Evening journal., 1921-02-22
MILLION and
HALF OWED To
Stately i. S.

Continued from First Page.)
letter from Mr.. Richards. explain
ing the matter;
"Some recent investigations made
by me. based on some information
that came to my attention a short
time ago. has convinced me that the
state OF Delaware is in a position to
make a claim against the United
states, on behalf of citizens of the
State Of Delaware. for the refunding
TO the State OF about $500. 600 OF
direct taxes paid by citizens OF this
State 20 the United States during
the years 1S66-7-S. A recent deci-
! sion by the Supreme Court OF the
United States has convinced me that
IL is quite possible that the State can
successfully prosecute such a claim.
/ The money recovered would, OF
course. be for the benefit Of the citi-
zens who paid the taxes. or their
heirs. Doubtless. in many cases.
I there would be nobody to prove up
claims on behalf OF the original tax
payers and in this connection tho
money should remain in the treas-
urv Of the State. and escheat to The
state.
Il am enclosing herewith a bill
that l have prepared authorizing
i the governor TO prosecute such a
claim and to employ counsel for
| that purpose. The Governor can
employ whomever he pleases
Il have not mentioned the matter
/ to the Governor nor TO anyone else
except yourself.
Il think it would would be wise
/ for the Legislature TO pass this bill
as the prosecution OF the claim, n
successful could not cost the State
anything and il successful. would re-
suit in the recovery of "a large sum
OF money for the benefit of the peo-
/ pie OF the State. at a very small
cost to those who would be bene-
nted 1t would be manifestly inn
possible for each individual citizen
or his heirs, TO be left TO prosecute
claims separately Some OF claims
would be very small and perhaps
the largest would not be enough 10
warrant action. A bill such as I en-
close. is the proper method Of act
ing in such matters.
ROBERT II. RICHARDS"
The provisions of the bill are as
follows;
The Governor OF the State is d.
rected to prosecute against the gov
ernment Of the United states a claim
bv and in the name of the State OF
Delaware for all moneys heretofor,
paid Illegally into the Federal treas
ury as a direct tax upon property
situated in the State OF Delaware.
II the Governor finds that there is
no Federal statute or law now exist
ing providing for the payment of
such funds into the treasury of
Delaware, ne is directed TO seek, in
such manner as to him shall appear
necessary and proper, legislation az
the hands Of the Congress OF the
United States providing for the pay
ment of such moneys into the treas
ury of Delaware.
such moneys, so collected and
paid by the government OF the
United States. shall be paid into the
treasury of Delaware. less a com
mission for the collection thereof.
and shall be held by the State OF
Delaware for period OF five years
in trust for the claimants OF such
funds.
p The Governor is authorized 10
employ counsel and to enter into
the necessary contracts and agree
ments with such counsel for the pro-
/ pounding and prosecution OF such
e claims and fixing the commission "a
s be allowed counsel, such commits.
> sion TO be contingent upon the col.
|, lection OF such moneys from tn,
a United States and 10 be payable ou
g OF same and not TO exceed 10 PEI
cent thereof. provided that tn,