Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-31
LICENSE REQUIRED
ALLEGED CONTINUOUS RUMMAGE
SALE AT 9TH STREET STORE.
Commissioners Regard It as Violation
of Regulations-Mr. West
Recommends a Tax.

The District Commissioners recently de-
cided that ''rummage sales in the interest
of charity might be held without taxation
under the new license law. They were not
prepared at that time. however. to be con-
| fronted with a continuous rummage sale
conducted in store on business street.
| and have now decided to revoke permit
| issued for sale at 1916 7th street. 1t APP
pears that since February 2 last there has
been a continuous ''rummage'' business go
ing on at the place mentioned. No less
than half a dozen churches and various
organizations have conducted the sale at
various times. When one organization fin
| ished, 1t Is claimed, 1t donated the remain
Ing articles to the organization next in
lne The Commissioners believe this too
nearly approaches the secondhand dealers
business in the meaning OF the law, and
must therefore be licensed in the sum Of
$40 a year If it is to continue.
Soon after the rummages" began at this
store on Tth street the firm of Rachel
Blumenthal & Co. protested vigorously
against them. The authorities found upon
investigation that the sale was being con-
Quoted solely in the interest of charity. and
1t was allowed to continue. under the sup
position that it would not extend over more
than few days. A few days ago the mer-
chants again protested, calling attention to
the fact that the ':rummage sale appeared
to be like the poetic brook. An investiga-
ton brought out the fact that the sale had
been a continuous one, conducted by diff
ferent organizations from time to time.
Commissioner Vests Recommendation.
After receiving the various" reports upon
the case Commissioner West has made the
following recommendation to his asso-
ciates:
1T Is quite evident that the permission
previously granted for the holding Of the
so-caled rummage sales herein referred to
should now be revoked. From one sale ifr-
tended as a benefit for the church IN the
neighborhood, the holding of ruInmage
sales has extended into continuous bust
ness In a store rented for the purpose on a
business street, and for organizations in no
wise identified with the locality where the
sale is held
1.-The law provides for license tax of $40
per annum upon all dealers in secondhand
goods; but 1t also provides that for enter
tainments, concerts or performances OF
any kind. given in church premises or pri-
yate residences. where the proceeds are in
tended for church charitable purposes
and where rental Is charged, no license
tax shall be required 1t has been the GUS
tom where rummage sales have been con-
Quoted for church or charitable purposes
in church premises or private residences
to regard them being included in the
word performances and therefore not sub
ject to tax; and, with the approval of the
Commissioners, such liberal construction
will still be maintained. On the other hand.
1 recommend that-'rummage sales, of the
character complained of in the within COM
munication, where sales are conducted In a
rented store, be required to pay the license
imposed upon dealers in secondhand ma
terial."
This recommendation will be approved by
the other Commissioners.