Evening star., 1922-05-31
MARYLAND'S TAX
ON "GAS' AT HAND.
New Levy, Starting Tomor'
row, Expected to Boost
Sales in District.

a big jump In gasoline sales in the
morrow with the Inauguration In
Maryland OF l-cent tax on every
gallon of gas sold for automotive
transportation.
Marylanders living near the District
line will flock into Washington. fill
up their tanks and fit back into
their native state. with the thought
that they are making money by saw
ing the extra cent on gasoline. ac-
cording to motorist. who is in
touch with the situation on the out
III r.s of the District.
While the extra cent. viewed by
itself. does not mean so much, con-
tinues the motorist. it means whole
lot when ten or more gallons of gas
is bought a day. 1t makes motor
ing, already expensive. much more
expensive for those who are COM
PEELED to use their cars on Maryland
roads.
Although every effort has been
made by the authorities of the
neighboring state to influence the
District to adopt a similar tax, no
appreciable progress in this direc-
tion has been made. Maryland au-
situation which now arises; Mary
landers on the border will certainly
take advantage of the cheaper gas
in Washington, especially those who
work in this city.
offered Reciprocity.
Reciprocity was held out to the
District in the hope that some action
would be taken. by the local authori-
ties to levy a tax in this city. So
been taken on the proposition.
In studying the matter to find out
just what Maryland offers to the
District in return for the levying of
gas tax 1t is found, according to
the motorist, that with a gas tax
in the District local drivers would be
paying FIVE taxes for the privilege
of operating their cars in Maryland
and the District
He nows pays for his tag in Wa Wash sh
ington. In Maryland he pays so
cents per horsepower for operating
his car. With the gas tax both
here and in Maryland he would be
paying for his tag in both places.
gas tax In IN both .Sa Places PLACES, and per-
Maryland hopes. according to the
motorist. to do away with the large
fee for the tag in a few years. max
ing only the gas tax to pay. The
reason advanced for the charge for
the tag and the tax at the present
time, says the motorist, is that Mary
land has a s1,2O0.O0O road deficit.
This is all right" says the local
driver, "but why should the District
drivers assist Maryland in paying
off it's road deficit, when these same
drivers and owners have no part in
the expending of money for roads in
Maryland.
Reciprocity May Come.
when Maryland can come to the
District with the road deficit wiped
out, and say we are ready for reel
procity, there will be nothing but the
cost of making the tags that the mo-
W sS6sf By y sas hsve a1 pasn fG think
the District will be more willing to
listen and cooperate with Maryland
in the installation of gas tax.
There is no reason why the motor
for the tags and gas tax. too. One
or the other should be cut out, and
when this is done reciprocity between
the District and Maryland will be
tainly have the support of the mo-
ut has been shown by Maryland au-
thorities that the gas tax will bring in
approximately as much revenue as the
fee for tags. So that until the deficit is
wiped out, double the revenue will ac-
crue to the state from motorists. Why
should the District help in paying dou-
BILE for the privilege of wiping out Mary
lands deficit2"
In the meantime District motorists
contemplating Maryland trips should fill
necessary, take an extra can along. Also
gas dealers, especially those on the bor-
der, should take on an extra amount.
It will be needed for the thirsty motors
belonging to Marylanders.
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