Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-12-18
ASSEMBLY SESSION
ADDED BIC REVENUE
STATE CHIEFS AVER

Although the recent extra session
of the Georgia legislature failed to
enact any new tax law, the bills it
did pass will more than compensate
the commonwealth for the $4,000 the
session cost, in the opinion of various
state officials. The session lasted SO
days, and the state treasurer esti-
mates the total cost at 100000.
The claim that the session more
than paid its own way is based on
the enactment of the revenue depart
ment bill, the auditing bill, the new
general tax act, and the measure per-
fecting the Miner cigar and cigarette
tax law.
Comptroller General William A.
Wright stated Saturday that he has
not been able to get copy of the
general tax act, but it is his impress
sion that the new bill will raise more
revenue than the present law, and it
is also his opinion that the newly
created revenue department, with
field agents to go after delinquent
taxpayers, will bring a large amount
into the treasury.
Revenue Estimates Vary
The comptroller general would not
estimate the probable amount to be
derived from the revenue department
bill, but other officials placed the es-
innate at from $4,000 to $2,000,00O
They based their predictions on the
powers given the new department to
enforce the inheritance tax laws, the
gasoline tax law, the motor vehicle
tax law, and special taxes imposed by
the general tax act. 1t was pointed
out that neither the state tax COM
missioner nor the comptroller gener-
al has had the authority heretofore
to send out field agents, or even to
check up on the collection of special
state taxes by county tax collectors.
The new bill providing machinery
for the enforcement of the Miner
cigar and cigarette tax law, and the
placing of this tax under the super
vision of the revenue department,
will guarantee the enforcement of
this law, it was believed. 1t has been
estimated that the cigar and cigar
cite tax will bring in more than ST.
100000, to be used for a new tuber-
culosis saritarium at Alto and the
payment of Confederate pensions.
Bill Injunction-PrO0f
county, author of the bill, believes
that the new act makes his bill in
iunction-proof, and that there will
now be no obstacles in the way of
It's enforcement.
The bill creating a state auditing
department., with instructions to
check all departments and institu-
tons supported by the state, is also
expected to be q great benefit,
through curbing expenditures and
working out a regular budget system
.or the various branches of the gov
srnment.-
Governor Walker has not init
mated his probable selections for the
positions of state revenue commits
sioner and state auditor created by
The new bills. The governor was
given the power to appoint both Of
sicials, and also to approve the selec-
lion of their assistants.
Congressman Gordon Lee Satur-
day wired the governor, congratulate
Ing him and the legislature on the
enactment of the revenue depart
nent bill, and suggesting the ap.
pointment of John NJ. Vandiver, of
Rome, as the commissioner. The
name of H. Il. DeJarnette, of Eaton
ton, also has been suggested for this
position.
Doziers Name Mentioned
The name of James Dozier, of
Athens, has been suggested for the
position of Statv auditor, as we'll as
Tor state revenue commissioner. Mr..
Dozier is a close personal friend of
Governor Walker.
The two new positions pay $4,000
each, and travelling expenses. The
state auditor has the appointment of
Two examiners at $1,000 each, while
he revenue commissioner has au-
Ihorlty to appoint field agents at
salaries not to exceed 5000 a month.
travelling expenses are allowed in
both departments.
+. L. McCutchen, state superin.
tendent of printing, said Saturday
that he has already received bids for
printing tie stamps to be affixed
TO cigars E4d cigarettes, and can get
the STAMP delivered before the law
becomes effective January l. The
design approved by the comptroller
general bears the state seal as a
centerpiece, with stalks of tobacco
on each side. An order will be placed
Tor 100000 stamps, of seven de-
nominations.
CarsWell and Neill Satisfied
President George H. CarswelI. of
the senate, and Speaker w. Cecil
Neill, of the house of representatives,
were at the capitol Saturday, closing
up their personal affairs. prepare.
tory to returning to their homes.