The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-01-16

Mr. Putnam, the Collector OF the Income tax in tho
Eighth district has the following card Although
the publication of the may be unfair and i'm.
proper the law, Notwithstanding Mr. Punams opinion
clearly that publicity shall be given TO the returns
in order detect fraud Throughout Massachusetts, the
names being given in tho papers, and 1t will be
necessary to change the prevent this
posure--
The Collector Of the United States Internal Revenue for
the Eighth district New York begs leave TO state that
the recent publication OF some names 81 income taxpay
In a small portion OF this district wholly
authorized, far the Collector or his subOdnaes
concerned
AS already explained the law permits and requires the
lists to be open for Inspection for certain time Mt the
Assessors Office but II does not require Collector TO
allow notes 70 he taken from the copies in his Office
Whatever may be the legal expedient In regard 10
The Of the public to the lists, and opinions of
judcious appear 70 be about Ialy divided this
There either at random for persona for publ
cation in the newspapers Is improper and UNJUST and
should not be permitted
COLLECTORS OFrcr, 123 BROADWAY Jan. Ia, 1885.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER on THE CONSTRUCTION
or THE LAW.
The following letter OF the Deputy Commissioner of
Internal Revenue the construction OF the law will DO
read with interest by the public
TREASURY DEPARTMENT !
Orrcg INTERVAL REVENUE
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 1854
SR-Yours ~ the Goth inst, asking permission 10 in
spcct the income lists in the possession OF for
the purpose OF pnDicaton has been received In reply
have 10 that by the provisions of the law lists
income tax must be open 10 the inspection Of and all
persons applying for that purpose have therefore in
sructed those assessors seeking Information this
ject that IL was their duty TO afford every facility which
consistent with the proper discharge Of the business
Of their offices for the examination Of such lists for the
purpose OF publication Very respectfully,
f. A. ROBBINS, Deputy Commissioner
JcsKYu KELLY, Eco, 100 Fulton street, New York.
The Internal Revenue law does not authorize the con
struc,on the Deputy Commissioner has set forth in
Tl,.
shall be the duty Of the OF each collection dis
trct the fred for leaving such appeals as afore
said submit the proceedings Of the and assist
assessors and the annual ista taken and returned as
aforesaid TO the inspection Of person who may ap
II Ia very evident that the only object OF the above
provision ia to enable those who arc Interested in the
returns and their friends such DO dissatisfied
with tho decisions Of the assistant as3es,ors every IN
cty for presenting their appeals 20 the assessor aud
nothing more The evils that will cnsue n the Deputy
Commissioners letter shall be out s more easy
to imagine than describe.
To THE EDITOR OF rsE HERALD.
II would that the only justification for publishing
list Of taxpayers that the information thus
drused might afford tho Of tracking up skulkers
But TO effect any good In this direction the list should
contain the name Of every person assessed and tho
amount OF the assessment There is much reason 20
believe that very many the returns mate rally
undcrstaed and in numerous other instances persons
liable 10 the tax have made all there
fore seems obvious that IL any good end IL 10 be
subsers cd there should be partial half wey pubca
ton but full and complete list should be given TO tho
public ANTI HtMBuG
5uurs SlRFu Ian. IA. 1904