Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-04-16
WAR WILL Be WAGED ON
INCOME TAX SLACKERs
Number of Cotton Growers
Have Failed to Make Re-
turns Statement Says
ny THEODORE rruLER


WASHINGTON. D. c, April lS.-An
intimation that a number of southern
cotton growers have tailed to file their
income tax returns is contained in a
statement issued tonight from the Of
flee OF the commissioner OF internal
revenue.
The statement says that reports are
current that a considerable number OF
cotton growers have failed to file in
come tax returns" Then follows a quo
tation from Commissioner Roper to the
effect that he hesitated to believe this,
but warning all cotton growers that
they should hasten to make amends be
fore notice of delinquency is served
on them.
"All del;nquents will be promptly and
vigorously prosecuted" says Commis-
sioner Roper. There is no difference
between the Stacker in military service
and the Stacker from tax duty. Both
are. i'm effect, disloyal TO their govern
ment"
The commissioner refers to the pros
perity of the cotton growers, and eX-
poets large returns from the plaut2-
tions of the south. The statement is
sued by his office reads:
''Milli ms of dollars. ii Is estimated
by revenue officials, will be added to
the government revenues i'm penalties
tax delinquents about to be laulched
by the bureau of internal revenue.
In bringing to task the tax Stacker the
aid Of every loyal citizen is invoked by
Commissioner Daniel c. Roper.
Tho most important thing in taxa.
ton IS equity in distributing the cax
burden" said Commissioner Roper to-
day. 1T is difficult to conceive that
any one should endeavor to escape mis-
-
ecution of a war in defense of Chris
tian civilization. 1t is the duty of
every man who has paid his tax to CO.
operate with us in locating the tax
slackers.
I'VE shall meet taxpayers co-opera
lively by being just as Industrious Il
see that they are not overtaXed as t.
see that their full taxes are collected
In the interest Of honest taxpayers we
demand every dollar that is due the
government and promise to refund ever'
dollars of overpayment.
IF a taxpayer has reason to believ!
that any person known to him is 4
tax Stacker, he should report his name
TO the collector OF his district or to thu
commissioner of internal revenue. .Thi:
kind Of cooperation constitutes real wa
service. 1t will make for the equali-
zation of the tax burden.
This is a challenge for the services
Of every loyal citizen TO do war work
Let every delinquent taxpayer keep ia
mind that it is possible TO avoid pen
alties and prosecution by filing his re-
turn before he receives notice from the
collector of internal revenue OF his de-
linquency. II he waits until after OIL
cial notice is received ii will be too
late. a word to the wise should be suf-
icient.
II do not wish to believe" said Com.
missioner Roper, that the cotton grow
ers will be found lacking In patriotism
or proper interest In a matter so vital
10 our government. 1 realize that a
large percentage of the cotton growers
in 1917, including many cotton tenants,
are subject to the tax. The returns
from the cotton farmers, tenants AMI
renters, soon to be forwarded to me by
collectors, should be large in number
and volume of tax. If any have not
made returns they had better do so be-
fore notice of delinquency is received
by them"
The statement closes with the refer
ence above to prosecution of tax slack
ers"