 
 
 25,545 
 
 72,040 
 204,679 
 44,038 
 61,310 
 71,365 
 
 78,701 
 146,169 
 66,650 
 79,001 
 47,636 
 339,770 
 71,671 
 
 61,912 
 64,960 
 20,000 
 27,228 
 273,867 
 88,048 
 
 $1 ,500 
 
 32,268 
 
 10,982 
 3,500 
 
 20,870 
 6,057 
 
 2,200 
 6,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 45,499 
 11,812 
 
 5,366 
 5,000 
 5,500 
 3,200 
 
 7,880 
 1,310 
 
 1,800 
 3,000 
 4,000 
 13,000 
 16,355 
 4,500 
 
 10,000 
 4,356 
 
 2,000 
 18,268 
 
 2,500 
 28,590 
 
 5,800 
 
 6,000 
 7,000 
 5,200 
 6,000 
 4,900 
 
 6,365 
 
 18.300 
 
 3,350 
 
 16,000 
 10,000 
 
 7,450 
 
 3,000 
 
 3,500 
 
 22,070 
 
 3,142 
 
 $25,443 
 
 36,200 
 
 20,492 
 25.610 
 50,845 
 46,438 
 26.178 
 19,674 
 13,057 
 25,032 
 23,861 
 
 143,051 
 107,311 
 125,218 
 
 35,576 
 16,049 
 40.839 
 18,061 
 
 19,669 
 19,717 
 
 19,689 
 34,983 
 39,988 
 100,646 
 97,342 
 21 ,299 
 
 297,763 
 86,994 
 
 155,618 
 
 234,211 
 40,212 
 
 112.500 
 36,985 
 
 19.745 
 
 66.040 
 197,679 
 38,838 
 55.310 
 66,465 
 
 78.701 
 139.804 
 48,350 
 75.651 
 47.636 
 323,770 
 61.671 
 
 54,462 
 64.960 
 17.000 
 23.728 
 261.797 
 84.906 
 
 250 
 
 600 
 
 300 
 240 
 500 
 500 
 250 
 200 
 150 
 200 
 250 
 
 850 
 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 200 
 350 
 200 
 
 200 
 200 
 
 200 
 250 
 370 
 750 
 500 
 250 
 
 1.500 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 200 
 
 500 
 1,250 
 250 
 500 
 500 
 
 500 
 ,000 
 500 
 500 
 400 
 ,650 
 500 
 
 500 
 500 
 150 
 200 
 2.000 
 500 
 
81 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized bank in the state. — Continued. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 Assessable 
 value of 
 
 stock 
 per share. 
 
 Calhoun county— Continued. 
 Commercial Savings (Aliion) . . . 
 Commercial Savings (Marshall) . 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Merchants' Savings Bank 
 
 Old National Bank ;. 
 
 Cass county: 
 
 Ffcst National Bank 
 
 First State Savings Bank 
 
 G. W. Jones' Exchange Bank. . . 
 
 Charlevoix county: '" 
 Charlevoix State Savings Bank . 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 State Bank — 
 
 Cheboygan county: 
 Cheboygjm County Savings Bank . 
 
 Cheboygan State Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Wolverine State Savings Bank 
 
 Chippewa county: 
 Central Savings Bank. . 
 First National Bank. . . 
 Sault Savings Bank . . . . 
 
 Clare county: 
 Clare County Savings Bank. . 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Clinton county: 
 Clinton County Savings Bank . 
 
 Commercial National Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Stete Savings Bank (Elsie) 
 
 State' Savings Bank (Fowler) . . 
 
 State Savings Bank (Ovid) 
 
 St. Johns National Bank 
 
 Westphalia State Bank 
 
 Delta county: 
 Escanaba National Bank. , 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Dickinson county: 
 
 Commercial Bank. 
 
 Fffst National (Iron Mountain) . 
 First National (Norway) 
 
 Eaton county: 
 
 Barber State Bank 
 
 Eaton County Savings Bank. . . 
 
 First National (Hiarlotte) 
 
 First National (Eaton Rapids). 
 
 Grand Ledge State Bank 
 
 Merchants' National Bank 
 
 Michigan State Bank 
 
 Emmet county: 
 . "Emmet county Savings Bank. . 
 
 First National Bank * — 
 
 Krst State Bank 
 
 Genesee county: 
 Citizens' Com. and Savings Bank . 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 Davison State Bank 
 
 Fenton State Bank 
 
 First State Savings Bank 
 
 Genesee County Savings Bank — 
 
 National Bank 
 
 Otisville State Bank 
 
 People's State Bank 
 
 Union Trust and Savings Bank . . . 
 
 $45,925 
 85,936 
 
 158,315 
 35,135 
 81,146 
 
 200,287 
 
 97.628 
 41,030 
 51,681 
 
 25,821 
 60,260 
 50,497 
 
 51,646 
 53,013 
 85,398 
 20,659 
 
 106,371 
 136,100 
 137,194 
 
 29,306 
 20,163 
 
 40,616 
 68,632 
 67,630 
 25,750 
 24,920 
 35,744 
 72,328 
 20,000 
 
 130,242 
 184,362 
 58,390 
 
 147,760 
 158,875 
 69,190 
 
 25,537 
 133,418 
 105,923 
 
 58,882 
 
 28,899 
 113,933 
 
 97,838 
 
 ■35,362 
 122,708 
 73,103 
 
 ^0. 
 30, 
 29, 
 25, 
 44, 
 
 269 
 
 133, 
 20 
 35 
 
 170 
 
 $5,400 
 
 12,200 
 2,500 
 40,383 
 
 4,500 
 8,975 
 6,000 
 
 26,000 
 5,727 
 
 11,100 
 19,092 
 3,400 
 
 41,800 
 35,861 
 
 5,500 
 4,000 
 
 1,487 
 12,000 
 10,501 
 
 2,000 
 565 
 
 3,500 
 
 7,000 
 
 - 3,407 
 32,500 
 8,370 
 
 43,800 
 
 25,000 
 9,700 
 
 20,000 
 8,751 
 
 31,500 
 24,818 
 
 20,600 
 4,000 
 4,000 
 4,500 
 2,700 
 
 22,500 
 
 300 
 
 4,393 
 
 32,700 
 
 $40,525 
 85,936 
 
 146,115 
 32,635 
 40,763 
 
 200,287 
 
 93,128 
 32,055 
 45,681 
 
 25,821 
 34,260 
 44,770 
 
 51,646 
 41.913 
 66,306 
 17,250 
 
 106,371 
 94,300 
 101,333 
 
 i3,806 
 16,160 
 
 39,129 
 56,632 
 57,129 
 23,750 
 24,355 
 32,244 
 65,328 
 20,000 
 
 126,835 
 151,862 
 50,020 
 
 147,760 
 115,07'> 
 68,327 
 
 25,537 
 133,418 
 80,923 
 49,182 
 28,899 
 93,933 
 89,097 
 
 35,362 
 91,208 
 48,285 
 
 209,724 
 26,512 
 25.840 
 20,500 
 41,663 
 
 269,436 
 
 110,680 
 20,363 
 31,394 
 
 138,016 
 
 350 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 300 
 500 
 
 1,500 
 
 500 
 400 
 400 
 
 250 
 500 
 500 
 
 500 
 500 
 500 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 200 
 
 280 
 500 
 500 
 250 
 150 
 250 
 500 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 500 
 
