Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-04
DISCUSSES TAXATION
MIR. M. I. WELLER OPPOSES RE-
PEAL OF EXEMPTION LAW.
The Reasons Assigned-Says Churches,
Schools and Asylums Should
Pay No Tax.

The question of exemption of property
from taxation claimed the attention of
the members of the East Washington As
ISOLATION at the monthly meeting of the
organization held last night in Donnellys
Hail. Mr.. M. l. Weller, chairman of the
committee on taxation and assessment
addressed the gathering. The question
referred TO was called to the attention
of the association by the receipt of a
communication from the Northeast Wash
ington Citizens Association referring to
the adoption of a resolution which was
forwarded and expressing the hope that
other associations would adopt it. The
resolution set forth that:
The constant encrodchment by the
general government and the various sec
tartan and unsectarian educational insti-
tut1onS of the country on the real estate
in the District of Columbia is becoming
serious menace to the interests of the
taxpayers. The Northeast Washington
Citizens Association therefore desires
TO go on record in favor of aboliShing the
entire system of exempting property
from taxation except for general govern
mental purposes, and that a copy of this
resolution be sent to the various citizens
associations and the District Commission
erS.''
Mr.. Weller opened his remarks by say
ing the language of the resolution is very
intemperat, and referring to the taking
Can there be such a thing as an en-
croachment on the part of the govern
ment?"
Had he been asked year ago If he
favored abolishing the system of exempt
ing property from taxation he should
nave said yes, but having studied the
question he now says no: The govern
ment. to start with, he said, pays for all
the property 1t takes and pays dearly
for most of it. To speak of what is done
In this matter as an encroachment is
simply a misstatement of facts.
The proposition, Mr.. Weller stated is a
wide one, and he thought the experiences
of other governments should be considered
in the discussion of the problem. He said
he thought the proposition of the other as
ISOLATION was one which would not be ap-
proved by thoughtful taxpayers. He was
surprised to hear, he stated, that the advo-
Gates of the measure were people who are
not heavy taxpayers.
Property Not Taxed.
Referring to pamphlet that was printed
by direction of the authorities, Mr. Weller
called attention to some of the property
upon which taxes are not paid. He first spoke
of the property of the diplomatic corps, and
referred to the international law governing
the question
Just Think he said, "the representa-
tives of other countries. at the greatest
capital in the world, being forced to pay
taxes"
There are 300 places of worship in this
that can be made in connection with the
question. He realized that there m. ght be
a difference of opinion regarding them
churches, he said, are exempted only from
general taxation.
Next on the list, he said, come the ceme-
ter-es, and he could not understand how
any man. who had given simple thought
10 the matter, could favor the taxing Of
such places when they are not conducted
for private gain. Hospitals received as
sistance from Congress, but are not main
tained by the government, and why any
body should want to tax institutions where
the sick and wounded are thus cared for he
could not comprehend
VIII you just give one thought to the
orphans?' asked Mr.. Weller when he
reached the orphan asylums on the list.
He referred to the children without par
ents who are supported, and said he could
never consent that any burden be put upon
them.
Mr.. Weller spoke of the number Of uni
yersities and colleges In the District, and
inquired: Are we not in favor of educa-
tion?' He argued that private Institutions
of learning relieve the public institutions,
and asked the members of the association
If they thought the public would be COM
pensated by compelling them to pay taxes.
The Y. M. G. A. and Central Union Mission
were referred to. The former, Mr.. Weller
said is doing "a grand work for young
men, and the latter is feeding thousands
who are hungry and giving shelter to as
many who are homeless. 1t is such valu-
able institutions as these, he stated, that
the members of the Northeast Washington
Citizens Association want taxed. Refer
ence was made to the Louise Home, the
Home for the Aged on II street, conducted
by the Little Sisters of the Poor; the Meth
odist Home and other institutions These
are sectarian institutions, but, said Mr..
Weller they feed the hungry and are do
ing a noble work.
DO you think they should be taxed?" he
asked DO you think we would receive
just return by imposing taxes upon them?"
The committee will present formal re
port at the next meeting when the matter
may be acted upon.
Committee Chairmen Named.
President Smith announced the chair
men of the several committees for the en-
suing year as follows: Street railways, w.
Mosby Williams; water supply, M. G. Cope
land; sewers and sanitation. James Berry;
public parks and spaces. A. P. Clark, jr.;
public buildings. John w. BabsOn; public
order and comfort, F. G. Coldren; schools
and libraries, Thorwald Solberg; steam
railroads, J. J. Mcdonald; lights. Charles
A Shields: taxation and assessment. NJ l.
Weller, charities and corrections; Rev.
W. E. Parson: membership. B.. w. Guy:
streets and alleys. A. Girouard; Anacostia
fats, Tracy L. Jefords.
After announcing the names Of the COM
mittee chairmen President Smith said he
had prepared letter outlining the work
to be done by the committees. and had en-
deavored to call their attention to the mat
tiers of Importance to the residents OF
East Washington. He then read, for the
benefit of the members of the association
his letter, a copy of which was also sent
to the National Municipal League in Phila-
delphia.
The secretary read several communica-
lions that had been received since the last