The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1921-12-16

criminal, the insane, agriculture, h1g
or education, etc. The present mesht
in effect Nscriminates against Il
schools in favor of all other soci
activities that are assumed by Il
State and financed by the public purs
I protest then:
First: That 1t seems to be
poor State policy to so arrange for
the financing of one fundamental
activity, i. e., the school system,
as to make it appear TO the tax
payers that its necessities are the
principal cause Of increased d1-
rect State taxation.
Second: That it seems to be
poor State policy so to arrange
for the financing Of an institution.
1. Whose work Is vitality funda-
mental.
2. Which is in direct contact
with the majority of the people.
8. Which employs seven thou
sand professionally trained peo-
pie Of high grade.
4. Which is operated for the
sole purpose of promoting the So
cial efficiency of our people.
S. Which is now responsible
for the instruction Of quarter of
a 1ooi1Iinp cbil6rnn
6. Which is under the direct
scrutiny of practically our whole
population, and
7. Which provides a service
the acceptance Of which is COM
PEELED by law, as to require it to
be the only contender for money
raised by unpopular and generally
opposed direct taxation, and the
last to benefit by money raised by
generally invisible, unfelt, and
popular indirect taxation.
Third: That 1t seems to be
poor State policy SO to arrange
for the financing of the State edu-
cational system as to have 1t de-
pend ON two variable sources of
income, one Of which diminishes
in direct proportion as the de-
mands of other activities increase,
while the other depends directly
on the experience, inclination and
sense of expediency Of those who
have the power to decide what the
direct tax rate shall be at any
particular time.
Fourth: That it seems to be
poor State policy SO to arrange
for the financing Of one funda-
mental State aided social activity,
j. e., the State educational system,
as to cause it to constantly irritate
the sore and sensitive pocket
nerves Of the taxpayers, while all
the other State aided social actiEt-
ties subsist on proceeds derived
from the taxpayers who are OBJ
funded by the anesthesia of indi-
rect taxation.
And I suggest:
i. That it might be better Stat
policy so to arrange for the fnancin
If the several social activities ths
each one, in the exact proportion ths
t shares in the total State incom,
% ratabIy represented in the direl
ak levy.
2. That it might be better Stat
policy to have the average taxpaye
'ealize what proportion of the Stat
ncome supports each State activit.
The average taxpayer has but littl
hought and knowledge of the fact ths
Of the State revenue Is d.
lived from indirect taxation, and is {
he opinion that public operations al
supported by the direct ia
hat he pays each year. This impre
sion, while untrue, is the impressio
If the majority of our people, and
'ollows that the average taxpayer
who now believe that the State il
come is synonymous with the proceed
If the direct levy, feel that the school,
ire absorbing over 40@6 Of the Stat
'evenue, when, in reality, they absor
ess than 20Ic Of it. Therefore, tn
average uninformed voter feels ths
public education is an unduly expen
We institution and until this misa1
Drehension can be corrected, he wi
be unwilling to give the support ths
.he schools require.)
The above is submitted with fu
realization that this is one of yor
busy times; but l think you will, pc
1aps, agree that the Importance Of tl
matter of the relative costs and r
sponsibilities of the State-aided soci;
activities from the direct tax point (
view, and the equitable and ratab
of the general fund, just
ies our intrusion.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) HENRY M. FITZHUGH,
State Board of Education,
Hor7sc TrSc