The Washington times., 1919-03-12
ROPER SEES DROP
IN TAXES IN 1920

That next year there will be a
marked reduction in taxes over this.
the greatest tax year in history, was
the declaration at the monthly meet
irg OF the Chamber OF Commerce at
the Ebbitt House last night by Daniel
C.. Roper, commissioner Of internal
revenue. who was introduced as tie
worlds greatest collector"
"AIl the revenue that can be raised
Is needed by the Government TO fulfill
its solemn obligations" said Mr..
Roper. THE income tax is based m
the theory that all shall pay accord
ing to their ability-accordinE 70
their incomes and circumstances.
The Government also gives 10 the
Individual or corporation the initiative
In deciding how much he can pay.
The public generally are coming
across cOnSCientiOusly and making the
work Of the Internal Revenue Bureau
easier.
About 500 Per Family.
1.-THE bureau collects 95 per cent Of
oil taxes collected by the Government.
This Is about 5000. OOO.OOO. or about
500 for each head Of a family-f IL
were prorated. We have sent out
more than 100000 copies OF forms
OF various kinds, as well as instruc-
lions and regulations.
THE income tax and the income tax
returns are complicated things, but
equity Is far more important than
simplicity"
In his introduction Mr.. Roper told
an amusing Anecdote showing the I'M
popularity with which revenue agents
have always been regarded. bu' aaId
that this spirit has changed since t. e
war.
a Kentucky moonshiner." he said.
I'm saying good-by to his son. who
was about to leave for France. said.
When you meet the Huns. boy. give
'em helI-shoot 'em down like you
would q revenue officer"
He also declared that the postmnn
had brought a letter to his office aG-
dressed to the Internal. Eternal Blu
reau."
Arthur z. Seymour. the new secre-
tary OF the chamber, who begins ac-
tive work Saturday. was introduced
to the members by President Harper.
In a short speech. Mr.. Seymour sail
that American patriotism has just
risen to meet a crisis. as II ALWAYS
does. but that there is not enough
civic patriotism"
sIeIEht-Of-Hand Tricks.
Washington to many is not home
he said. Many people go home to
vote, and when their children grow
up they leave for other parts sooner
than enter the Government service"
Former Congressman Richard ".
Austin. Chaplin Brown. Joseph Kauf-
man and others spoke on the joint
resolution introduced by Mr.. Austin
several years ago to give the District
representation in Congress. Mr..
Brown declared that il would be a
mistake to ask, as has been sug-
gested. for only one Senator instead
OF two.
After the regular business Of the
meeting was disposed of Dom V.
Smythe. advertising manager OF 5.
Kann Sons & Co. gave a clever ex-
hibition of how a man can become
proficient in something beside his
livelihood.
Mr.. Smythe gave some sleight-of-
hand tricks and feats OF magic. His
the speaker OF the evening in inter-
est manifested.
Things mysteriously disappeared
only TO return again. Things which
the guests could have sworn were
not in the room were made to ap-
pear. only to disappear again, The
performance was greeted throughout
with applause.
Moving pictures and a buffet lunch
con on completed the evenings pro-
gram