 250 
 1,000 
 750 
 500 
 250 
 500 
 750 
 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 
 500 
 
 1,500 
 250 
 200 
 250 
 275 
 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 200 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 
 11 
 
82 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized hank in the state. — Continued. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 owned by 
 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 Gladwin county: 
 State Bank — 
 
 Gogebic county: 
 First National (Bessemer) . . 
 First National (Ironwood). . 
 
 Grand Traverse county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 Traverse City State Bank . . . 
 
 Gratiot county: 
 Alma State Savings Bank. . . 
 Commercial Savings Bank. . . 
 
 Commercial State Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Gratiot County State Bank. . 
 
 Ithaca National Bank 
 
 Ithaca Savings Bank 
 
 Real Estate Savings Bank. . , 
 
 Hillsdale county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First State Bank (Camden). . 
 First State Bank (Hillsdale). 
 Grosvenor Savings Bank .... 
 
 Hillsdale Savings Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Houghton county: 
 
 Calumet State Bank 
 
 (IStizens National Bank 
 
 Fhst National Bank (Calumet) . 
 
 First National (Hancock) 
 
 First National (Lake Linden). . . 
 
 First National (Laurium) 
 
 Houghton National Bank 
 
 Merchants* and Miners' Bank. . . 
 
 South Range Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Superior Savings Bank 
 
 Superior Trust Bank 
 
 Huron county: 
 Frank W. Hubbard's State Bank. , 
 
 Huron C!ounty Savings Bank 
 
 Pigeon State Bank '. . 
 
 Sebewaing State Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Ingham county: 
 
 Opital National Bank 
 
 C3ity, National Bank 
 
 Farmers' Bank 
 
 First State and Savings Bank. . 
 Lansing State Savings Bank. . . 
 
 People's Bank 
 
 "Williamston State Bank 
 
 Ionia county: 
 
 Belding Savings Bank 
 
 Farmers' and Merchants' Bank . 
 
 Lake Odessa State Bank 
 
 Maynard-Allen State Bank 
 
 National Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 Saranac State Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Webber State Savings Bank .... 
 
 Iron county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Iron County National Bank . 
 
 $30,728 
 
 72,047 
 73,479 
 
 129,388 
 
 70,175 
 
 262,030 
 
 43,926 
 31,825 
 36,777 
 57,320 
 30,465 
 34,767 
 54,742 
 32,952 
 
 99,867 
 24,210 
 72,409 
 76,893 
 90,324 
 37,667 
 
 109,671 
 85,479 
 425,206 
 176,075 
 231,325 
 
 $6,000 
 
 15,149 
 6,240 
 
 21,488 
 100,000 
 
 314,750 
 316,228 
 41,978 
 188,871 
 172,061 
 198,377 
 
 56,605 
 38.026 
 20,496 
 23,524 
 33,631 
 
 126,355 
 239,630 
 81,218 
 56,944 
 193,271 
 36,838 
 66,035 
 
 42,179 
 28,846 
 31.910 
 64,968 
 63,643 
 47,448 
 31,939 
 133,580 
 50,466 
 
 57,205 
 60,396 
 
 11,386 
 
 7,500 
 
 188 
 
 10,595 
 
 6,000 
 
 1,219 
 
 8,853 
 'SfSOO 
 
 51,044 
 9,800 
 47,757 
 51,482 
 15,000 
 
 $24,728 
 
 56,898 
 67,239 
 
 129,388 
 
 48,687 
 
 162.030 
 
 43,926 
 20,439 
 36,777 
 49,820 
 30,277 
 24,172 
 48,742 
 31,733 
 
 91,014 
 24,210 
 67,053 
 76,893 
 84,824 
 37,667 
 
 58,627 
 75,679 
 377,449 
 124,593 
 216,325 
 
 50,000 
 500 
 
 5,000 
 37,500 
 
 1,961 
 
 11,453 
 4,500 
 4,641 
 4,000 
 6,900 
 
 73,173 
 7,000 
 
 57,623 
 5,643 
 3,000 
 
 8,575 
 4,700 
 2,000 
 4,000 
 9,500 
 8,000 
 1,500 
 9,901 
 
 2,566 
 13,737 
 
 264,750 
 315,728 
 36,978 
 151,371 
 170,100 
 198,377 
 
 45,152 
 33,526 
 15,855 
 19,524 
 26,731 
 
 126.355 
 166,457 
 74,218 
 56,944 
 135,648 
 31,195 
 63,035 
 
 33,604 
 24,146 
 29,910 
 60,968 
 54,143 
 39,448 
 30,439 
 123,679 
 50,466 
 
 54,629 
 46,659 
 
 250 
 
 500 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 
 600 
 
 2,000 
 
 250 
 250 
 300 
 300 
 250 
 250 
 350 
 160 
 
 550 
 200 
 500 
 500 
 600 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 2,000 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 
 1,500 
 1,500 
 300 
 750 
 1,000 
 1,500 
 
 300 
 300 
 200 
 200' 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 500 
 250 
 1,500 
 250 
 500 
 
 250 
 250 
 250 
 500 
 500 
 350 
 200 
 1,000 
 250 
 
 500 
 500 
 
83 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized hank in the state. — Continued. 
 
 Capital stoclc 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 value of 
 
 stock 
 per share. 
 
 Isabella county: 
 
 Conunercial State Bank 
 
 Exchange Savings Bank .... 
 Isabella County State Bank . 
 
 Jackson county; 
 
 Central State Bank 
 
 Culver State Bank 
 
 Fanners* Bank 
 
 Farmers' and Merchants. Bank. 
 
