The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-07-05
SOLDIERS GIVEN
ST Of POLL TAXES
BY COUNTY COURT
Dave Wells Resolution EH
empting Ex-ServiCe Men
From County's Part Of the
Amount Passed.

:, The first step taken in Tennessee for
financial relief for soldiers who served
curing the great war, was made Mon
gay by the Shelby county court. Squire
Dave Wells introduced a resolution ex-
empting from the County's share of
1919 poll tax payments ali men who
were in the army. navy or marine
corps on Jan. 10, 1919. The resolution
passed unanimously
Passage of Wells resolution means
saving Of 81 for each ex-soldier who
comes under provisions of the resolu-
ton And had not the county court
been advised that its members could
not legally exempt ex-soldiers from
payment OF the states share OF the 1919
poll tax, such an amendment probably
would have been passed.
The resolution, as passed. means that
all ex-service men who were In the
army, navy or marine corps on Jan. 10.
l9l9--if they have paid their 1919 poll
taX--can get 81 of the amount they
paid back, by presenting their dis
charge papers to the chairman Of the
county court Ex-service men who
have not paid their 1919 poll tax TO
date, are now enabled TO purchase a
1919 poll tax receipt flor $135 or 81
less than the civilians are forced by
law to pay.
Squire Wells resolution made an in
stant hit with the county court when
dlOSN anu HAdlths nave Nilt npHbi
and the pleasure to present resolu-
ton which believe will meet with
the hearty approval OF the members of
this court" The resolution was passed
to Ed Crenshaw, clerk of court, to be
read.
Squire e. f. Strong was, in favor of
an amendment granting entire exemp
tion for ex-soldiers, but the court was
advised by County Attorney w. T.
McLain that ii could not legally ex-
empt from payment of the states share
of the tax.
All Vote AYE"
Roll call on the vote got AYE" from
the following magistrates, without a
Magistrates j. f. Williams, J. II.
Houston, r. Anderson, c. X, Conneil.
Strong, w, W. Thompson, j. H. Helms.
]. NJ, Maher.. A. II. Cohen, George B..
Coleman. G. l., Clancy. r. w. Davis,
Dave, Wells. Inhu. v. !. eNRrnara. .s,ls ID.
Workman. u. Jater. Al wv, Finley, II N.
Parr, c. q. Gowen.
the session that the only reason the
resolution did not get full vote of
the court was because seven members
were absent
Wells received many congratulations
after the session Monday. for his fore
SiRht IN presenting resolution WHICH
could in part show how the citizens of
Shelby county appreciated services of
Memphis and Shelby county boys dur
ing the great conflict Many expressed
the opin1 D that other county courts
would follow the lead set by the Shelby
county court.
The session Monday was the opening
of the July term Of the county court.
Two other meetings are scheduled for
this term, to be held on the second and
third Mondays of the month While
Wells resolution was the principal
business transacted Monday. the court
took time, before adjourning, to rename
T. Jack jacob as grand jury officer
and to pass three applications for GER
tificates for good moral character for
persons seeking admission TO the bar
Of the state. Two Of the applicants
were women.
The only speech made at Mondays
session was one by JacgAi, who after
he was elected grand juTE Officer arose
and said. MIR. Chairman and gentle
men. | thank each and every ole Of
you" Being the shortest political speech
in the history OF the court, II made an
instant and decided hit.