New-York tribune., 1918-06-26
Edwards Predicts Reaching
Half-Billion Mark With
Mornings Mail
Many Have to Borrow
Largest Payment of Closing
Day Amounted to $14,O ,OOO,-
900, Paid by Check

In II last minutes rush 10 pay IN
come taxes many men of large means
we're forced to borrow money to settle
The demands of the government, it was
stated last night by Collector Edwards.
The final day of business showed a
total collection in the I'd New York
District of. s446,l22, ,o2465, and the
half billion mark is expected to be
cached with the arrival of this morn
sre's mail.
Requests for extension of time
poured into Mr.. Edwards's Office by the
hundreds. The government permitted
delinquents to make partial payments.
accompanied by the additional per
cent penalty and interest of per cent
on the balance, computed monthly. A
great many taxpayers availed them
selves of this opportunity.
The few who failed to report yester-
day will be assessed the added 5 per
cent and receive second notice to
come in and settle. If payment is not
made within ten days following re-
ceipt of the notice a warrant Of dis
traint will be issued and the amount
due the Treasury Will be collected out
of the property of TIE delinquent.
Many persons who failed to make out
their tax returns voluntarily filed them
yesterday and paid up on the spot. An
explanation and plea for leniency
were submitted in each case
Huge Check Given
The largest single check presented at
the Custom House on the last day was
for S14 10000. The Collector refused d
TO give the name of the person or cor
poration making the record payment.
81 have been sidestepping all sorts
of heartbreaking appeals during the
last hours" said Mr.. Edwards. "Peo-
lie of large incomes in not few in
stances have been forced to extreme
lengths to raise the money for their
taxes. Many actually had to borrow
the cash.
"The law leaves no option in the
matter of extensions, and everybody
lad to come across in one way or
another. To those who pleaded for a
little leeway l explained that Uncle
Sam owed the money and it was their
patriotic duty to borrow, if need be,
and owe some one else in order to en-
able the government to liquidate
"The extensions were automatic.
Many who found themselves shy the
iull amount granted their own exten-
sions by voluntary acceptance of the
governments penalty. These will un.
doubtedly ray within q week or so
it must be understood, however, that nc
official extensions were granted or even
suggested"
People Glad to Help
II is inspiring to observe the won
derful cooperative spirit with which the
exacting wishes of the Treasury De-
partment have been met" said Mr.. Ed.
wards. zone bank wrote letters to al
clients holding certificates. advised
them to use the certificates for tax pay
ments and offered services free OF
charge. Over $4,000,000 worth of Ger.
tifcates were purchased by the Chemi
cal National Bank, and it was neces
sary to cash in only about $4,000
worth. Other large banks had similar
reports to make. This is an indication
of how well the public followed Mr.
McAdoo's request to pay taxes in Ger
tifcates."
Mr.. Edwards stated his prophecy O
collecting $500,000000 in the secon,
district was almost certain of fulfil
ment. There is lacking only $4,000,