The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-03-08
7 AK RAISE
SEMI
PLAN
BIanton Tacks Amendment
Aimed at 6O-4O Ratio on
Park Bill.

An attempt to upset the fiscal
relations between the District and
Federal governments marked a
turbulent meeting of the House
District Committee today.
The committee ordered a favor
able report on the teachers salary
bill, providing substantial pay
increases all along the line. A
minority report on the teachers
bill will be filed by Congressman
Thomas L. Blanton of Texas.
Would Raise Taxes.
The fiscal relationship provision
was tackled on the Zihlman bill pro-
viding for extension of the District
park system, through Blanton's eff
forts. The Blanton amendment
would abolish the 6O-4O plan of
raising revenues and would raise
the tax rate from $1.2O on the
hundred to $3.50.
The amendment provides that the
increased tax shall be collected
''from residents of the District Of
Columbia" This amendment, it
was pointed out, would exempt from
taxation hundreds of persons now
in the District who maintain their
legal residence in other parts of
the country.
Assessments under the new tax
plan are to be made at full value
and all expenses of the District are
RI 10 anf Al.
funds. In case the amount raised
by this tax is not sufficient addi-
tional funds shall be paid by the
United States.
Members of the District Commit
tee pointed out, however, that under
this arrangement the entire burden
would be thrown upon residents of
the District and there would be
absolutely no assurance of assist.
ance from Congress.
Opposition to Plan.
The amendment met a storm of
opposition in the full committee,
which agreed to adjourn until 8
o'clock tonight to thrash out the
matter. Attempts to raise a point
OF order against the amendment
were made, but no definite action
was taken.
The amendment undoubtedly will
be killed by practically unanimous
vote. Committee members were in.
dignant at the attempt to make
the Park bill a vehicle for such a
sweeping amendment.
Congressman Frederick N. Zihl.
man of Maryland, acting chairman
OF the committee, indicated that he
would sustain point of order
against the amendment.
''The fiscal relationship between
the District and the Federal Gov.
eminent is now a matter Of or.
ganic law" Zihlman stated, land
this feature has no place in this
bill"
The Park bill provides for appro.
priations totaling $4,000 for pur.
chase Of sites in Klingle Ford val.
ley. Piney Branch valley, and the
Patterson tract. The committee
possibly will report the bill favor.
ably II the Blanton amendment is
voted down.
BlantOn Against School Bill.
The only opposition to the teach.
ers' salary bill was raised by Blan.
attitude by other members Of the
committee. Blanton's was the only
voice raised in opposition on the
vote to report the bill to the House.
He announced his intention Of filing
minority report.
The only objection to the bill was
raised over the item providing a
$4,000 a year salary for the super,
intendent Of schools.
Blanton pointed out that the
present salary Is now $4,000. though
appropriations for $4,000 have been
made for the past few years.
He favored a cut from $4,000 to
$500.
A number Of members spoke in
favor Of the $4,000 salary. A strong
plea for this amount was made by
Congressman William G. Hammer OF
North Carolina, who told the com.
mittee that cities less than one.
fourth the size Of Washington in his
State paid their school heads SIC, 900
Amendment Is Lost.
eAis salary below $4,000 we are
making a grave mistake" Hammer
stated. 1.-THE only opposition tC
the $4,000 salary feature will como
from Congressman representing the
poor country districts. We must
look at this thing from broader
angle"
The Blanton amendment to cut
the salary was voted down by j
largo majority.
was designated to make the report