Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1917-11-26
WAR TAN COMPLAINTS.

cipita taxation without an accompani-
ment Of complaints and protests.
With few exceptions, if any, we are all
yoicing these protests. A few, per-
haps placing patriotism above pocket
bear up with more Or less smiling
equanimity, paying their direct taxes
without squirming and the higher
prices that to some degree represent
direct taxation without starting a riot
And, yet, some complaints, even ad-
hitting the countrys dire necessity in
this time of stress, are seemingly
justified. The war tax law, though
operative but a short time, has already
presented evidence here and there that
it was drawn, discussed, voted upon
and passed without a proper under
standing Of Its provisions, and with
but hazy notion of its effect, other
than that it would raise tremendous
revenues needed for successful prose-
cution of the war. There have now
come to light, however, various re-
suits that show the law should be
amended
Notable among the great inductries
that are threatened through the war
tax are those of the stage and the mo-
ton picture. These industries, class
ed as amusements, are made to furnish
a great proportion of the required war
revenue. It is only fair that amuse-
ments should withstand a proportion
Of the cost Of the war. The theatrical
and the motion picture interests have
not denied this. Patriots themselves,
like all good Americans, they are
ready to go as far as the next man.
But they maintain that excessive bur
dens fall upon their business and that
that portion ofthe law which relates 20
the theatres Is unjust, negotiable anu
discriminatory.
So far as is known. the motion pict-
ure exhibitors of the country are the
first representatives of a great in
dustry, and by the way, this is
now said to be the fifth greatest, to
be called into general convention to
urge upon Congress a revision of that
portion Of the war tax which refers
to their business. The next session
opens December 4, and all exhibitors
in the country have been called upon
to meet in Washington December Il
for three days stay They will urge
upon Congress such reyamping of the
law as costly experience during the
few weeks of its operation shall have
demonstrated to be necessary.
As everybody knows, the theatre tax
is supposed to be paid by the public.
The exhibitor is supposed to collect the
amount of the tax and remit monthly,
with sworn statement, to the govern
ment. Easy enough, seemingly. But
here's the rub. The public is not so
Keen to make this small contribution
to the war revenue that it comes rush
ing to the theatres, Few of them
show lines of patriots clamoring to be
permitted to pay their pennies to help
beat the Boches. Of course, the more
admissions the more money to the gov
cTnment. and incidentally to the ex-
hibltor. which, from the exhibitors
DIN. of view would be fine, if the pub
lie would but manifest its patriotism
along amusement lines. But, on the
contrary, small as that amount of one,
two. three or more cents may be, the
theatre proprietor is finding that it
keeps away some who might other
wise attend Proof? They submit It
by showing daily receipts up to No
vember LIST, when the law became es-
fective, and thereafter. They have
dwindled. Fewer people go to the
theatres, despite the announcements
that Uncle Sam needs your penny
and other slogans that are supposed
to draw them in.
For the government it is all clear