 Farmers' State (Brooklyn) 
 
 Farmers' State (Concord) 
 
 Jackson City Bank 
 
 Jackson State Savings Bank 
 
 Peoples' National Bank 
 
 Union Bank 
 
 Kalamazoo county: 
 
 ()ity National Bank 
 
 Climax Staf« Bank 
 
 Farmers' State Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Home Savings Bank 
 
 Kalamazoo National Bank . 
 Kalamazoo Savings Bank. . 
 
 Kalamazoo Trust Bank 
 
 Michigan National Bank . . . 
 Richland State Bank 
 
 Kalkaska county: 
 Kalkaska County Savings Bank., 
 
 ^ent county: 
 
 City State Bank 
 
 City 'Trust and Savings Bank . . 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 ■ Farmers State Bank 
 
 Fifth National Bank 
 
 ■ Fourth National Bank 
 
 Grand Rapids National Bank. . 
 Grand Rapids Savings Bank. . . 
 
 Grandville State Bank 
 
 Kent County Savings Bank . . . 
 
 Lowell State Bank 
 
 Michigan Trust Co 
 
 National City Bank 
 
 . Old Natiinaf Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 Bockford State Bank 
 
 So. Grand Rapids State Bank . 
 
 Sparta State Bank 
 
 State Bank (Caledonia) 
 
 State Bank (Grand Rapids) . . . 
 
 Keweenaw county: 
 Keweenaw Savings Bank. . 
 
 Lapeer county: 
 
 Dryden State Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Lapeer Co. Savings Bank . 
 
 Lapeer Savings Bank 
 
 Pioneer Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Leelanau county: 
 Leelanau Co. Savings Bank . . . 
 
 Lenawee county: 
 
 Addison State Savings Bank. 
 
 Adrian State Savings Bank. . . 
 
 Blissfield State Bank 
 
 . Boies State Bank 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank — 
 
 Deerfield State Bank 
 
 $28,225 
 70,944 
 61 ,691 
 
 71,380 
 
 34,068 
 
 40,239 
 
 20,932 
 
 26,921 
 
 35,633 
 
 399,072 
 
 161,314 
 
 163,851 
 
 320,491 
 
 240,375 
 
 18,779 
 
 26,541 
 
 175,872 
 
 32,563 
 
 174,500 
 
 323,941 
 
 130,592 
 
 162,177 
 
 234,564 
 
 18,539 
 
 24,443 
 
 26,602 
 
 134,971 
 
 116,500 
 
 22,511 
 
 139,483 
 
 626,405 
 
 661,124 
 
 240,617 
 
 20,286 
 
 342,216 
 
 30,000 
 
 491,030 
 
 818,757 
 
 .,346,298 
 
 172,537 
 
 21,244 
 
 25,932 
 
 30,580 
 
 22,271 
 
 300,996 
 
 25,000 
 
 20,569 
 176,227 
 64,933 
 28,214 
 64,801 
 90,989 
 
 22,817 
 
 21,054 
 151,305 
 
 22,674 
 125,742 
 140,060 
 
 21 ,473 
 
 $6,503 
 16,000 
 
 7,000 
 3,900 
 2,600 
 
 7,200 
 49,649 
 50,000 
 29,630 
 96,357 
 
 3,250 
 
 7,455 
 23,400 
 15,109 
 29,500 
 171,768 
 45,265 
 18,750 
 39,100 
 
 10,000 
 
 
 26,163 
 2,500 
 
 125,000 
 53,414 
 
 1,200 
 25,000 
 4,500 
 
 50,000 
 
 182,158 
 
 35,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 7,500 
 
 
 4,455 
 
 3,000 
 5,253 
 
 10,000 
 1,300 
 
 3,000 
 
 5,274 
 30,000 
 5,432 
 8,000 
 12,000 
 
 $28,225 
 64,441 
 36,591 
 
 •71,380 
 27,068 
 36,339 
 18,432 
 26,921 
 28,433 
 349,423 
 101,314 
 134,221 
 224,134 
 
 237,125 
 
 18,779 
 
 19,086 
 
 162,472 
 
 17,454 
 
 145,000 
 
 152,173 
 
 85,327 
 
 143,427 
 
 196,464 
 
 18,539 
 
 14,443 
 
 26,602 
 
 134,971 
 
 90,337 
 
 20,011 
 
 139,483 
 
 401 ,400 
 
 607,710 
 
 240,617 
 
 19,086 
 
 317,216 
 
 25,500 
 
 491 ,030 
 
 768,757 
 
 1,164,140 
 
 137,537 
 
 18,244 
 
 25,932 
 
 23,080 
 
 22,271 
 
 300,996 
 
 20,569 
 173,227 
 59,680 
 28,214 
 54,801 
 89,689 
 
 19,817 
 
 16,780 
 121,305 
 
 17,142 
 117,742 
 128,060 
 
 21,473 
 
 200 
 500 
 300 
 
 681.43 
 
 250 
 
 260 
 
 200 
 
 250 
 
 250 
 2,000 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 2,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 186.7 
 
 250 
 1,000 
 
 300 
 1,000 
 2,000 
 
 500 
 1,500 
 1,000 
 
 182.4 
 
 200 
 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 5,000 
 
 1,500 
 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 
 250 
 
 2,000 
 
 6,000 
 
 8,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 
 250 
 
 180 
 
 200 
 
 1,500 
 
 250 
 
 200 
 760 
 600 
 250 
 600 
 ■460 
 
 200 
 
 200 
 600 
 200 
 750 
 ,100 
 200 
 
84 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized bank in the state. — Continued. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 Assessable 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 Assessable 
 
 value of 
 
 stock 
 
 per share. 
 
 Lenawee county; — Continued- 
 First National Bank 
 
 Jipson-Carter State Bank 
 
 Lenawee Co. Savings Bank 
 
 Lilley State Bank 
 
 Ousted State Bank 
 
 Tecumseh State Savings Bank. . . 
 
 Thompson State Bank 
 
 Wakefield State Bank 
 
 Walby & Clay State Bank 
 
 .Livingston county: 
 
 First State Savings Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Mackinac county; 
 First National Bank 
 
 Macomb county: 
 
 Armada Savings Bank 
 
 ■ Citizens' National Bank 
 
 Citizens' Savings Bank 
 
 Macomb Co. Savings Bank 
 
 Mt. Clemens Savings Bank 
 
 New Haven Savings Bank 
 
 Romeo Savings Bank 
 
 TJllrich Savings Bank 
 
 Manistee county; 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Manistee Co. Savings Bank 
 
 Marquette county: 
 First National Bank (Marquette) 
 First National Bank (Negaunee) . 
 Marquette Co. Savings Bank. . . . 
 
