The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1919-06-06
STAT 6
CAPITA
Auto Fees In Peril.

If the Sanders bill, introduced IN
the House of representatives, pe-
comes a law complete reciprocity VIII
he established between Maryland and
the District of Columbia in the issue
of motor vehicle licenses, thus de-
nriying Maryland of over $20O,OOO de-
rived from District licenses annually
which sum is deviated to ROAD maih-
tenance. With the loss of this revenue
a return to old turnpikes may be nec-
essary in order to make the dencl'
good.
Said State Motor Vehicle Commls-
sioner Baughman: "lt is obvious that
the most economical thing for the
MARYLAND automobile owner to--oR
would be to swear to a temporary
residence in Washington, get MS IL
cense and forget about it until next
wear. At the present time many per-
sons living in Southern Maryland go
to the Washington Office of this bu-
reau to get Maryland license. II Is
easier for them to do this than 10
come to Baltimore. If bill allowing
complete reciprocity should go
through, there would be virtually
nothing to prevent them from going
10 Washington, registering at hotel,
and obtaining license which Wouio
be good in Maryland
AS the license for a popular type OF
small car costs SO in the District OF
Columbia and $1O.SO in Maryland some
idea of the economies of which Mary
land motorists could avail themselves
may be gained.
The bill has been before Congress
on other occasions and has been de-
feated through the efforts Of Con-
gressman Linthicum, Congressman
Coady and other members OF the
Maryland delegation. They are pre-
pared to renew the fight.
Congressman Linthicum said: The
Saunders Bill just introduced into
Congress for the purpose of opening
the roads of Maryland to the Tree use
of the citizens of the District OF CO.
lumbia is manifestly unjust and unfair
to our state. Maryland has expended
more than $25,000,0OO upon the finest
system of roads in this country, bar
ring none. It's citizens have not alone
paid the interest on the bonds and the
sinking fund, but they must finally dis
charge the entire road bill expense.
In addition to this our citizens pay
the regular automobile tax, and all
we ask the District of Columbia peo-
ple to do is pay the regular automo-
bile license tax in order that we may
keep up this wonderful system OF high
ways. 1t is to their interest that they
be maintained in the most up-to-date
manner. The District of Columbia
was carved out of Maryland and has
the use of these highways just as
much as the citizens of Baltimore,
and vet all the residents of the DIS
trict is compelled to do is help main
tain the roads which have cost MIN
nothing to build. The District mas
nothing particular to offer to the peo-
nle OF Maryland except a few badly
improved highways and the streets
of Washington, WHICH DelonS W Iho
entire government, and for which the
government pays one-half of all taxes.
The Representatives from Maryland
will oppose any such bill as that in
troduced by Mr.. Saunders. We nave
no doubt that we will be able to de-
feat it. The Congress will want to be
lust before it becomes generous
Maryland asks nothing but what is
absolutely fair, and gives to the Dis
trict people the best end Of the bar
gain. To take away from Maryland
this large tax would cripple its road
finances to the injury of the residents
of the District as we'll as those OF
Maryland"