Evening star., 1927-10-18
EASTMAN PLEADS
FOR NEW CALENDAR
U. S. Chamber Urged to Con-
slider Change-He Asks
13-Month Year.

WEST BADEN, Ind, october 1S.-
A drastic change in the calendar by
1888 was urged today by George East.
man, Rochester, n. Y, camera manu-
facturer. before the United States
Chamber Of Commerce.
Mr.. Eastman advocated an inter.
national conference to decide:
ID. Whether the calendar should
have its weekday names perpetually
fixed to the same dates each year by
the inclusion of an extra Sabbath in
the last week of the year; or whether
the quarters of the year should be
made equal by alternating two months
Of 30 days and one Of 81 days.
t2). Whether 13 equal months of
four complete weeks should be estab.
lished, with a new month between
June and July.
(3. Whether Casters date should
be fixed on Sunday following the pres
ent Sth of April.
az. In which year the simplified
calendar is to begin.
Proposal Is Favored.
"a few sGonths ago, I sent letters
to more than 1000 representative men
in this country" Mr.. Eastman said.
''The response, favoring adoption of a
new calendar, was overwhelmingly
favorable" He added that many large
firms already are using the 13 23-day
periods in their accounting systems.
Such a change should be brought
about by December, 1929, az that is
the last day when changes may be
made for 1888 by the Greenwich and
the United States Naval Observa-
tories" He asked the chamber to give
the subject prompt and earnest
consideration.
"One reason for this IS that It is
a prime requisite for the simplifled
calendar to have January 1 on Sun
day. The first available Sunday as
New Year day comes in 1888, after
which no year Is available until 1889.
Calculations for the astronomical,
tide and other tables are made about
six years in advance by the British,
American, French. German and Span
ish governments. Tn fact, scientists
last month began their calculations
for the year 1893, and can incorpor-
ate them in the simplified calendar
for 1888, provided the international
conference agrees not later than
1929"
Leaders Study Program.
Councillors Of the chamber, hav.
ing had placed before them a pro-
q hand themselves in shaping a plat
form of business.
The suggestions Of Lewis E. Pier.
son, New York. president of the
chamber. for a vigorous stand by the
organization on Federal tax reduction,
Federal control of the Mississippi
flood prevention project and postal
rate revision. were the matter into
which the several hundred council
ors from trade organizations through.
out the country plunged with a view
to making it as nearly compatible
as possible with the views of their
home chambers Of commerce.
While the councillors were going
into Persons program, the resolu-
tions committee drew UP the state.
ments that will epitomize thought of
the four-day session on these and a
score OF other pressing topics Of ma.
tional legislation.
Resolutions committing the cham.
Der to decisive action for reduction Of
the corporation income tax to 10 per
cent, and for maintenance of the Fed
eral Reserve System without basic
change were important items on the
agenda.
The meeting Of directors and coun.
tclors will be brought to a formal close
tonight, but directors will tarry over
tomorrow to complete routine bust.
ness OF the organization.
Tax Report Is Made.
James r. MacColl, Providence, r. T.,
yesterday amplifled Persons state.
ments on tax reduction when he pre-
sented the report OF the Federal tax.
alton committee recommending q
score OF specific reforms, among them
reduction Of the corporation income
levy from 1874 to 10 per cent, repeal
or the excise taxes, repeal of the
Federal estate tax, discontinuance OF
the governmental policy of building
up huge surpluses, establishment in
the Bureau Of Internal Revenue of
the classified Civil Service, and mum.
erous changes in existing provisions
for taxing certain special kinds of in.
comes. He also expressed the view
that formal action should be taken
continuing the powers Of the Joint
congressional tax committee.
Lucius r. Teter OF Chicago, pre-.
sented the details Of the postal revi-
sion plan evolved by the committee on
postal service.
Re.establishment of the 1.cent rate
on private mailing cards. removal of
the allegedly discriminatory rates
imposed on magazines and periodicals
and scientific revision Of all postal
rates, with the purpose o fencourag.
ing maximum volume of matter into
the mails with consequent increase
in net postal revenue, was urged. He
asserted that the higher rates now
effective had failed to produce any
more revenue than the old rates would
have produced with normal increase in
volume Of business. and added that
the chief effect Of the larger charges
had been to drive from the mails many
millions Of pounds Of advertising, cir.
cular, magazine, newspaper and sim
liar matter.
Washingtonian Speaks.
Presentation of the report of the
special committee which visited the
Mississippi flood region was accom-.
panied by remarks by Frederick A.
Delano. Washington, d. c., chairman,
to the effect that the committee had
been convinced that complete Federal
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