The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1921-12-16

> S9AeS~SeAOe>p wv = - ~
a effect discrirhinRtes against IN
chools In favor OF all other socia
ctivities that are assumed by tn
tate and financed by the public purse
protest then:
First: That II seems to bO
poor State policy TO 90 arrange for
the financing Of one fundamental
activity, i. e., the school system,
as to make It appear TO the tax
payers that Ito necessities are the
principal cause OF increased d.
rect State taxation.
Second: That it seems to be
poor State policy 80 to arrange
for the financing Of an institution.
/. Whose work Is vitality funda-
mental.
3. Which II In direct contact
with the majority Of the people.
3. Which employs seven thou
sand professionally trained peo-
pie Of high grade.
4. Which js operated for the
sole purpose Of promoting the, So
cial efficiency Of our people.
5. Which 10 now responsible
for the instruction Of . quarter Of
o million children.
s. 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 90 to arrange
for the financing Of the State edu-
cational system NJ to have It de-
pend ON two variable sources OF
income, one OF which diminishes
In direct proportion 20 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,
|. 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 anesthesia of indi-
rect taxation.
And suggest:
!. That it might be better Stat
'olicy 60 TO arrange for the fnancin,
4 the several social activities tina
ach one, In the exact proportion tina
t shares In the total State income
70 ratably represented In the direc
ak levy.
2. That 1t might be better Stat
'olicy to have the average taxpaye
ealize what proportion Of the Stat
income supports each State activity
The average taxpayer has but lirtl
and knowledge of the fact tina
Of the State revenue Is dc
lived from indirect taxation. and Is O
he opinion that public operations ar
supported by the direct ta.
hat he pays each year. This impress
ion, while untrue. is the impression
Il the majority Of our people, and l
ollows that the average taxpayer
rho now believe that the State in
.ome Is synonymous with the proceed
II the direct levy. feel that the school
s1C 8DSO4b A28 VVS1 SVTO Va tu0 0tAl
evenue. when. in reality. they absorl
ess than 20% Of 1t. Therefore, tn
Iverage uniformed voter feels tina
public education 10 an unduly expens
We institution and until this misar
can be corrected. he will
70 unwilling to give the support tina
he schools reQuire.)
The above 10 submitted with Q full
'ealization that this Ii one of you
'usy times; but think you will, pei
laps. agree that the importance of tn
natter OF the relative costs and re
possibilities Of the State-aided socia
activities from the direct tax point o
'iew, and the equitable and ratabl
Of the general fund, just
les our intrusion.
Yours very truly,
Signed) HENRY NJ. FITZHUGH,
President. State Board OF Education.
-Q-~------.
IL II