 Marqilette National Bank 
 
 Merchants' National Bank 
 
 Peninsula Bank 
 
 Mason county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Ludington State Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Mecosta county: 
 
 Big Rapids Savings Bank 
 
 Citizens State Bank '..< 
 
 Menominee county; 
 
 Bank of Stephenson 
 
 Commercial Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Lumberman's National Bank . . . . 
 
 Midland county; 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 Midland Co. Savings Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank '... 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Monroe county: 
 B. Dansard & Sons State Bank . , 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Monroe County Bank 
 
 Monroe State Savings Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Montcalm county: 
 
 Commercial State Bank 
 
 Edmore State Bank ^ 
 
 Farmers' and Merchants' Bank . . 
 
 Greenville State Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 $40,413 
 45,599 
 
 139,107 
 56,842 
 20,136 
 33,735 
 
 126,788 
 40,724 
 90,637 
 
 45,536 
 27,735 
 
 77,203 
 
 31 ,631 
 61,065 
 78,414 
 50,606 
 
 161,448 
 29,806 
 73,223 
 
 186,046 
 
 158,628 
 63,959 
 
 259,769 
 159,773 
 130,827 
 141,753 
 163,830 
 106,029 
 
 136,791 
 77,809 
 29,057 
 
 32,481 
 68.929 
 
 242,690 
 170,8891 
 
 20,131 
 47,577 
 32,698 
 24,335 
 
 55,025 
 98,380 
 24,306 
 53,160 
 22,673 
 
 30,401 
 19,842 
 28,994 
 60,275 
 45,292 
 
 $9,000 
 5,711 
 25,000 
 
 1,371 
 6,045 
 7,500 
 5,000 
 18,000 
 
 25,620 
 
 3,700 
 6,000 
 
 18,000 
 464 
 
 33,800 
 2,200 
 6,243 
 
 32,500 
 
 26,600 
 
 43,900 
 40,305 
 51,489 
 37,500 
 20,000 
 15,000 
 
 40,000 
 10,688 
 5,000 
 
 10,000 
 
 1,347 
 17,406 
 11,100 
 12,000 
 
 6,500 
 20,999 
 10,000 
 10,837 
 
 9,000 
 7,570 
 2,500 
 
 5,000 
 
 1,908 
 4.500 
 
 4,000 
 3,250 
 
 $31,413 
 39,888 
 
 114,107 
 56,842 
 18,765 
 27,690 
 
 119,288 
 35,724 
 72,637 
 
 38,487 
 27,735 
 
 51 ,583 
 
 27,931 
 55,065 
 60,414 
 50,142 
 
 127,648 
 27,606 
 66,980 
 
 153,546 
 
 158,628 
 37,359 
 
 215,869 
 119,468 
 
 79,338 
 104,253 
 143,830 
 
 91,029 
 
 96,791 
 67,121 
 24,057 
 
 32,481 
 58,929 
 
 27,334 
 52,285 
 231,590 
 
 158,889 
 
 13,631 
 26,578 
 
 13,498 
 
 46,025 
 90,810 
 21,806 
 53,160 
 17,673 
 
 30,401 
 17,934 
 24,494 
 60,275 
 41,292 
 20,374 
 
 250 
 250 
 
 1,000 
 400 
 200 
 260 
 
 1,000 
 300 
 750 
 
 404 
 250 
 
 500 
 
 250 
 500 
 500 
 250 
 500 
 200 
 500 
 1,000 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 1,500 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 155 
 
 250 
 500 
 
 200 
 
 650 
 
 2.000 
 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 250 
 250 
 200 
 
 500 
 500 
 150 
 500 
 200 
 
 250 
 150 
 250 
 250 
 250 
 200 
 
85 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized bank in the stoic— Continued. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 value of 
 stock 
 per share. 
 
 Montmorency county: 
 Montmorency Co. Savings Bank. . 
 
 Muskegon county: 
 
 Hackley National Bank 
 
 Muskegon Savings Bank 
 
 National Lumberman's Bank . 
 
 State Bank 
 
 Union National Bank 
 
 Newaygo county: 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Fremont State Bank. . 
 
 Grant State Bank 
 
 Old State Bank 
 
 Oakland county: 
 
 American Savings Bank 
 
 Citizens' State Bank 
 
 Citizens' State and Savings Bank . 
 
 First Commercial Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Farmers' State Bank 
 
 E. Jossman State Bank 
 
 - Oakland Co. Savings Bank 
 
 , Orion State Bank 
 
 ^ford Savingd Bank 
 
 Pontiac Savings Bank 
 
 Rochester Savings Bank 
 
 Royal Oak Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank (Rochester). . . 
 
 State Savings Bank (So. Lyons) . . 
 
 Oceana county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Oceana County Savings Bank 
 
 Ontonagon county: 
 First National Bank (Ontonagon) . 
 Krst National Bank (Rockland) . . 
 
 Osceola county: 
 Commercial Savings Bank, . 
 
 Evart Savings Bank 
 
 Fkst National Bank 
 
 Krst State Savings Bank. . . 
 Marion State Bank 
 
 Otsego county: 
 Graylord State Savings Bank. . 
 
 Ottawa county: 
 
 Coopersville State Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 Grand Haven State Bank . .'. 
 
 Holland City State Bank 
 
 National Bank ". 
 
 People's State Bank 
 
 State Commercial and Savings Bank. , 
 Zeeland State Bank 
 
 Presque Isle County: 
 
 Onaway State Banking Co 
 
 Onaway State Savings Bank 
 
 Presque Isle Co. Savings Bank. 
 
 Roscommon county: 
 Roscommon State Bank 
 
 Saginaw county: 
 
 Bank of Saginaw 
 
 Chesaning State Bank 
 
 Commercial National Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 Saginaw County Savings Bank. 
 
