The Washington times., 1913-01-18
SAUCE FOR GOOSE
SAUCE FOR GANDER
IN LAW
District Decides to Tax Men of
Maryland Who Operate Cars
in Capital.

Disagreeing with the Commissioners
that what is sauce for the goose Is
sauce for the gander,'' Maryland au-
tomobilists are protesting with vehe-
mence against the police regulation
which compels them to pay annually
the same license fee assessed by the
State against owners of washington
cars. Letters to the Board of Commits
sioners will be without avail.
The board is determined to stand by
its action. which through general. was
directed at Maryland with the view of
ending the warfare on Washington au-
tomobilists by the neighboring State
The attitude of the board is that Mary
land can have no just cause of COM
plant in being accorded exactly the
same treatment as is shown the Dis
trict.
Efforts were made two years ago
to enter into reciprocity arrangements
With Maryland without avail. Several
letters were addressed by the CommisJ
sioners to the governor suggesting this
course. but the plan did not meet with
the approval of the Maryland authori-
ties.
The only source of appeal open to
Mary land automobilists, according to
Corporation Counsel Thomas, Is the
District courts.
Remedy Lies With Maryland.
Mr.. Thomas said today he is pre-
pared to answer any arguments which
may be advanced as to the right ot
the Commissioners to adopt such a
regulation. Another remedy, and ono
to which owners of Maryland cars
will probably give heed, lies with the
Maryland authorities.
If the Maryland automobile law is
amended so as to grant the use OF the
roads to District automobilists without
the payment of what they declare is an
exhorbitant fee. the District will extend
similar courtesies. The regulation pro-
vides. in fact, for the payment by nom
residents of the same fee as is assessed
by the State of which the applicant Is
a resident. Reduction Of the Maryland
matte reduction Of the District fee to
owners of Maryland cars.
Plans are being made by H. M. Wood
ward, secretary OF the automobile
board. for the enforcement of the reg
ulation. 1t will be necessary to issue
different color, and have inscribed on
them the year. Notice will be given
Marylanders to obtain the new license.
the fee for which is from IS to SIS an
nually. according to horse power.
A list Of owners of Maryland cars will
TO arrest all drivers who have failed
TO comply with the regulation.
Short Shift Expected.
If Maryland tries to take the auto
mobile issue between the State and
Washington to Congress. she will be
given short shift, according to the
prevailing opinion among members of
the House of Representatives today.
Congressman who own automobiles
were practically unanimous in uphold
ing the action of the District Commits
sioners in imposing on Maryland motor
lists the same scale of fees that the
State imposes on District motorists.
Most of them are acquainted with the
excessive zeal which Maryland off,
ing her automobile laws, and say al
most in so many words that the city
take some retaliatory measures.
IF Maryland is discriminating
against the District. as has been re-
ported SO frequently of late" said
Congressman Mcclure of Oklahoma,
1T is about time that something was
done about IL. / am not in favor of
encouraging strife. but I am frank
to say that the District should af-
ford Maryland the same treatment as
she extends to US.
so hardly think Maryland will
have much OF a case II she appeals to
Congress regarding the District reg
ulation. ] do not know what the at
titude of Congress will De. but think
the facts will sustain the Commits
sioners.'