Evening star., 1896-10-24
Causes of Deficiency.


enue, 1t will be noted that the largest item
of deficiency Is that of revenue from traf-
fic in liquors. 1t is ordinarily supposed
that this business is one of the last to feel
the effects Of business depression, but the
results show for themselves. Last year
referred to the position taken by certain
clubs in resisting payment of license taxes
under the excise law. Since then their
liability has been affirmed by the courts
l regret that the unjust provision Of that
same law. by which brewers and distillers
and their agents from abroad, escape the
payment of taxes for the sale of liquors, is
still unrepealed.
1.-The second largest item of deficiency in
revenue, viz, that from real estate agents.
Is sermon in itself. The situation in this
respect Is no different in the District of
Columbia from that in other sections of
the country. Whatever the true value of
real estate ordinarily, fh times like these
1t can only command the price it will bring
in the open market. Those whose business
it is to deal in realty appreciate the fact
that they must gain or lose as the market
changes. Many agents have failed entirely
for lack of business
Taxation of bicycles.
IN line with the recommendations have
before advanced. 1 unhesitatingly advocate
the passage Of q law taxing bicycles. They
are vehicles, and should be so classified by
law. They are used for business and pleas
ure. They occupy our public streets and
require the services of our police depart
ment for their protection. l observe that
the subject has already received the atten-
ton of the police authorities. The subject
of theft has been referred to. / believe that
proper registration. as licensing by the
owners or lessees of all bicycles and
wheeled vehicles (by whatsoever name
cailed), propelled by foot power. would re-
duce the danger Of theft to a minimum.
The license fee need not be large One dol
lar believe to be amply sufficient. Ut is
3 In the city of New York; The license
should state the name and residence of the
owner or lessee, the number of the ma
chihe maker. where manufactured If DOS
sible. and general description. A suitable
metal tag could be attached to the ma
chine. and a penalty provided for its un-
authorized removal. The amount paid
though small, would materially increa sc
the revenues of the District 1t is a burden
which could be cheerfully and easily borne
with benefit to the community.
Observation-Disclosures.
AS suggested in my last report, by your
direction this Office undertook the regula-
tion of this form Of amusement by the
formulation Of bill regulating "itinerant
street musicians and merry-go-rounds in
the District of Columbia" 1t was intended
10 abate lens-standing evil. but, unfor-
tuEately. failed to receive the recognition
by Congress 1t deserved.
Billiard and Pool Tables.
THE same may be said in reference to a
bill entitled "A bill to license billiard and
pool tables. and for other purposes When
introduced In Congress it was SO amended
Us to defeat its original purpose, and
created antagonism sufficient to prevent
its passage.
DELINQUENT Taxes Of Street Railways.
Il deem 1t my duty. as 1 have for many
years. to mention the fact that the arrears
Of license taxes due from certain street
railway companies Of this District still re-
main unpaid.
I'VE have been somewhat embarrassed
this year in the collection Of revenue BY
the enforcement of the law preventing the
issue Of a license until the building inspec-
tor has certified that red lights, fire
escapes. gongs and suitable exits have been
provided. 1t Is good law, designed for
the protection OF the public, and most of
our hotels have now complied with its re-
Quirements.
Insurance..
Two r, ndred and three insurance COM
pantes or their agents have been licensed
a:nce my last report, divided as follows,
viz: Fire insurance companies, 1T; life in
sarancc companies, %; life, casualty and
accident, 2l: miscellaneous. Ii; total, a3
LAS with other subjects for legislation to
which I have directed attention. the sub
ject Of insurance has thus far failed to
receive at the hands Of our national guar
diaDs the attention 1t deserves. 1 regard 1t
as ore of the most important questions;
which canl affect the material interests of
citizens 1 have not failed to frequently
call attention to this fact In the several
reports submitted from this office. There
seems not hing more that can add Until
Congress shall come to our relief 1 see no
hope from abatement Of the present diff
culttes in the enforcement of defective
laws.