The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-07-15
Commissioners to Fight lump
Sum Scheme Of Congress
BY BILL PRICE.

The Commissioners ANNOUNCE their emphatic purpose to
kfpht the lump sum scheme Ot Federal participation IN
HE upkeep 81 the National Capital
These municipal offcia preparing the estimates
10 District needs for the next fiscal year These estimates
must run the gauntlet q the Budget Bureau and then Of
Congress- when that body again assemblies il December
The Budget Bureau displays broader comprehension Of
HE necessities Of this city than does the House the ApprO
briations Committee Of which dominated By set Ot
who have shown manifest hostility tO the people 81 the Dis
c for some years past This clique has succeeded IL twice
Dyernng satisfactory fiscal relations that existed between
Tie Federal and District governments relations which were
aimed at making Washington the ideal city 81 ideal nation
The same House combination Will control the House Appro
briatiOns Committee IN December The District estimates
must 60 before that committee the subcommittee Of which
81 charge Of District appropriations framed for its known
Intention to impose further burdens upon people
The increased tax rate wchah 70 apply in the present
kCal III November and next Mays going
% Be agreeable o the House bosses who have out N
btiCk this city with higher taxes.
4 i fOregone conclusion that strong fight win be
made in the House this winter during the short session. TO
reduce the amount Of the lump sum portion Of the Fed
al Government during the next fiscal year. + such
Congressman TOM PHANTOM have their way the Fed
kral Government viii pay in practically nothing compared
With District taxpayers despite the fact that the Federal
sendous and upon which i should pay its fair proportion
nnore than just proportion based solely upon property
@ a . ses q :. n1a snss ". nS
Anyhow the District Commissioners and the civic and trade
They afford to stand BY and not be fully prepared
10 resist efforts which will continue for years TO come
increase tax burdens upon local people and relieve
Federal Government Of its obligations in this Federal City
The important trade and civic bodies Of Washington should
be alive TO the situation and be prepared to combat fool
ideas in the House with indputabe outstanding show
ing that the tax rates in the District are all things considered
pquaI to those in most American cities
Even the tax rate here, when subjected to careful
parsons is slightly lower than American cities 81 similar
sire and wealth it due to the wise policies Of Congress
the past in keeping the District cash basis and not load
ing this city with heavy bonded Indebtedness An immense
portion Of the taxes collected in most American cities today
goes toward interest payments upon bonded debt incurred
IA municipal improvements much Of the money Of which was
squandered in favOrs shown political bosses and their
followers.
The District virtually has bonded debt Il has been
wiped out by sinking fund processes Expenses for the
maintenance Of this city being paid il cash For this
favorable situation thank the policies Of Congress
the past We especially thank the Senate whose mem
bes have always looked upon Washington belonging to the
whole nation and as deserving Of special fiscal confederation
that the people Of the nation may be Justly able boast
their Capital City The Senate has steadily insisted for
many years past that the Federal Government shall con-
tribute literally toward the upkeep Of Washington That
q nOtthe House idea now, at least