The Washington times., 1910-08-01
Non = Association Members
Asked TO Assist in Secur-
ing Refund.
DECLARE THE LAW
is UNCONSTITUTIONAL
It Discriminates Against District of
Columbia Owners of Cars,
Favoring Other States.

The refundinE Of taxes already paid
/ for Maryland licenses by Washington
motorists, It is announced today, VIII
I be sought by the National Autom0-
Gle Association. whose members are
now lighting 90 break the Maryland
state registration law, which is said
20 discriminate against District mo-
t0rists.
The automobile association desires
The concerted support Of the owners
Of unattached auto-lObiI, S IN the II s.
I trict To that end the ssociatiou m
Elles an motorists in this city who
nave taken out Maryland licenses for
! the present year, uon-members as
/ wen as members of the national or
Eauizauou, TO send their names TO
Holcomb g. Johnson at the local head
quarters, room z52, oxford building.
This, In brief. is The second step in
4 the test case, which was started more
than a week ago. Mr.. Johnson said
today that steps would be taken i'm
Uedlateiy TO make a demand for the
refund or taxes already paid by Dis
trict motorists Tor Maryland licenses
Feels Sure Refund Is Certain.
While the National Association can-ot
guarantee at this time that such a re-
fund VIII be accomplished, Mr.. Johnson
feels certain that, when ,he question OF
The CousrtutiOuaIty Of the law, which
admits unlicensed motorists from Penn
syivaniaY Delaware, and virginia, and
excludes those from the District. is car
ried 10 the United States Supreme Court.
that body viii decide IN favor Of the
District and in that event there is no
doubt but that the taxes could be re-
covered In discussing he matter to-
day Mr.. Johnson said
1T is the opinion OF she association
that, IN the event the United States So
ureme Court decides that the tax is uu-
Constitutional the state OF Maryland
has 10 right in justice or iu equity 20
retain the license or registration fees
already collected since July j. when the
motor vehicle law Of that state went
into effect Licenses or taxes, unc0usti-
tC-ioually eEacted usually can be recov-
cred by those who paid them under CO
errfou-
The National Automobile Association
is anxious for the moral support and CO.
operation of all motorists and aufon7o-
bile owners IN the District The first
step already has been taken However,
there is much 20 be done
Infrnges Constitutional Rights.
The association contends that any
payment made by a citizen Of the
United States for the privilege OF exrr-
ClSlnE one or his rights. guaranteed BY
the constitution Ctle only alternatives
being the surrender Of the right or sub
5ecting himself 10 the payment Of
fine or imprisoumenD can be recovered
by CIvu action
In contributing To the movement
neither members nor nou-members Of
the n A A viii incur any liability or
obligation whatsoever Any action
which the National Automobile Asso-
citation may take toward the recovery
OF the license fees already paid viii ne
purely I'm consideration OF the general
moral support which, il IS hoped, viii
be thus rendered
"The association is determined 70
push and support this movement IN
every phase. even II the mOraE support
OF the District motorists falls short Of
what is expected