Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-04
The Kalbfus Decision.

There is reason for the deepest gratifi-
cation In the findings of the District Com
missioners in the kalbfus case. After
an exhaustive investigation. in the course
Of which the ordinary rules OF evidence
were waived. giving the fullest opportunity
to the accuser TO present proof of wrong
doing on the part of the accused member
of the excise board. the Commissioners
have found that nothing has been shown
TO impeach the official or personal char
acter of this officer or TO warrant any
diminution of public confidence In the
board OF which he is a member. Con-
sidering all the circumstances, this de-
cison must impress the community
strongly as a guarantee that the boards
OF assessment and excise are composed
of men OF integrity and that their ac-
tons are governed by high motives OF
public service.
In suggesting that members of these
boards should refrain from speculative
operations in real estate, the Commits
sioners follow the obvious course inGi-
Gated by the evidence. While nothing
was shown that indicated that such activ-
tiles have in the past actually interfered
with the equitable and undiscrminating
work Of the assessors, it nevertheless
follows naturally that public confidence
in this branch of the Districts service
will be strengthened if IL is known that
the members of the board are themselves
wholly uninfiuenced by personal consid-
erations.
Just in the same way certain personal
relationships between Mr. Kalbfus and
others having any interest in the find
ings of the excise board. while not affect
ing his Judgments or those of his col
leagues, nevertheless were of a nature
to give rise TO question on some lines and
10 q certain extent colored with plausi-
bility the charge that was brought by
his accuser. While finding that these
relationships in no wise caused inequita-
BILE discrimination in any case, the Com
missioners very properly point out the
undesirability of forming them. l,
necessarily follows that membership on
such boards as those that the Commits
sioners have been considering during these
past few weeks leads TO a certain degree
of personal isolation. A man cannot
form associations while engaged in as
sessment and excise work that he would
otherwise be quite free TO make. This
IL the obligation of office, which imposes
sacrifices and limitations upon incum-
bents.
AS previously indicated. the Commission
ers reached the conclusion, as a result of
this investigation, that the association of
excise and assessment work in the same
individuals is unwise and may lead to
serious complications. They are planning
to lay this case before Congress as an
argument for the separation of the two
functions. 1t is to be hoped that no
time will be lost in obtaining the neces-
sary legislation. There is no economy
in combining two distinct functions in the
same body of individuals for the sake
Of saving few salaries. The two lines
of work are of exceptional Importance
to the District welfare. The assessment
work IL thoroughly done. calls for all the
time that can be put upon IL. without
any distractions. Particularly if the tax
able property is assessed once a year. as
is now proposed, should there be a sepa-
ration of the excise responsibility. Wheth-
er supervision of the liquor licenses
should be vested in distinct board. Gre
ated specifically for that purpose, is a
question that Congress must be asked
TO answer. There are arguments both
Tor and against such system. out
whatever method is adopted there should
be no question of the separation OF the
excise and the assessment Responsible
ties.