The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-11-06
WASHINGTON LETTER

Washington, Nov. with the
elections over, and explanations in
order from all quarters, attention of
official Washington is turning to the
publicity features of the income tax
law.
The test suit of the government
against two daily newspapers is of
absorbing interest here because of
its ultimate political effect. While
the publication of certain tax returns
in the daily newspapers here are
wondering what the public reaction
would be to listing the tax returns of
the leading citizens and business
houses in the smaller communities
where civic affairs have more per-
sonal touch. This is feature which
has been discussed quietly in Wash
ington but as yet has not been given
nation wide 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 Con-
gress. If the courts hold that in a
legal sense the intent of Congress to
open the tax books to the public was
clear, whatever repeal or modification
is proposed will bevome exclusively a
legislative matter.
If you live in a rural community
and have often evied the privileges
which are supposedly given to city
jewellers, it may be pleasing to learn
that in this matter at least your views
will carry more weight with legislat-
ors. If you could penetrate the thin
veneer which congressman and gov
eminent executives affect on the
premise that the tax measure is cit
is the lalw of the land,"' it would be
quickly discovered that they are not
at all sure of their position.
Here is the question they are ask
ing in Washington today. "What
would happen if the weekly newspap-
ers published in the smaller commune
ties would print the tax returns of
the leading business men and retired
farmers in their respective districts?
Those who advocate the modifca-
ton or repeal of the publicity pro-
vision of the tax law argue that it's
pernicious effects would be felt
through the community. The people
approving this new departure in the
income tax law contend that the pub
LEGATION of names and amounts of
assessments is the only means of
guarding against fraud and tax-dog-
ing by wealthy people.
The complaints which have reached
the Treasury Department point out
that the policy as laid down in the
present law involves great peril to
the credit and business of the coun-
try. Some have gone so far as to
say that the publication of small re-
turns will weaken the confidence of
investors and the integrity of bust
ness institutions and bring about con-
ditions bordering on panic. Of
course, these are extreme views on
the situation which must be consid-
cred by Congress. It is said that the
printing of tax returns in weekly
newspapers would have a mischiev-
Gus effect in that in the small COM
munities everybody knows everybody
else. The claim is also made that |
there would be strong incentive on
the part of inquisitive persons to re-
tail details of their neighbors taxes
and speculate as to their personal |
honesty and earning power. In large
cities, the neighborly element is new
er as pronounced.
The collector of internal revenue |
in the Washington district has taken |
this factor under consideration in
requiring the publication of names of |
those inquiring about individual re-
turns and listing the reasons for their
vson 11
the taxpayers just who wanted to
bring about retaliation. At best the
situation is very complicated and one
that will require considerable study
by Congress.
Visitors always ask about what
notables do with their spare time and
how they manage to keep their health
in the press of official business,
luncheons, dinners, and speech-mak-
ing. A stroll about Washington dur
ing the early morning hours will con-
vince you that walking is not lost
are despite the cheapness of trans
portation. The early risers will find
President Coolidge walking briskly
around the pathways along the Po-
tomac river, or through the business
district gazing in shop windows, ac-
only by a secret service
guard. The President does not play
golf like his distinguished predeces-
tors, Harding and Taft, and walking
8 practically his only exercise and
diversion as he is not enthusiastic
,yer theatres. The late President
Wilson was an enthusiastic vaude-
lille fan.
Mrs. Coolidge is also an ardent
pedestrian. But she prefers q more
gait and unless she has
hopping in view, which she usually
Ices on foot, her pmodenades are
likely to be along the Potomac, or in |
he woods in the course of q motor
ide in the country. Mrs. Coolidge's