Evening star., 1902-04-05
FAVOR bsoHAL TAX
noHrHwnsT sUBU1sAn CITE
zENss stAKz ACTION.


The regular mouthiy meeting Of the
Northwest Suburban Citizens Association
was held last evening at Masonic Hal.
Tenleytown- Mr.. Louis p. Shoemaker OF
tho executive committee submitted q re-
port, calling attention to the condition OF
the roads and the need Of new streets be-
Ing opeped UP. together with proper sewer
facilities. The question OF Increasing the
tax on realty was also discussed the pres
ent rate being regarded as high enough for
the Improvements that are allotted to the
suburbs. - :.
In hts report Mr.. Shoemaker said:
The condition of all our old county roads
and the necessity which exists for an ap-
preparation for improvements demands the
serious consideration of every resident and
taxpayer The Importance of opening
some M new streets and laying of sewers
pose Of draining the sloping land toward
the Potomac river is of utmost interest to
the welfare of our section and those who
reside here"
He thought it Impossible for private de-
velopment and Improvement to be made
with the necessary public advantages,
which, in his opinion, should precede pri
rate improvements.
Increase in Realty Tax.
''We are told.a he said. that an effort
will be made to increase the annual TAX in
real estate. would respectfully submit
that the money to accrue from this in
creased taxation is needed largely because
of the fact that 1t is necessary to pay off
an existing deficiency caused to a very
great extent by the departure of the United
states from the compact Of 1878, and the
burdensome as well as unjust requirement
on the part of Congress that national i'm
provements have to be made at the ma
tfona1 capital at the expense of the few
taxpayers of the District of Columbia.
i have reference to the National Zoo
Park. the National Rock Creek Park which
is declared to be national park for the
benefit Of the people Of the United States,
In the act of Congress establishing 1T: the
national street extension plan, which, If
executed. would far exceed the needs of
the people of the District, but is necessary
by reason of the fact that Washington, or
rather the District of Columbia, is the cap
ital of the nation, and also to the new park
commissions plans.
t'If increased taxation Is to be levied con-
tinuousiy in the future, largely for these
national purposes, the question naturally
arises. how long can We, the taxpayers of
this District. stnd the burden? At the
same time we are reminded of the fact
that old roadways are neglected and out of
repair: also that other local improvements,
such as adequate water, sewer and light
facilities. which would enable our people
to observe sanitary laws and regulations
and live In comfort beyond the old city lin
Its. are delayed year otter year"
Highways Needing Repairs.
In support of the report Mr.. Horace s.
Jones, chairman of the committee on pub
lie roads, presented list of highways that
needed repairs, and upon motion the asso-
citation decided to urge improvements to
the amount of nearly $4,000. Under the
consideration of sewers it was recommend
ed that appropriation of $4,000 be
asked to continue work that has been
mapped out.
A resolution was passed, offered by Jas.
L. TAFT, that a committee of five be ap-
pointed TO urge the passage of Senate bill
1861 to regulate the assessment and col
lection of personal tax in the District.
In speaking on the motion the author said
Ii was unreasonable to raise the tax SO
much on real property, while the people
who hoard their money, instead of invest
ing 1t, have nothing at all to pay. He
favored personal taxation, he said, because
it would provide more money to spend for
public improvements. IF we try" he said,
to keep down. taxation, we can get no
more out OF the government. We must put
up or shut up"
Mr.. c. c. Lancaster. the president OF the
association, also spoke on the bill, favor
ing Its passage. The association, 1t is stated,
is the only one in the District to go on
record faVoring the passage of the personal
tax law
The committee appointed to urge the pass
age of the above mentioned bin consists OF
James L. TAFT, Edward E. Cottrell. Horace
S. Jones. DIR. A NJ. Ray and Charles c.
Lancaster.