Evening star., 1924-11-06
Editors Condemn, Demand
Ban on Publication of Taxes

wholly indefensible," "mischiev-
Gus abuse" and contrary to sound
public policy" are some OF the terms
used in expressing the almost unan-
imous editorial view of the situation
which made possible newspaper pub
lication of Federal income tax re-
turns. There are differences of
opinion concerning the part played
by the Treasury Department in car
rying out. while legal aspects were
in doubt. the provision of the revenue
law providing for public inspection
of the returns, but the demand for
clarifying action is general and in
sistent.
THE confusion that has resulted is
such as might be expected from law
of this character" in the opinion OF
the Buffalo News (Republican). " hich
believes cit is as careless in its pro-
vision as it is obnoxious in its pur-
pose, and the sooner it is expunged
the better it will be for the coun-
try-the better for everybody but the
demagogues" Until the courts can
interpret the publicity of the law. the
Cleveland Plain Dealer independent
Democrat), declares 1.-The Treasury
ought to place an Interpretation upon
them which will have application
throughout the entire country. and
then, in December, irrespective of the
courts decision. Congress should close
the tax records to the morbidly Curl
GUS in language which cannot possi-
bly, be misunderstood" The Albany
News Independent Republican,,
agrees: There is absolutely no e&-
cuse for the law. 1t should not re-
main. 1t is a violation of the rights
of citizens to privacy. Moreover,
tax payments may give wrong i'm
pressions. The only way out Is to
repeal the law"
Referring to the report that Presi-
dent Coolidge and Mr.. Mellon will
recommend the repeal to CONGRESS
the Chicago Daily News Independently
insists "such a recommendation should
be made and should be pushed with
all possible vigor and resolution" be-
cause there is no necessity for or
propriety in such tax publicity, which
is favored principally by the curious
the idle and the malicious.
= X X
Publicity. suggests the San Francis
co Bulletin independently. may be
all very well for financial magnates
and motion picture artists, but 1t is
fraught with unpleasant possibilities
for those of smaller incomes, because
it encourages gossip and petty spite
and scandal. and may even be fruit
full of blackmail." Since the amount
paid in income tax is not necessarily
an accurate gauge of his income, the
Hartford Times independent Demo
crat) adds, the publicity provision
can lead to all sorts Of unfair as
sumptions and the pettiest sort Of
gossip" The Philadelphia Bulletin
independent Republican, also is sure
the law "opens the door for abuses,
the realization of which should bring
about its appeal"
The whole idea of making public
income tax returns is repugnant
to the average American" insists
the Birmingham News independent
Democrat). What he makes is his
own business. How many of US want
our neighbors to know how much or
how little we make? That is GER
tainly a matter for our own pride or
shame, and we are entitled to hide 1t
| away from prying eyes" The Balti-
more Sun Independently holds: The
whole business is humiliaung to
right thinking people. 1t is posi-
| tive damage to thousands of busi-
| nesses and 1t subjects hundreds OF
thousands of good citizens to un-
necessary and often harmful disclos-
| ure of matters that do not concern
the public. After the first thirst to
crafty an unwholesome curiosity Is