Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-02-17
Descent on Senate Finance
Committee From All
Sections of State
OFFER A COMPROMISE.


Richmond, Feb. 1T.-FollOwing a
day Of deliberation in executive ses-
sion, representatives Of the merchan-
tile business in practically ever sec
ton of the State, stirred by the re-
commentator of the Governor and
the State Advisory Board on Taxa
| ton that their rate of taxation be IN
creased, so as to meet in part the es-
timated deficit in the revenue for the
year 1917, declared last night before
the Finance Committee Of the Senate
/ that such an increase would, III many
cases, mean eventual ruin
Speakers who voiced the position
of those they came to represent dis
claimed any intention on the part of
the merchants to shirN their respon-
sibility, as citizens, Of bearing an
equitable share Of the burden of
taxation, but protested most vigorous
ly against any addition to the part
they now bear, Tax rates now OBJ
tanning, they said, draw from this
class of business interests their pro-
portionate share Of the tax burden.
Preceding the merchants, represen-
tatives of the light, heat and pow
er companies. operating in Virginia
agreed 20 the proposition that the
tax on the gross receipts of these
public-scrvice corporation DC in
creased from to Is per cent,
suggesting only that the communi-
ties in which they do business be
still apportioned 1-2 of per cent of
the revenue.
The segregation system Of taxa
ton, according to S. Gordon Cum
ming. who appeared in behalf Of the
Newport News ana Hampton Rail
way. Gas and Electric Company, has
undoubtedly worked something of
hardship on the cities of the State.
and he would not like to see them
deprived Of any part Of the revenue
they are nov receiving. He explain
ed, however. that he had no critic
ism to make the system.
Speaking for the light and power
companies. he agreed to accept an
increase of one-eighth of l per cent.
tax on gross receipts, s;le entire IN
crease to 60 to the State which now
| receives a tax of one-half OF l per
cent. A. B. Guigon, representing
the Virginia Railway and Power
Company. and Former State Senator
Floyd King also addressed the COM
mittee. The committee has agreed
to report the bill tomorrow with its
recommendations
In defense of the new rate of tax
alton imposed on merchants under
which the revenue has shown a de-
crease of $4,000 over the preceding
year. y. B. Ryland, Of Lynchburg,
called the attention of the commit
tee to the fact that the industrial de-
pressing obtaining in this country
during the period from August
1914. to May of last year, was un-
precedentsd in the history of the ma
ton. Under normal conditions, ne
thinks the amount Of revenue arising
from prevailing rates will meet every
just demand tie State may make
upon those engaged in the mer-
chantile business.
Eve have brought to Richmond,
said Mir. Ryland, Representatives OF
every business community from th'
mountain to the sea, and, as a unit
they have come to utter their earn
est protest against any increase II
the rate of taxation already flXet
for the merchants Of Virginia. VIZ
are willing at all times to bear ou1
full and just proportion of the taxes
necessary to the support of the STATE
government. Our organization toler
ates no shirkers, But we do not thinl
it is fair that we should be calle'
upon to make up practically 80 pc
cent of the estimated deficit"
J. Fl. Brownley. of Norfolk. de
nominated any measure designed t
place an added burden of taxatlo
on the merchants as class Legislation
. OF tn. worst sort. Expenses incidsn