Milford chronicle., 1924-11-07
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
By National Editorial Association
Special to Milford Chronicle

publicity features of the income tax law
] The test suit of the government against tw
e daily newspapers is of absorbing interest her
because of its ultimate political effect Will
T the publication of certain tax returns in tn
daily newspapers excited the readers of the bi,
cities for few days, those concerned over ta1
matters here are wondering what the public re-
action would be to listing the tax returns of the
leading citizens and business houses in the
smaller communities where civic affairs have a
more personal touch. This is a feature which
has been discussed quietly in Washington but as
yet has not been given nationwide circulation
At present the question of making tax returns
public is not partisan question as it affects all
classes of political thought. The final determi-
nation of the new issue undoubtedly rests with
the courts and the Congress. If the courts hold
that in legal sense the intent of Congress to
open the tax books to the public was clear
whatever repeal or modification is proposed will
become exclusively a legislative matter.
If you live in rural community and have
often enVied the privileges which are supposed
ly given to city dwellers, it may be pleasing to
learn that in this matter at least your views will
carry more weight with legislators. If you could
penetrate the thin veneer which congressman
and government executives affect on the premise
that the tax measure is 'it is the law of the
land" it would be quickly discovered that they
are not at all sure Of their position.
Here is the question they are asking in Wash
ington today. What would happen if the week.
ly newspapers published in the smaller commun-
tiles would print the tax returns of the leading
business men and retired farmers in their re-
spective dstricts?"
Those who advocate the modification or re-
peal of the publicity provision of the tax law
argue that its pernicious effects would be felt
throughout the community. The people approV-
ing this new departure in the income tax law
contend that the publication of names and
amounts of assessments is the only means Of
guarding against fraud and tax-dodging by
wealthy people.
The complaints which have reached the Treas
ury Department point out that the policy as laid
down in the present law involves a great peril
to the credit and business of the country. Some
have gone so far as to say that the publication
of small returns will weaken the confidence of
investors and the integrity of business institu-
tiOpa and bring about conditions bordering on
panic. Of course, these are extreme views on the
situation which must be considered by Congress !
1t is said that the printing of tax returns in
weekly newspapers would have a mischievous
effect in that in the small communities every
body know everybody else. The claim is also !
made that there would be a strong incentive on
The part Of inquisitive persons to retail details
Of their neighbors taxes and speculate as to
heir personal honesty and earning power. In
arge cities, the neighborly element is never as
The collector of internal revenue in the Wash
ngton district has taken this factor under con-
liberation in requiring the publication of names
f those inquiring about individual returns and
istng the reasons for their request This
Method would show the taxpayers just who
yanted to know about their private affairs and
ring about retaliation. At best the situation is
cry complicated and one that will require con-
derable study by Congress.
Visitors always ask about what notable do
ith their spare time and how they manage to
eep their health in the press of official bust
ess, luncheons, dinners and speech-making. A
roll about Washington during the early NOR
ng hours will convince you that walking is
1t lost art despite the cheapness of transpor-
ton. The early risers will find President Cool
ge walking briskly around the pathways along
. IOLOudC 1S4FSIS Tue BUSINESS us
let gazing in shop windows, accompanied only
a secret service guard. The President does
t play golf like his distinguished predecessors,
lrding, Wilson and Taft, and walking is prac-
ally his only exercise and diversion as he is
t enthusiastic over theatres. The late Presi-
Mt Wilson was an enthusiastic vaudeville fan.
Mrs Coolidge is also an ardent pedestrian.
It she prefers more leisurely gait and un-
IS she has shopping in view, which she usual
does on foot, her promenades are likely to be
ing the Potomac, OF in the woods in the course R
a motor ride in the country. Mrs. COolidges
,ort is TALL MISUNDERSTANDING secret s
vice man who was selected by the First Lady
the Land for this detail when she entered the
lite House. The President is usually ready
his walk about six o'clock in the morning,
old New England habit prevailing His Office 0
lrs, however, do not begin until nine o'clock.
'hief Justice Taft is also pedestrian and in
weather usually walks from his home to the III
)itol where the Supreme Court is located, a.
lance of nearly two miles. The late President III
1sevelt was perhaps the most energetic of q
eff Executives He usually left the Executive p
nsion on horseback, and, dismounting at y
lie stop outside of the city limits with a COM N
ion or two, would tramp for miles through lO
woods and open country. Mr.. Roosevelt was M
rial for the secret service men assigned to IN
I'd him, because he took keen delight in 81
aping from the White House at an early liz