 Second National Bank 
 
 State Bank 
 
 121,054 
 
 208,193 
 73.439 
 
 168,404 
 26,145 
 
 139,026 
 
 24,804 
 30,204 
 22,785 
 46,202 
 
 53,500 
 
 22,284 
 20,033 
 
 141 ,450 
 65,778 
 21,009 
 28,500 
 
 . 61 ,403 
 30,912 
 79,011 
 78,685 
 38,308 
 24,000 
 25,203 
 23,488 
 
 42,069 
 48.357 
 
 34,697 
 31,137 
 
 25,000 
 32,186 
 60,978 
 44.267 
 21,700 
 
 38,116 
 
 ^,656 
 84,556 
 42,201 
 85,536 
 135.339 
 51,412 
 37,131 
 50,226 
 
 27,790 
 35,950 
 
 22,442 
 
 20,521 
 
 29,622 
 
 216,645 
 120,911 
 145,903 
 
 788,298 
 27,784 
 
 $1,346 
 
 52,036 
 
 24,843 
 38 ,'205 
 2,300 
 4,124 
 
 8,000 
 5,500 
 3,598 
 6,300 
 
 2,601 
 
 13.044 
 
 7,500 
 
 3,000 
 
 233 
 
 8,731 
 
 9,100 
 
 3,000 
 
 8,500 
 
 6,500 
 
 12,472 
 3,000 
 
 4,200 
 4,587 
 
 10,750 
 8,000 
 
 8,385 
 8,700 
 10,000 
 3,700 
 1,000 
 
 15,850 
 
 2,618 
 
 6,703 
 22,000 
 
 19,396 
 
 10,625 
 
 500 
 
 2,700 
 
 8,280 
 
 700 
 
 902 
 
 67,618 
 
 7,500 
 
 16,000 
 
 22,827 
 
 45,000 
 5,188 
 
 $19,708 
 
 166,157 
 48,596 
 
 130,199 
 23,835 
 
 134,902 
 
 16,804 
 24,704 
 19,187 
 39,902 
 
 53,500 
 19,680 
 20,033 
 128,406 
 58,278 
 18,009 
 28,267 
 52,672 
 21 ,812 
 76,011 
 70,186 
 31 ,808 
 24,000 
 12,731 
 20,488 
 
 37,869 
 43,770 
 
 23,947 
 23,137 
 
 16,614 
 23,486 
 50,978 
 40,567 
 20,700 
 
 22,266 
 
 22,038 
 55,658 
 35,498 
 63,536 
 135,339 
 32,016 
 26,606 
 49,726 
 
 26,090 
 29,670 
 21,742 
 
 19,519 
 
 791 ,008 
 22,122 
 
 200,646 
 98,084 
 
 146,903 
 
 743,298 
 22,596 
 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 500 
 
 1,000 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 
 200 
 250 
 
 600 
 200 
 200 
 ,000 
 300 
 200 
 200 
 500 
 160 
 250 
 500 
 250 
 200 
 260 
 200 
 
 300 
 400 
 
 250 
 250 
 
 260 
 300 
 500 
 360 
 200 
 
 250 
 
 200 
 600 
 300 
 500 
 1,000 
 500 
 350 
 350 
 
 250 
 250 
 200 
 
 200 
 
 4,000 
 260 
 
 1,000 
 600 
 600 
 
 5,000 
 200 
 
86 
 
 Book value of slock in each organized bank in the stale. — Continued. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Eeal estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 Assessable 
 value of 
 stock.. 
 
 Number of 
 shares. 
 
