The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-07-17
Claim War Revenue Bill Provl.
sion Places Unjust Burden
on. Them.
WOULD TAX GROSS RECEIPTS
Such Levy Would Cause Rise
In Prices and Keep Poor
People From Amusement.

Motion picture exhibitors in WASH
ington are anxious to secure the CO.
operation Of exhibitors in bringing
to the attention of members Of Con-
gress what they declare IL the in
justice of the proposed war tax on
motion picture theaters.
The exhibitors Of Washington have
taken the lead in protesting to Con-
Gress against the measure. The pro-
visions to which they object would
impose a tax OF one half of per
cent on the gross receipts OF every
motion picture theoter in the Dis
trict.
The war revenue measure has al
ready been passed by the House.
and Is now before the Senate. Har..
ry NJ. Crandall, president OF the LEGAL
branch OF the motion picture eNhibi-
tors organization. and DR.. William
p. Hertst, former president OF the
organization. have taken the lead IN
Or. Herbst has written several let
tiers to personal friends In the House
and Senate with reference to tho
matter, stating the case OF the mo-
ton picture exhibitors In the plain
est terms.
Is "Poor Peoples" Amusement.
Motion pictures are distinctly 4
poor peoples amusement" states
DR.. Herbst. 'sAE increased tax on
the theaters under the present high
cost Of doing business will mean an
increase in the price OF admission to
the shows patronized by the people
who can Ill afford to pay more.
THE sphere Of the motion picture
has been primarily not only to amuse
but to educate, and 1t reaches many
people whom the high cost Of living
generally prevents paying the high
price exacted by other forms OF
amusement and education.
THE scent show admittedly has
been an important factor In the up
lift of the community through It's
mower Of education. When the ad-
mission Ia raised to 10. Is and q
cents. beyond the reach OF the poor
people, II Is but natural that COM
mnnities that have felt the influence
Of the pictures for good will simply
revert to the old order Of things.
Instead of having tho united
family enjoying an amusement with
In their means. the father and hus-
band will leave his wife and Riddles
at home and 90 back TO the saloon
where no spent his time before he
family to the neighborhood theator.
Exhibitors Pay Heavy Tax.
ION behalf OF the exhibitors It does
not seem to me compatible with the
best interests OF the country to
hinder tho growth Of q business as
vast as the motion picture indus
try by heavy. and. to say the least.
unjust taxation7 The present cost
Of doing business Is very high.
IF the proposed tax on gross re-
ceipts II enforced. In the present
condition Of the country. many ex-
hibitors would be forced to pay reve-
nue. when their receipts were below
their expenses.
MANY motion picture houses in
different sections of the country are
controlled by small corporations. AS
such they are paying an income tax
on their gross profits. In addition to
this they are burdened with the
emergency internal revenue tax. the
local license fee. their real estate
and equipment taxes.
The motion picture exhibitor.
contrary to general opinion. Is maxi
Ing a very small profit In COMPARE
son to the amount he Is called upon
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