Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-21
VIM. Hahn & Co. s r co.,. 9Th ,ase p. s' Ar..
3 Reliable Shoe Houses. 2s3 Pa Ave. S. E
xpended, but to inaugurate the work the

expended, but to inaugurate the WORK lhe
5000 fund is necessary. -,
1.-The bill also proposes fine or 30 with
a proytsion for an additional fine OF 50, Tor
every twenty-four hours the Walk remains
urcleaned' =. A.,
Mr.. West agreed with members of The
committee that the fine should De nXed Az
solutely at So. with the addition or court
costs In this way there can be no faVorlt-
ism shown in considering the cases.
To Amend the New Tax Law.
The next matter taken up was House bill
$3.50, prepared by the Commissioners ana
nronosing amendments to the various laws
relating to taxation. Mr.. West explained
that two years ago new personal tax ana
a. new license tax law was passed since
that time the Commissioners have found
iplaces where they considered amendments
desirable. Instead of bringing up indivio-
! ,,al bills to deal with the various amend
smenfs, they had Incorporated all In an
omnibus measure. Mr.. West took up the
sections consecutively and explained briefly
the provisions Of each.
Consideration Of the measure brought
forth a lively discussion OF the tax laws
New members Of the committee asked
many questions so as to familiarize them-
selves with the situation. The first section
relates to the time for hearing personal
tax appeals-the board TO convene the flfst
Monday In February of each year and con-
tinue in session until the second MONDAY In
March.
The second section exempts art galleries
that are open to the public at least two
hours two days In each week. The Cor
coran Gallery is, Of course. exempted py
existing law.
The third section authorizes the Com
missioners to remit penalties and interest
on all taxes in cases where the claim Is
deemed equitable and just MI west salo
there were many cases Of that character
constantly coming up and not covered oy
the law.
Mr.. Powers wanted to know IL tax bills
were sent out in the District of Columbia
When told they were not. he said that In
nearly all cities in Massachusetts, the bills
are delivered to the property owners. He
thought If the city wanted the taxes IL
should send out the bills. the same as other
creditors do to persons in their debt.
Mr. Babcock said that In Wisconsin bills
are sent out only when the tax Is deiin-
auent.
send out bills at his home, for the people
looked upon the payment Of taxes as a
blessing.
I'VE haven't progressed to that happy
condition in Massachusetts," replied Mr..
Powers.
Representative Cowherd explained that in
the District of Columbia the burden is
placed upon the property owners.
Reduction Of Savings Banks Tax.
Mr.. West explained the section which
proposes q reduction of the personal tax
on the gross earnings of savings banks
from 6 to per cent. less the amount paid
to depositors as interest.
Mr. Babcock said he thought 1t unfair
that public service corporations should be
taxed only per cent. while savings banks
we're compelled to pay per cent under ex-
isting law. He remarked further that it
was dangerous ground to go into the laws
relating to banking.
Mr.. West said one section proposed a re-
duction of the tax on the gross earnings of
building associations from to IA per cent
This had been strongly urged by the ASSOC
Citations. which. he declared, had done mucn
good in the city.
Other sections provided a tax of SO year
on bowling alleys. these places having been
omitted in the general license law, and at-
thorfzed the collector Of taxes to designate
the places where personal property. dls-
trained for delinquent taxes should be SOLD
He said 1t was manifestly impossible to
take tugboat to the collectors office to De
sold. as the present law provides.
Throuehout the hearing the Commission
ers spoke as bills were considered affecting
the departments personally supervised py
them. This division of duties was explain
ed to the committee by Mr. Macfarland.
who introduced his colleagues as the sew
eral bills were reached.
Recess Taken Until Tomorrow.
The discussion of the tax bill occupied SO
much time the committee decided to take
recess until tomorrow morning at 10 o CLOCK.
when the Commissioners will continue the
discussion of legislation desired.
Representative Clayton, who Is not
member of the coEnmittee came In during
the hearing and asked what disposition had
been made of the Iii to change the name
OF Madison street to Samson street. When
informed that II had been referred to
subcommittee he stated that various resi-
dents of Madison street wished to be heard
In opposition 10 the change. Mr.. Babcock
said hearing would probably be arranged
-sses-s-------
New York Postal Investigation.