The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-09-02
Rio Janeiro Billboard
Revenue Far IN Advance
Of That of Washington
Unsightly Patent Medi-
cine Signs Bring But
Little Income.

would "a tax on outdoor advertising
serve TO abate the nuisance in Wash
ington and other American cities caused
by billboard signs, which in most in.
stances deface the city?
The habit Of turning everything
available 10 advertising purposes is not
limited to the city either The country
side is covered with the handiwork Of
the sign painter and from the car
window is seen continuous line Of glar-
ing announcements of the supposed
virtues OF pink pills, patent medicines,
household articles and whatnot The
preJtiest parts Of cities and the most
beautiful landscapes are all purdened
with huge examples Of Commercial
art"
Form Organization.
The citizens Of a Washington suburb
have formed an organization for the
purpose Of doing away with the sign
boards that deface their section. They
have banded togetheF and agreed that
they will request advertisers not to use
this form of display in tlfeir locality at
least If the request fails. they viii
then cease to patrOnize the concerns 50
advertising.
OOHn IN the EDutn American city OF
RIO de JaneirO they have hiI upon a
more effective scheme. There they tax
every kind OF an outdoor sign II has the
double effect of preventing much bill
board advertising and producing consid-
cradle revenue from what there is.
The effect Of taxation in this partic-
ular line is unquestionably beneficial
from the staBipoint Of the general ap-
pearance Of the city, not TO mention
revenue possibilities" writes Consul
General George (. Anderson, of Rio.
There have been extensive and costly
modern improvements made in Rio de
JaneirO. in the past four years, and the
beauty Of the city is the subject OF
nfEer-enulng favorable comment from
visitors Much Of this is due 70 the
actual natural beauty Of the city, its
mountainous surroundings, its beau' ifUl
bay, and its position with respect 20 the
sea. The nature OF the improved ave-
nucs, parks and driveways also con-
. tributes 10 this effect, but the element OF
rcedOm from unsightly structures, un-
slightly signs. and ugly cOmmercillism
Is So strong an element IN the present
artistic appearance and attractlV eness
OF the city that il is only necessary 10
suggest IL 70 a stranger tQehaye II tully
appreciated
Ia Washington a license is required
from billpOsters Last year the total
revenue 70 the District from this source
was SZl5.35.
Taxes Paid.
ITO appreciate TIE situation as regards
outdoor advertising IN Rio de Janeirc
and Brazilian cities generally cCntin-
I ues the consul general. 1t is necessary
I to appreciate the tax situation in such
municipalities. In general, It may be
/ said that anything which can be made
/ 10 produce a municipal revenue is en-
! plOyed 10 that end. IN line with and
/ supplemental to revenue producing pos.
sibiltries there are police and sanitary
/ regulations of ever. sort. For instance
/ the financial estimate IF the municipal
I ity OF Rio de JsneirO Tor the current
I year Includes revenues from a tax or
/ salaries Of officials. revision O" house
| numbers, ACKNOWLEDGING tax, sgtstra-
\ tiOn OF cows. domestic servant tax, tar
/ on unoccupied building sites. official dis