Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-08
FOR PROH|b|TVE TAX
Commissioners Plan to AboI-
ish Ugly BiI|boards.
URGED AS LAST RESORT
Power to Be Asked if Courts Rule
Against Revolving Permits.
ACT OF CONGRESS NECESSARY
Board Determined to Rid City of
Unsightly Advsrtising-Ex-
ample Set by Lyuchburg.
ACT OF CONGRESS NECESSARY

AS a last resort In the war against the
billboards in the National Capital. Com
missioners Mcfarland and West favor
the imposition of prohibitive tax on
the advertising fences
No definite action along this line Is con-
templated at present. 1t is explained. be-
cause the Commissioners believe they
have the power to revoke the permits of
existing billboArds, where it is considered
advisable. and because the law gives them
discretionary powers as to the issuing Of
any more permits for billboards.
Should the courts decide, however, that
the Commissioners have not the power to
revoke billboard permits. two of the men,
bers Of the District board. at least. would
favor the imposition Of prohtbitive tax
on each advertising fence as the ANAL
step In their efforts to rid the National
Capital Of all those regarded as disfgur-
ing the city's beauty.
When asked about the suggested plan
of taxing billboards, Commissioner West,
who has directed the billboard campaign
of the District officials, declared that ne
would not favor such q tax, except as q
last resort and only in case the tax is
made prohibitive.
As a Last Resort Only.
1T do not think I would favor a tax
on billboards unless 1t were made pro-
.hibitive," Commissioner West said. ITO
impose a tax on anything legalizes it
and gives it certain recognized rights
That has happened in the case of the
saloon I do not think we want. in any
way, to legalize the billboard or recog-
nize that 1t has any rights more than
at present.
..Of course. II 1t should be decided by
the courts that the Commissioners have
not the power to revoke permits for bill
boards, and some further steps must be
provided in order to have the undesir-
able billboards removed, the plan for
prohibitive tax would. l think. be a good
one"
Commissioner Macfariand is in favor
of the prohibitive tax on billboards as
last resort, but does not think it will be
necessary. He believes that the courts
will uphold the contention of the Com
missioners that they have the power to
thinks the Commissioners have the pow
billboafas.
He believes that the courts will recog-
nize that the presence of billboards in any
city, creating an unfavorable impression
upon prospective residents and visitors. is
damage to the community. and that
such damage is tangible and can practi-
cauy De TeQuCeO W money Vdiuc On tIllS
ground. Mr.. Mcfarland thinks. the courts
will recognize the power Of the Commits
sioners to revoke billboard permits.
Rests With Congress.
1t is explained. however. that an act of
Congress would be necessary to tax bill
boards, and that the Commissioners could
only recommend to the legislators on Cap
itol Hill that such an act be passed.
m bo rifv T.ynchhurv Va ho MN.
nicipal authorities have adopted the plan
of taxing billboards as a means of re-
moving Objectionable ones. Public opin-
ion, II is declared. was dormant In the
city. and the municipal fathers hit upon
The scheme has attracted much attention
around the country. and 1t Is being urged
in other localities.