Evening star., 1922-01-04
OSEDGASO[|NE
TAX IS EXPLAINED
Maryland Official Discusses,
in Connection, Matter of
Reciprocity in Auto Licen

Representative Fred n. Zihlman OF
Maryland today received from John
n Mackall. chairman of the Maryland
state road commission, reply to
his letter in protest against the pro-
posed reciprocity on automobile
licenses contingent upon assessing a
gasoline tax in the District of Column
bia.
Mr. Mackall assures Representative
Zihlman that the bill now before the
Maryland legislature is not contin-
gent upon any action or the DiStricl
Commissioners, but said he is CON
WINGED that if assurances couid De
given by the District Commissioners
that a small tax would be placed IN
the District. it would go far toward
inSuring the passage of the bill.
Mr Mackall in his letter points out
that the tax on gasoline can ohiy
reach its maximum success Wheh IL
becomes approximately UNIFORM.
Corresponded With States.
Il have correspended with every
state in the Union on the subject. ne
says, and many of them favor the
tax on gasoline but will not ad-
vocate it because they are wall
ing to enact it simultaneously win
adjoining states. A meeting was heiu
in New Jersey not long ago WIN
The motor vehicle commissioners OF
the states of Connecticut, New YORK,
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Della
ware at which they unanimously
agreed that the tax on gasoline was
fair and equitable and advocated
uniform tax of 2 cents in all these
states. Pennsylvania now has TAX
of l cent per gallon
Mr.. Mackall points out that IN q
state situated geographically as IS
Maryland. when at Hancock man
CA go from Pennsylvania to west
Virginia in two or three minutes ana
from Cumberland in five minutes a
not alone successfully operate
a tax on gasoline. 1t must
have the cooperation OF the adjoining
states. The highway department OF
both Virginia and West Virginia nave
advised Mr. Mackall that they expect
to ask their next legislatures TO put
tax on gasoline used in motor
vehicles.
Admits Variance in Price.
Specifically with regard TO the Dis
trict, Mr.. Mackall says:
1T is perfectly true ;hat gasoline
varies in price materially IN many
sections of this state. and that per
sons purchase gasoline GeherailS
when they need II. but your assump-
tion that the rural communities go
to the cities to buy their gasoline
because it is cheaper IS Il fallacy.
In the case of Washington there are
many persons, residents of Maryland,
who should pay their tax ia Maryland,
going to the District almost every
day.
They would certainly form the habit
of purchasing gasoline in the District
if il were cents per gallon cheaper
than in Maryland. There are likewise
NOR inc
produce for consumption in the DIS
trict which make daily trips into the
District. whose owners are residents
Of Maryland and who should pay in
Maryland. but would form the habit OF
buying their gasoline in the District
because of the cheaper costs. Like
wise. there are many residents in the
District who should pay their gas
tax in the District who would lnNa-
riably purchase their gasoline in the
District because of its cheaper rate,
and therein lies the great difference
in fact. the fundamental difference
between the case of the District and
the rural communities.
Rural District Conditions.
In the rural districts they would
have to travel considerable distance
To purchase gasoline at the reduced
rate whereas in the District they
would actually have to travel no
Mr. Mackall says. that the persons
who are in the habit of buying gaso-
line in the District should continue
to do SO and that this tax should go
to the District but we do not feel
that persons who live in. Maryland,
whose normal market for gasoline
purchase is Maryland. should be en-
couraged to go to the District and buy
gasoline because it is cheaper"
Mr. Mackall said that he does not
believe the question of so-called reci-
procity with the District can ever be
settled unless. and until. the people
Of shington are willing to forget
the past and look only to the future.