Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-05-12
IInpositiOns ON Taxpayers.

Editor Star:-For one desire to enter my
earnest protest against the course pursued by
the District Commissioners, In saddllng upon a
portion Of this tax-ridden community, burdens
which do not belong to 1t. refer now to the
F0sa at the p0oo "asR the We al Enew
perfectly well that there Is no real necessity
for this Though, OF course, 1t would look nice
to have broad avenues there and elsewnere3
but that 1t Is for the special benefit of a few
SPECTATORS In real estate. 1t Is simply to
enable them to get higher price for their lots,
because they VIII then front on broad avenue
and will therefore be more desirable; and hat
will be one OF the main points urged by them
In Offering these lots, why they should have q
higher price for them. OF course no one OBJ
Should not be- done at the SuSle eSpense AZ
least so far as paying for the land is
concerned. These Spectators can we'll afford
to give the necessary land. because the in
crease 1t Will give to the value Of their lots Will
FULLY compensate them for iC, and II the work
is TO be done it should be on that condition
only. 1t will require large sum IN addition
be paid out OF the public funds; and these par
ties ought to be glad II the District does that
On CONDITION they give the land. This Is not
the only instance by any means In which
dens which do not belong to them, By the Dis
trict authorities They nave already compro-
missed with the wealthy railroad compani>s, by
taxes due from them, and that, too, after keep.
Ing the District out OF the use of the money
Tor years. Then, again, they let on all those
VINO Jailed for years to pay their personal
taxes from all the Denaties af1ixed by the law,
on esla,tion they would simply pay ne oIlgl-
sonages, not content with the exemptions al
ready procured from Congress, and insist that
they should not even pay the balance due; and
%esg 1 na as sa past od it. M but Be- f a5o 70
to the burdens OF those who do pay
their taxes 1t is literally true, as stated
by members OF the District committees In Con-
taIeS ,chen due is infinitely ,oOrse of than those
,cio do not pay,-Decause by these actions of
the Commissioners they are made to bear the
man who has home and works tor a living as.
II he does not pay the tax On his house, though
1t be all he has In the world, the penalties are
added. and his property is sold. No matter
Commissioners he is told very truly that they
have no power to AFFORD relief. How unjust
then, for them TO add to his burdens, by sad
ding on him and other taxpayers the sums
from which these Weather and more influen-
tial parties are relieved. 1t is all wrong, and
protest against all such action, no matter who
Is interested. II this practice cannot be other
wise stopped, l for one will favor the formation
of taxpayers league TO secure from Congress
such legislation as Will put stop to this neap-
Ing upon honest taxpayers burdens which do
ONE WHO PAYS HIS TAXES.
THE MASONIC FAIR-To-night Is the fourth
night of the very brilliant lair at Masonic
Temple, under the direction of AnacoStla Lodge.
No. 81, F. A. A. NJ. The committee and mem
oers Of the lodge have done everything 20
make the fair success In every way. Tne
hall is very beautifully decorated, the music
by Prof. Schroeder is excellent, the tables are
covered with rare articles and the ladies are
many and attractive In their efforts TO enter
tam visitors. The fancy table Is presided over
KAUFMAN nrtNcfnq1
ess, assisted by twenty ladies, Mrs. Harting
has charge OF fine display OF china ware, and
Mrs. w. 81. King presides over an excellent
showing at the Anacost1a table. as does Mrs.
Okey and her assistants. Miss JarOoe has the
| fruit stand decorated attractively, and
the 1ce-cream parlor and confectionery beyond
In charge of Mrs j. w. Little, are well patron.
| 1zed. The flower stand Is radient with flowers
| The supper room Is presided over by Mrs. John
| McLain and Mrs Watson. There Is not more
| delightful place TO spend the evening than al
| this fair, which promises TO be great success
TRUNKS and yalisfs at Herzop,s 3Os 9th sf