 131,296 
 
 $5,900 
 
 324,396 
 
 250 
 
 32,187 
 
 5,000 
 
 27,187 
 
 250 
 
 59,837 
 
 5,605 
 
 54,232 
 
 400 
 
 25,036 
 
 1,500 
 
 23,536 
 
 200 
 
 19,292 
 
 5,307 
 
 13,985 
 
 150 
 
 23,324 
 
 6,935 
 
 16,389 
 
 200 
 
 23,746 
 
 2,000 
 
 21,746 
 
 200 
 
 52,815 
 
 4,135 
 
 48,680 
 
 350 
 
 35,052 
 
 4,665 
 
 30,387 
 
 300 
 
 24,000 
 
 6,250 
 
 ^ 17,750 
 
 200 
 
 19,930 
 
 1,900 
 
 18,030 
 
 150 
 
 28,279 
 
 4,480 
 
 23,799 
 
 250 
 
 25,045 
 
 3,000 
 
 22,045 
 
 200 
 
 38,457 
 
 1,650 
 
 36,807 
 
 200 
 
 34,202 
 
 1,575 
 
 32,628 
 
 200 
 
 60,402 
 
 20,485 
 
 39,917 
 
 500 
 
 84,610 
 
 7,081 
 
 77,529 
 
 500 
 
 51,769 
 
 22,800 
 
 28,969 
 
 500 
 
 31,333 
 
 11,775 
 
 19,558 
 
 250 
 
 38,272 
 
 14,000 
 
 24,272 
 
 300 
 
 121,499 
 
 14,995 
 
 106,504 
 
 1,000 
 
 29,308 
 
 3,190 
 
 26,118 
 
 250 
 
 22,255 
 
 2,000 
 
 20,255 
 
 200 
 
 28,453 
 
 3,300 
 
 25,153 
 
 160 
 
 21,130 
 
 7,500 
 
 13,630 
 
 200 
 
 51,420 
 
 4,000 
 
 47,420 
 
 500 
 
 20,126 
 
 800 
 
 19,326 
 
 200 
 
 22,920 
 
 
 22,920 
 
 200 
 
 235,779 
 
 38,000 
 
 197,779 
 
 1,000 
 
 71,626 
 
 3,798 
 
 67,828 
 
 500 
 
 46,422 
 
 5,000 
 
 41 ,422 
 
 400 
 
 245,640 
 
 60,000 
 
 185,640 
 
 1,500 
 
 100,030 
 
 
 100,030 
 
 1,000 
 
 40,338 
 
 9,144 
 
 31,194 
 
 350 
 
 77,211 
 
 5,834 
 
 71,377 
 
 500 
 
 21,298 
 
 
 21,298 
 
 200 
 
 145,410 
 
 9,200 
 
 136,210 
 
 1,000 
 
 237,665 
 
 61,060 
 
 176,605 
 
 1,000 
 
 35,627 
 
 3,816 
 
 31,811 
 
 250 
 
 19,214 
 
 3,300 
 
 15,914 
 
 150 
 
 65,987 
 
 623 
 
 65,364 
 
 500 
 
 53,875 
 
 7,839 
 
 46,036 
 
 250 
 
 22,975 
 
 2,500 
 
 20,475 
 
 200 
 
 58,894 
 
 7,500 
 
 51,394 
 
 500 
 
 41,470 
 
 7,165 
 
 34,305 
 
 300 
 
 66,478 
 
 17,000 
 
 49,478 
 
 300 
 
 75,314 
 
 12,974 
 
 62.340 
 
 650 
 
 31 ,250 
 
 2,500 
 
 28,750 
 
 150 
 
 47,506 
 
 2.500 
 
 45,006 
 
 350 
 
 42,065 
 
 10,000 
 
 32,065 
 
 350 
 
 65,681 
 
 10,000 
 
 65,681 
 
 500 
 
 25,555 
 
 8,000 
 
 17,555 
 
 250 
 
 23,642 
 
 2,450 
 
 21,192 
 
 200 
 
 39,535 
 
 3,000 
 
 36,535 
 
 250 
 
 25,773 
 
 6,500 
 
 19,273 
 
 250 
 
 22,310 
 
 8,700 
 
 13,610 
 
 200 
 
 90,491 
 
 
 90,491 
 108,382 
 
 Soo 
 
 1,000 
 
 125,382 
 
 17,000 
 
 49,196 
 
 15,218 
 
 33,978 
 
 300 
 
 126,794 
 
 12,748 
 
 114,046 
 
 500 
 
 49,470 
 
 1,500 
 
 47,970 
 
 400 
 
 39,503 
 
 4,818 
 
 34,685 
 
 250 
 
 Sanilac county: 
 
 Brown City Savings Bank 
 
 Citizens' State Bank 
 
 Commercial State Bank 
 
 Exchange State Bank 
 
 Farmers' State Bank 
 
 Lexington State Bank 
 
 Minden City State Bank 
 
 Sa&ilac County State Bank 
 
 State Bank of Caraonville 
 
 State Bank of Croswell 
 
 State Bank of Deckerville 
 
 State Savings Bank (Marlette) . . 
 
 State Bank (Sandusky) 
 
 State Savings Bank (Peck) 
 
 Truman Moss State Bank 
 
 Schoolcraft county: 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 Maniatiflue Bank 
 
 Shiawassee county: 
 
 Citizens' State Bank 
 
 Krst National Bank 
 
 Old Corunna State Bank 
 
 Owosso Savings Bank 
 
 Shiawassee County Bank 
 
 State Bank (Byron) 
 
 State Bank (Perry) 
 
 State Exchange Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 IFnion State Bank 
 
 St. Glair county; 
 
 Capac Savings Bank 
 
 Commercial Bank 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First National Exchange Bank. . . 
 
 German American Bank 
 
 Home Savings Bank 
 
 Marine Savings Bank 
 
 Memphis State Bank 
 
 Port Huron Savings Bank 
 
 St. Clair Co. Savings Bank 
 
 Yale State Bank 
 
 St. Joseph county: 
 
 Burr Oak State Bank 
 
 Citizens' State Bank 
 
 Commercial Bank 
 
 Farmers' State Savings Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 First State Bank 
 
 First State Savings Bank .' . . 
 
 National Bank 
 
 State Bank (Mendon) 
 
 " Tuscola county: 
 
 Bank of Vassar 
 
 Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank ^Caro) 
 
 State Savings Bank (Gagetown) . 
 State Savings Bank (Unionville) . 
 
 State Savings Bank (Vassar) 
 
 Vassar National Bank 
 
 Van Buren county: 
 Citizens' State Bank (Decatur) . . 
 Citizens' State Bank (So. Haven) 
 
 Ffrst. National Bank 
 
 First State Bank (Decatur) 
 
 First State Bank (So. Haven). . . . 
 
 Paw Paw Savings Bank 
 
 West Michigan Savings Bank — 
 
87 
 
 Book value of stock in each organized bank in the state. — Concluded. 
 
 Capital stock 
 
 surplus and 
 
 undivided 
 
 profits. 
 
 Real estate 
 
 owned by 
 
 bank. 
 
 Assessable 
 value of 
 stock. 
 
 Number of 
 sliares. 
 
 Assessable 
 value of 
 
 stock 
 per share. 
 
