The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-07-22

Gil.
City Auditor Crenshaw, Major Will
liam H. Sands. President Carter G.
Jones. Leroy Z. ullman, prominent
merchant and w. II. Sands, Jr.,
spoke on the tax question before the
Southside Democratic Club at Frater-
nifty Hail. South Richmond, last night.
The attendance was deplorably
small. Hot weather and absence OF
many persons from the city were the
main causes
President Jones. in view of recent
developments. called the meeting and
asked Auditor Crenshaw to appear be-
fore the club and explain the situa-
ton.
Mr.. Crenshaw very briefly explained
that in making up the budget last
spring the Finance Committee had fig-
ured on a taxation of $1.40 on capital
Under Judge Richardson's recent rul-
ing. based on an act OF the Leg1sla-
ture, this rate Is lowered to 80 cents.
In bringing this to that figure. the
anticipated income for the year. upon
which appropriations were based, falls
short by the sum Of $4,000. Still,
said Mr.. Crenshaw, the situation may
be met otherwise, and ne feels that
the taxation on capital, while 1t may
not be the best of all plans, is possibly
better than that on purchases.
Back Taxes Through Death.
In reply to a question. Mr.. Cren-
shaw stated that Richmond got little
In back taxes. except in cases of death.
Then in the settlement OF estates the
city does get some back taxes.
The Finance Committee Will. at its
meeting on August 2. receive plan
for taxation, prepared by the city
auditor the Cifv attorney After
the plan has been discussed by the
ommittee, open sessions will be held
for the public, when all persons in
terested will be invited to appear and
discuss the proposed taxation plan.
Mr. Crenshaw stated that the city
would lose in revenue from tho elimi-
nation OF the liquor licenses $50, 600
this year.
He said that the rate of taxation in
Richmond Is lower than in any other
city In the country, and that the peo-
pie must not feel that. because of the
question which now confronts the city.
there should be any feeling that the
city would make" the difference in
the estimate and that of the actual
amount.
Mr.. Ullman said he represented the
| Retail Grocers' Association, and that
| he had been directed to state that the
grocers preferred taxation on capital
rather than on purchase. He said
that the merchants knew they would
have to make up the deficit anyway,
and they stood willing to accept the
| capital tax.
| Sands Is Startled.
Mr.. Sands said he was almost start
led at the display of patriotism indi-
| Gated by the remarks OF Mr.. Ullman.
| But he said the proposition had got
| ten to Il concrete business base. The
tax law Is law. passed by the Legis-
lature. and he was of the opinion
that the opinion of Judge Richardson
would be upheld by the Supreme
Court
why the merchants want 70 pay
more taxes" he said. is beyond my
one tries to keep from paying taxes.
Here Is law that reduces the taxa
ton, and here are merchants object
ing to the reduction"
Oity Ahead of State.
Chairman Jones, in Introducing the
tspeakers. took occasion to say that
the State of Virginia was far behind
the city OF Richmond in business prin-
ciples. There is no feeling of COM
munity interests. he said. and MEM
bers of the Legislature work very far
apart. while in the city there Is a
community of interests, and everyone
| tries to do the best thing for the
general good of the community.
w. III. Sands, Jr. spoke briefly In
saying that the tax laws are most in
teresting, and should be studied by
| every business man as well as citizen
generally.
Several questions were asked by in
terested auditors, and 1t was appa-
rent that the discussion had made an
impression, but, as Major Sands said.
nobody understands taxation" and 1t
Is question as to whether much real
light was shed upon those present.
Many OF them will be at the meeting
Of the Finance Committee on August
2. when the proposed local tax bill
will be discussed