Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1921-12-10

- C11N&A%0AAs CAN HC RlNECAt kBCh4Ot
In effect discriminates against thu
schools in favor OF all other socia
activities that are assumed by III,
State and financed by the public purse
protest then:
First: That 1t seems 10 DO
poor State policy 10 so arrange for
the financing OF one fundamental
activity. i. e., the school system,
as 10 make il appear 10 the tax
payers that its necessities are the
principal cause OF increased di-
rect State taxation.
Second: That ii seems TO be
poor State policy so 10 arrange
for the financing of an institution.
!. Whose work is vitaily funda-
mental
T. Which is in direct contact
with the majority of the people.
5. Which employs seven thou
sand professionally trained peo-
pie OF high grade
4. Which is operated for the
sole purpose OF promoting the So
Gal efficiency OF our people.
5. Which is now responsible
for the instruction of a quarter OF
q million children.
s. Which is under the direct
scrutiny OF practically our whole
population, and
Z. Which provides a service
the acceptance Of which is COM
PEELED by law. as to require il 10
be the sniy contender for money
raised by unpopular and generally
opposed direct taxation, and the
last 10 benefit by money raised by
generally invisible, unfelt, and
popular indirect taxation.
Third: That it seems to be
poor State policy so to arrange
for the financing OF the State edu-
cational system as TO have II 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 IL seems to be
poor State policy so to arrange
for the financing of one funda-
mental State aided social activity,
1. e.. the State educational system,
as 10 cause ii 10 constantly irritate
the sore and sensitive pocket
nerves OF the taxpayers. while all
the other State aided social activi-
ties subsist on proceeds derived
from the taxpayers who are OBJ
funded by the anesth.-.a of indi-
rect taxation.
And / suggest:
/. That it might be better Stat
policy so TO arrange for the f1nancin
of the several social activities tina
each one, in the exact proportion tia
1t shares. in the total State income
be ratably represented in the direc
tax levy.
2. That it might be better Stat
rolicy 20 have the average taxpaye
realize what proportion OF the Stat
income supports each State activity
(The average taxpayer has but littl
thought and knowledge of the fact tina
two-thirds of the State revenue is d.
rived IN indirect taxation. and is @
the opinion that public operations ar
generally supported by the direct ia
that he pays each year. This imprei
sion, while untrue. is the impressio
OF the majority of our people, and
follows that the average taxpayer
who now believe that the State il
come is synonymous with the proceed
of the direct levy, feel that the school
are absorbing over 400 OF the Stat
revenue, when, in reality, they absor
less than 20f6 OF it. Therefore. IN
average uniformed voter feels tina
public education is an unduly expen.
i've institution and until this misaI
prehension can be corrected, he wi
be unwilling TO give the support tina
the schools require
The above is submitted with fu
realization that this is one OF you
busy times; but / think you will. pei
haps, agree that the Importance OF In
matter OF the relative costs and n
possibilities OF the State-aided socis
activities from the direct tax point c
view, and the equitable and ratabl
distribution OF the general fund, just
fies our intrusion.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) HENRY ". FITZHUGH,
President, State Board Of Education.
Aghan Radir aIiepa HnnIs