 $307,145 
 
 S61 ,316 
 
 S255,829 
 
 500 
 
 S611 66 
 
 43,767 
 
 1,800 
 
 41,957 
 
 250 
 
 167 83 
 
 20,598 
 
 3,200 
 
 17,3-9 
 
 200 
 
 86 99 
 
 134,149 
 
 31 ,000 
 
 103,149 
 
 600 
 
 206 29 
 
 41,064 
 
 3,600 
 
 37,564 
 
 250 
 
 150 26 
 
 159,420 
 
 16,000 
 
 143,420 
 
 1,000 
 
 143 42 
 
 200,618 
 
 42,000 
 
 158,618 
 
 1,000 
 
 158 62 
 
 61,316 
 
 5,000 
 
 46,316 
 
 500 
 
 92 63 
 
 61,748 
 
 19,166 
 
 42,583 
 
 400 
 
 106 46 
 
 34,664 
 
 5,000 
 
 29,664 
 
 260 
 
 118 66 
 
 108,689 
 
 25,000 
 
 83,689 
 
 500 
 
 167 38 
 
 45,508 
 
 11,000 
 
 34,608 
 
 250 
 
 138 03 
 
 66,367 
 
 51,103 
 
 15,264 
 
 500 
 
 30 53 
 
 560,856 
 
 3,750 
 
 564,606 
 
 4,000 
 
 14115 
 
 158,995 
 
 31,778 
 
 127,217 
 
 1,000 
 
 127 22 
 
 260,440 
 
 64,689 
 
 196.751 
 
 2,000 
 
 97 87 
 
 1 ,744,722 
 
 27,500 
 
 1,717,222 
 
 10,000 
 
 171 72 
 
 1,033,236 
 
 213,516 
 
 819,721 
 
 4,000 
 
 204 93 
 
 1,491,046 
 
 
 1,491,046 
 260,839 
 
 6,000 
 2,600 
 
 298 21 
 
 260,839 
 
 
 104 33 
 
 799,922 
 
 184,341 
 
 615,681 
 
 5,000 
 
 123 11 
 
 20,000 
 
 2,550 
 
 17,450 
 
 200 
 
 87 25 
 
 69,605 
 
 25,138 
 
 34,467 
 
 500 
 
 68 93 
 
 1,255,889 
 
 
 1,255,889 
 
 7,500 
 
 167 45 
 
 309,046 
 
 
 309,046 
 
 2,500 
 
 123 62 
 
 706,803 
 
 105,294 
 
 601,509 
 
 4.000 
 
 150 38 
 
 25,000 
 
 12,760 
 
 12,430 
 
 250 
 
 49 72 
 
 424,133 
 
 28,940 
 
 395,193 
 
 ' 2,500 
 
 168 08 
 
 - 928,532 
 
 2,628 
 
 926,004 
 
 7,500 
 
 123 46 
 
 32,909 
 
 10,500 
 
 22,409 
 
 250 
 
 89 64 
 
 2,720,121 
 
 10,264 
 
 2,709,857 
 
 20,000 
 
 135 49 
 
 550,768 
 
 202,084 
 
 348,684 
 
 4,000 
 
 87 17 
 
 3,239,767 
 
 959,934 
 
 2,279,833 
 
 15,000 
 
 151 99 
 
 98,380 
 
 12,234 
 
 86,146 
 
 750 
 
 114 86 
 
 29,865 
 
 12,500 
 
 17,365 
 
 250 
 
 69 46 
 
 1,069,015 
 
 
 1,069,015 
 
 5,000 
 
 213 80 
 
 894,728 
 
 10,883 
 
 883,845 
 
 5,000 
 
 176 77 
 
 205,960 
 
 29,480 
 
 176,470 
 
 1,500 
 
 117 65 
 
 1,694,324 
 
 165,700 
 
 1,428,624 
 
 4,000 
 
 357 15 
 
 64,212 
 
 9,400 
 
 54,812 
 
 250 
 
 219 25 
 
 105,330 
 
 32,625 
 
 72,705 
 
 500 
 
 145 01 
 
 130,711 
 
 18,500 
 
 112,211 
 
 1,000 
 
 112 21 
 
 22,082 
 
 3,000 
 
 19,082 
 
 200 
 
 95 41 
 
 90,131 
 
 37,616 
 
 52,615 
 
 750 
 
 70 15 
 
 'Washtenaw county: 
 
 Ann Arbor Savings Bank 
 
 Citizens' State Bank 
 
 Dexter Savings Bank 
 
 Farmers* and Mechanics' Bank 
 
 Farmers' and Merchauts' Bank 
 
 First National Bank (Ann Arbor) 
 
 First National (Ypsilanti) 
 
 German American Bank 
 
 Kempf s Commercial and Savings Bank 
 
 People's Bank 
 
 State Savings Bank 
 
 Union Savings Bank 
 
 Ypsilanti Savings Bank 
 
 Wayne county: 
 
 Aiaerican Exchange National 
 
 Central Savings Bank 
 
 CStizens' Savings Bank 
 
 Commercial National Bank 
 
 Detroit Savings Bank 
 
 Detroit Trust Co 
 
 Detroit United Bank 
 
 Dime Savings Bank 
 
 Fairview Savings Bank 
 
 Rrst Commercial Savings Bank 
 
 First National Bank 
 
 German American Bank 
 
 Home Savings Bank 
 
 Laphan State Bank 
 
 Michigan Savings Bank 
 
 National Bank of Commerce 
 
 Northville State Savings Bask 
 
 Old Detroit National Bank 
 
 Peninsula Savings Bank 
 
 People's State Bank 
 
 Plymouth United Savings Bank 
 
 River Rouge Savings Bank 
 
 Security Trust Co 
 
 Union Trust Co 
 
 United States Savings Bank 
 
 Wayne County Savings Bank 
 
 Wayne Savings Bank 
 
 Wyandotte Savings Bank 
 
 Wexford county: 
 
 Cadillac State Bank 
 
 Manton Bank 
 
 People's Savings Bank 
 
 VESSEL PROPERTY. 
 
 Another inovation in the taxation question has been proposed and dis- 
 cussed quite at length in the two last sessions of the Michigan Legisla- 
 ture, namely, the menthod of taxing what is known as vessel property. 
 
 The proposition is to substitute a tonnage tax for the present plan of 
 property assessment. The advocates of this change base their arguments 
 on the claim that such a change would result either in an increased tax 
 revenue or sufficient increase in business connected with shipping inter- 
 ests to more than compensate for loss of taxes, should any ensue. 
 
 The business proposition, of course, is entirely problematical in its 
 outcome and would affect only comparatively few localities. The effect 
 on tax revenue is one in which the State at large is more or less in- 
 
 terested 
 This phase of the question has been the subject of some investigation 
 
88 
 
 by the board, with reference to the amount of taxes now received, the ton- 
 nage which is now registered at ports of entry in the State, and the 
 American tonnage registered at ports of entry in the states bordering on 
 the Great Lakes. 
 
 The amount of taxes actually received from the assessment of vessel 
 property in Michigan for the year 1907, was f 72,000, in round numbers. 
 
 The total net tons of vessels on registry books in Michigan ports of 
 entry for 1907, was 256,162; net tons on registry books of other states 
 bordering on Great Lakes for same year was 1,493,357 ; net tons on regis- 
 try books of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana for same year 
 was 652,964; net tons on registry books of New York, Ohio snd Pennsyl- 
 vania for same year was 840,393 ; net tonnage of all Great Lakes states 
 was 1,749,519 ; taxes received under present system in Michigan equiva- 
 lent to $0,041 per ton on all tonnage of Great Lakes. 
 
 Of the states bordering on the Great Lakes, only two, Minnesota and 
 Indiana, have the tonnage tax, which is three cents per net ton. Wis- 
 consin, Ohio and Illinois levy taxes as in Michigan, on ad valorem or 
 cash value basis. New York assesses this class of property on a capitali- 
 zation basis. 
 
 The board has, in its advisory capacity, endeavored to assist the local 
 officers in that part of their labors relating to the assessment of vessel 
 property. 
 
 A record is kept of the name, tonnage and residence of owners of all 
 boats entered at Michigan ports of entry. The different ports are visited 
 previous to the second Monday in April, and our record is corrected by 
 the addition of such boats as have registered within the year, and by 
 eliminating those that have been withdrawn. Bach assessing officer is 
 furnished with a list of all boat properties subject to taxation within his 
 jurisdiction, as disclosed by the data thus prepared, and he reports to 
 the board the assessments made on such properties, and if not assessed, 
 the reason therefor. 
 
