Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1921-12-29

second: "a nat 1t seems to BE-
poor State policy 50 to arrange
for the financing Of an institution.
l. Whose work Is vitality funda-
mental.
Z. Which II in direct contact
with the majority Of the people.
y s. Which employs seven thou
sand professionally trained peo-
pie Of high grade.
4. Which IL operated for the
sole purpose Of promoting the So
cial efficiency Of our people.
s. Which 10 now responsible
for the instruction of quarter OF
Q million children.
8. Which is under the direct
scrutiny of practically our whole
population. and
Z. Which provides service
the acceptance Of which is COM
PEELED by law, as to require 1t 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 it 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 1t 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 to cause 1t to 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, la Of indi-
rect taxation.
And / suggest:
/. That it might be better State
'olicy so to arrange for the financing
4 the several social activities thai
ach one, in the exact proportion thai
/ shares in the total State income
e ratably represented in the direcj
ak levy.
2. That 1t might be better State
olicy 10 have the average Taxpayer
ealize what proportion OF the State
income supports each State activity
The average taxpayer has but little
bought and knowledge of the fact thai
wo-thiIds of the State revenue is de
ived II indirect taxation, and IS Of
he opinion that public operations are
enerally supported by the direct taA
hat he pays each year. This impress
ion, while untrue, is the impression
I the majority of our people, and |,
ollows that the average taxpayers
rho now believe that the State in
ONE is Synonymous with the proceeds
( the direct levy, feel that the schools
re absorbing over 400 of the State
evenue, when, in reality they Absorb
sss than 20L of 1t. Therefore, the
verage uniformed voter feels thai
ublic education il an unduly eXpens
We institution and until this misap
can be corrected, he will
e unwilling to give the support tina,
he schools reQuire.)
The above Is submitted with a full
ealization that this is one OF your
usy times; but think you will, per
APPS, agree that the importance of the
natter OF the relative costs and re
Of the State-aided socla
ctivities from the direct tax point Of
lew, and the equitable AID ratable
istribution Of the general fund. justi
es our intrusion.
Yours very truly,
Signed) HENRY NJ. FITZHUGH,
PRESIDENT, State Board of Education