Omaha daily bee., 1905-06-01
BIrs OF WASHINGTON LIFE.
Minor scenes and incidents Sketched
on the spot.

An impressive suggestion for tax asses
sors and makers of tax laws Is conveyed
by the conditions which are contributing
to the upbuilding Of the national capital
one Of the material forces IN its growth
in population. from 27S,OO In 1900 to S22.OW
at the present time, is liberal assessment
A correspondent OF the Boston Transcript
says there is no pretence at taxing per
sonal property in this district. aside from
tangible articles like automobiles. bicycles,
carriages. etc. which may he as readily
seen as real estate. The banking institu-
tions and trust companies are taxed on
their tangible assets but the individual
holder of securities is entirely free. He can
tell the truth about his possessions without
being put at n disadvantage. This is
great inducement TO make washington
ones place OF residence. Taxes proper. on
realty. are low when the standard Of as
sessment is taken into account The gov
ernment pays one-half the cost of running
the District of Columbia, ostensibly be-
cause it's public buildings are untaxed, but
practically because, as the national capital
IL is a matter of pride with the American
people to maintain certain municipal serv-
ices more lavishly than ordinary taxation
could be expected to pay for.
One Of the novel letters which come to
members OF congress was received by
prominent senator, who is a widower, 1t
came from a widow in Kansas who an
nounced herself as a candidate for the
place Of second wife.
II am a widow with two children nice
farm and some means" she wrote, "and
want to get married. There are not many
good chances in Kansas and, noticing by
the papers that you are a widower. wish
you would consider me If you wish TO
marry again. l can refer you to our Kan
sas senators as to my character and as to
the truth Of my statements"
The senator who received the proposal
turned It over to his secretary for reply and
the latter performed the task allotted 20
him as follows:
Dear Madam: Your letter to Senator
Blank was duly received by him and your
kind proposal of marriage was noted and
given consideration. The senator has dl-
rected me to write you and explain the
matrimonial situation as it appears to exist
at the present time. Matrimony, which has
long been looked upon as a personal matter
recently has developed into a more or less
public duty. and is receiving the attention
of many distinguished persons in public
life, and government control of the matter
Is not improbable.
"It has not been accomplished as vet, but
It is not unlikely that matrimonial matters
| ultimately will be placed under control Of
the United States Civil Service commission,
which would then have the authority to
| prescribe proper examinations for appli-
cants for matrimonial positions and create
an eligible list from which selection might
be made from time to time as vacancies
| should occur.
while It might be little premature, no
harm could ensue should you call attention
of the Civil Service commission to your de-
| sire to secure the position of wife of Sena-
| tor Blank. If the Civil Service commission
should be given charge you would be one
of the first applicants and. of course, would
| have an early opportunity to take the ex-
animation and get on the eligible list from
which senatorial wives might be selected
| There was no response from the Kansas
| widow.