 Any contemplated change in the method of securing a tax revenue 
 from boat property should take into consideration the fact that in the 
 search for pleasure and recreation there has come into existence an ex- 
 tremely large number of boats of different types which are ncit to be 
 found on the registry books of the United States. These are assessable 
 under the present law and, in the majority of instances, are asse-sed. 
 The observation of the board leads to the conclusion that yaojierty of 
 this class to exceed |4,000,000 is assessable in the State of Michigan to-- 
 day, and in justice to owners of other kinds of taxable properly should 
 be taken into consideration in any contemplated change. It is largely 
 to be found along the districts bordering on the Detroit and St. Clair 
 rivers, and Lakes St. Clair and Huron; also in the great summer resort 
 regions of northern and western Michigan, both' on the Great Lakes and 
 on inland lakes. The loss of that portion of public revenue now boiiie 
 by this property, would materially add to the taxes levied in these locali- 
 ties on other classes of property. 
 
 INFORMATION FOR THE STATE BOARD OF ASSa 3S0KS. 
 
 The fourth report of this board called attention to the fact of the 'm- 
 portance of prompt assistance by assessing officers in furnishing correct 
 reports of the assessed valuations and taxes levied in their respective dis- 
 
89 
 
 tricts, each year for the use of the State Board of Assessors. The board 
 desires again to emphasize what was then said. 
 
 The proper distribution of over |3, 500,000 annually to the primary 
 schools of the State depends almost entirely on the promptness and accu- 
 racy of such information, for by it is determined the average rate of 
 taxation, which isi a very distinctive feature in ascertaining the amount 
 to be distributed. No loophole should be left through which all or any 
 portion of the money legally due this most important department of gov- 
 ernment might be lost. The board is still confronted with the fact that 
 in some cases it is necessary to make long journeys at considerable ex- 
 pense to the State to secure a few of these reports, which the officer from 
 whom the report is requested could ■fill out in not exceed fifteen min- 
 utes. It is believed that the great importance of this matter has been so 
 clearly demonstrated that there will be no delinquents in the future. 
 
 REVIEWS. 
 
 The corrective powers of the board have been directed during the years 
 1907 and 1908 to the consideration of such complaints as have been 
 brought before it under the only provision of the law by which it can 
 act in this capacity, namely: "By complaint in writing of a resident 
 taxpayer." The board has set forth in another portion of this report the 
 reasons why it deems this an unjust limitation of the powers that should 
 be granted to a board having any corrective jurisdiction whatever. This 
 portion of the report will, therefore, be confined to the action taken in 
 such matters as have come before it in a legal manner. 
 
 The review held in Bellaire, September 12, 1907, included all the real 
 estate in Forest Home township, Antrim county, and necessitated an ex- 
 amination of every description of property on the assessment roll of 
 that township, which includes a part of the village of Bellaire. The 
 same was true of Inverness township, Cheboygan county, reviewed at 
 Cheboygan, October 8, 1907. Within this township is located the ]\Iich- 
 igan plant of the Pfister & Vogel Leather Company, involving nearly 
 1500,000 worth of property. 
 
 The township of Sherman, Iosco county, which was reviewed October 
 10, 1907, at Tawas City, also involved all real estate in the township, and 
 necessitated the same kind of investigation as in the other two cases. 
 
 The township of Nadeau in Menominee county, which was reviewed 
 October 1 and 2, 1908, contained eighty-one sections of land, and three 
 small villages. This review also covered all real estate in the township, 
 which consisted of farm lands, timber lands, wild and cut over lands, 
 swamp lands, saw mill and village property, and every description of 
 real estate in the township received a personal investigation before any 
 valuation was fixed upon it. 
 
 Numerous complaints were received at the office, which upon considera- 
 tion were either determined not to be justifiable or were withdrawn after 
 consultation with the complainant. 
 
 The limited force available to the board for reassessment purposes, 
 the care which must be exercised in the work and the short time in 
 which to exercise corrective powers, especially where whole assessment 
 districts are to be covered, require considerable discretion in determining 
 those cases which seem most clearly entitled to the time and attention 
 which is at the command of the board. 
 
90 
 
 To those whose merit&rious cases it has been unable, for reasons stated, 
 to give that relief they appear to deserve, the board can only say it very 
 much regrets the conditions which prevent siich action. 
 
 During the year 1907 and 1908, reviews were held as indicated by the 
 following table: 
 
 Reviews, 1907. 
 
 Held at. 
 
 Date. 
 
 Assessment 
 district 
 reviewed. 
 
 Property. 
 
 
 July 6, 1907 
 
 Sept. 3, 1907 
 
 Sept. 12, 1907 
 
 Sept. 18, 1907 
 
 Sept. 18, 1907 
 
 Sept. 18, 1907 
 
 Sept. 18, 1907 
 
 Sept.l8, 1907 
 
 Sept. 18, 1907 
 
 Sept.l8, 1907 
 
 Sept. 19. 1907 
 
 Sept. 19, 1907 
 
 Sept.l9, 1907...... 
 
 Oct. 2, 1907 
 
 Oct. 8, 1907 
 
 Oct. 10, 1907 
 
 
 
 
 WiUiamfiton Twp 
 
 Forest Home Twp 
 
 Walker Twp 
 
 
 Bellaire ... 
 
 Real estate. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Polkton Twp 
 
 Gr. Rapids, Gr. Haven & Muskegon Ry. Co. 
 
 
 Spring Lake Twp 
 
 Tallmadge Twp 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wright Twp 
 
 
 
 Grand Haven City 
 
 J^uitport Twp 
 
 
 
 Gr. Rapids, Gr. Haven & Muskegon Ry. Cq. 
 
 
 
 Gr. Rapids, Gr. Haven & Muskegon Ry. Co. 
 
 Muskegon 
 
 Muskegon Heights City.. 
 Monitor Twp 
 
 Gr. Ra,pids, Gr. Haven & Muskegon Ry. Co. 
 
 Bay City 
 
 Real estate and personal. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Reviews, 
 
 1908. 
 
 
 Held at 
 
 Date. 
 
 Assessment district 
 reviewed. 
 
 Property. 
 
 Ypsilanti 
 
 June 29 1908 
 
 2d Judicial Dist., Ypsilanti. . . 
 
 
 Baldwin 
 
 August 5 1908 . 
 
 Real estate and personal. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant 
 
 August 6* 1908 
 
 
 Monroe 
 
 August 25 1908 
 
 
 Real estate and personal. 
 
 Sault Ste. Marie 
 
 September 28, 1908 
 
 Sault Ste. Marie 
 
 
 October land 2, 1908 
 
 October 5 1908 
 
 
 
 Bellaire 
 
 Forest Home Township 
 
 Real estate