The Washington times., 1915-02-27

ington, but these people do not live
here. as u rule. They pay their taxes
on their real estate here and they pay
other taxes back in the states where
they live.
THE burien of taxation In Washing
ton rests ON the people who live here
continually. and who earn moderate
salaries.
I'VE are keeping up a great establish
ment here, great parks and other
things. and we are keeping up the pride
of the nation. We have a large number
Of Government buildings which must
have sewers ana fire protection ana
police protection.
Shouldn't Be On People.
THE burden OF keeping UP this Gov
ernment property ought not In Justice to
rest upon the people Of Washington. 30
we get back to the proposition Of how
much the Government ought to pay and
how much the District residents should
pay:
.'This will he q bone Of contention
settlement Of this controversy. DO
not think the johnson amendmen IN
any way solves the problem. There Is a
certain amount of property owned Dy
citizens and certain amount owned
hy the Government here in Washing-
Both should bear proportion Of the
taxes. How much? That is the matter
to be determined. and I insist that the
only way we can reach an equitable
arrangement Is for an impartial investi-
CATION. Let it determine what the Gov
ernment should do and what the Dis
trict should do. Don't levy more taxes
on the people OF the District than Is
necessary to enable them to pay fair
and just proportion. They should pay q
Just proportion end no more-what that
proportion should be Is to be deter
mined"
The wrangle started in the House
soon after Congressman Page presented
the conference report on the District
appropriation bill. this being the second
the House.
All But One Item.
Mr.. Page said the conferees had
agreed to all items except the Johnson
amendment affecting the half and half
arrangement. The House agreed with
out debate to the partial conference re-
port and Congressman Ben johnson
then moved to instruct the House con-
ferees to further insist upon his amend
ment This amendment the Senate has
steadfastly refused to accept.
Majority Lealed Underwood then
offered his preferential motion to con-
cur in the Senate action eliminating the
johnson rider. and to insert a provision
for the appointment Of a Joint commit
tee to Investigate the half and half con-
troversy. The Underwood motoin was
the Senate. and provided for a select
committee Of three Senators and three
members Of the House whose duty II
shall be to submit to Congress state
ment of the proper proportion of tho
expenses of the District Of Columbia or
any branch, including the interest on
bonds. which shall be borne by the said
District and the United States Govern
ment."
Both CONGRESSMAN johnson and Con.
gressman Crisp, opponents Of the half
and half plan. jumped to their feet with
points of order against the Underwood
motion.
Minority Leader Mann offered q mo-
ton of still higher privilege to concur
outright in the Senate amendment ana
continue the half and half plan.
Motion Withdrawn.
At the suggestion Of Mr.. Underwood.
however ne temporarily withdrew this
motion and the debate turned to the
Johnson-Crisp point Of order.
Both Mr.. johnson and Mr.. Crisp ar
gued that the Underwood proposal was
not Rermane to the District bill. with
Mr.. Mann and MIR. Underwood argu-
ing that 1t was germane. Speaker Clark
of Its germaneness as 1t related to the
half and half principle which was in
dispute between the Senate and tho
House. The majority leader then
launched into his defense OF the pro-
posed investigation.
Congressman Ben Johnson bitterly
assailed the proposal to have an inves-
tigation. saying:
inquiry would end. Meanwhile. the half
and half plan would continue in effect.
Let the House adopt the better plan
provided for in my amendment when
means that the District would be taxed
only a reasonable rate and that all Of
its money available shall be expended
before the Government contributes
anything. This is manifestly fair"
Reminded of Railroads.
Congressman johnson said that the
continuance Of the half and half plan
while an Investigation was In progress
reminded him Of the oppressive methods
Of railroads while appeals against dis
elimination were pending. The kentuosss
member also shouted that Mr.. Under.
wood has brought the Gallinger idea
into this House."
Mr.. Underwood retorted that the
Speaker and Vice President would ap.
point the investigating committee ano
that 1t would not be a Gailinger COM
mittee.
Referring to Mr.. Underwood's state
mepts about the owership Of Govern.
lnent property here. Mr.. Johnson said:
What factory would pay out such g
payroll as the Government does in this
town? You might as we'll talk about
taxing the sun that gives light to the
District. 1t would be just as reason
able"
In his impassioned speech Mr.. John
son also referred to "a local lobby thai
has outlived its plan to compel tn.
House to yield to the Senate In thii
matter"
He asserted that Senator Gallingel
ana Mr.. Underwood did not raise theil
voices until there was talk in the news
papers about raising taxes.
When Congressman Campbell Of Texas
arose to say word for the District
Mr.. Johnson asked him If he or his
brother owned property here. ~ moi
when was 1t sold and who got tht
money!"
Il spurn the question and tho atti
tude OF the gentleman from Kentucky
angrily replied Congressman Campbell
Makes Strong Point.
Congressman Crisp made a strong
point on the fact that people in tn,
District pay no taxes on intangibl,
personal property.
III you make tangible property beaI
its own burdens" he said. "there viii