The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-12-31
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DISCUSSES TAXATION
interesting Neutrality-suspicious.
Doninick Advocates Income Tax
Instead of General Property Tax.

The Chamber Of Commerce held a
valuable meeting at the court house
Tuesday evening, even though the
attendance was small. Congressman
j. J. McSwain was not present. hav-
ing sent telegram at the last min
ute that he was the victim of case
Of acute indigestion. After it was
known that Mr.. McSwain could not
come, an effort was made to secure
Governor Robert A. Cooper for the
principal address, but the governor
had an engagement in Columbia for
that evening.
Local talent responded to the op-
portunity Of making the meeting a
good one in spite of disappointment
in getting a speaker. Congressman
Fred H. Don,inick, DR.. George B.
Cromer, Mayor Eugene S. Blease,
Senator Alan tombstone, Mr.. Neal w.
Workman and other speakers got at
the heart of the difficulties with the
South Carolina tax system. DIR.
J sCromer opened the discussion by ex-
planning the report issued recently by
the joint legislative committee on
revenue and taxation, appointed by
the general assembly in 1920. This
is said by DR.. Cromer to be very
able report. 1t points out, among
other things, the injustice worked by
the law requiring ali classes Of prop
erty to be assessed at the same rate.
The application of this rule causes
nearly half Of the property in South
Carolina to escape taxation altogeth-
er. DR.. Cromer contended that prop
erty ought to be classified for taxa
ton, each class being subject to an
equitable rate. There should be
equality within each class, but it, is
impossible to get equality between
to dissiniiar classes. Also Dr.. Cre-
mer argued that ttaie44sr Be
separate sources of revenue for city
and state governments, that is, each
government should not be permitted
to levy tax upon the same prop
erty.
Congressman Donainiek spoke in
favor of the income tax. He said
that inasmuch as the income tax is
constitutional in South Carolina, IN
asnauch as the federal government
has shown that this kind of a tax is
practicable, inasmuch as the federal
government is collecting SIS coo, 600
annually in South Carolina from in
comes, and inasmuch as the list .of
federal taxpayers is available to state
officials, he thinks it would be desir-
able to provide at once for a state
income tax. This probably could be
made to take the place Of the present
general property tax.
Mayor Blease voiced his approval
Of the apparent absence of kicks
against city taxes. He explained
the increase of necessary expendi-
lures, pointed out the wisdom CT pro-
viding sinking funds to take care OF
the bond issues which were. voted
long ago and at least one Of which
has been refunded several times, said
that he did not see any possibility OF
decreasing the city taxes next year
and showed that people do, not OBJ
ject to necessary taxes if it is evident
that everyone is paying his just share.
Senator Johnstone took the high
ground Of representing both state
and local district. He does not think
the assembly will grant nearly as
large a total Of appropriations as
has been asked of it. Neither does
he think it is wise or possible to cut
off appropriations which are needed
to keep schools, asylun,s and similar
institutions up to the present stand
ard. In this age the people are de-
manding an extension Of educational
facilities and a reduction of illiteracy.
Movements of this kind can scarcely
go hand in hand with reductions IN
taxation.
Mr.. Workman voiced his general
approval of the recommendations OF
the joint legislative committee. A
few years ago he introduced bills IN
the assembly providing for some OF
the identical changes which are now
suggested by this committee. At that
time he could get no extensive sup
port for his tax reform measures. 1t
is gratifying now, he declares. to see
the leaders among the people arriy-
irg at a point where they are will