Evening star., 1928-03-01
Abandon Lump.Sum Experiment.

The ;urp-sum appropriation practice
should be abandoned, and the definite
proportion payment plan. on the so-4o
ratio, in accordance with the substan-
tive law of 1922. should be automatical-
" restored. for many reasons.
The lump-sum payment plan is un-
sound and vicious in principle when
applied to the peculiar relations OF
national and local partners In the Ma
tional Capital partnership.
1t destroys the unrepresented impotent
partners safeguard against excessive
and unjust eXaction of contributions
for Capital upbuilding by the ALL
powerful national partner.
It teaches false and hurtful theory
concerning the relation of Nation to
Capital 1t ob.rudes annually upon the
attention of Congress the suggestion of
q large cash donation to the Capital, as
II the primary obligation of National
City upbuilding were upon the local
taxpayers and the Nation were only
an incidental contributor, a voluntary
and benevolent donor. AS long as all
the assets and revenues Of the nationa,
and local joint contributors toward
Capital upbuilding are in the hands of
the national joint contributor, and as
long as all decisions concerning the
amount to be paid by the joint contrib
uiors respectively and concerning the
expenditure OF the joint revenue are to
be made by the national contributor,
the latter must, in equity, and will In
fact bear the primary responsibility
OF Capital upbuilding. and the local
taxpayers will be recognized in their
true relation as merely incidental con-
tri5utors of tax money. not fixed In
amount by themselves. but exacted at
the pleasure of the other joint con-
tributor. Since all the taxing power
remains in the hands Of the national
partner, no limitation upon the
amour: Of national payment Is re-
cuired but the seN-imposed limitation
upon the amount to be exacted from
the inpotent partner is essential.
1t taints with unfairness or bad
faith nearly every understanding or
transaction which it touches. For ex-
ample: % Born under the auspices of
the Holman rule. it causes that rule to
facilitate reputation Of legal and Just
obligations and to invite and tempt TO
such reputation: (2) In appropriation
Of the Districts accumulated tax sur
plus 1t caused only manned, crippled
and half-portion equity to be done:
f3) In appropriations for Park Commits
ston uses il turns an intended and ex-
pected blessing into a curse; H) It
paralyzes all great proposed improve
nents and loans for such improvements
BY creating reasonable distrust whether
the national partner viii not exact
every cent OF payment for primarily
national or semi-national projects from
the inpotent local partner. the District
taxpayer: ts) it taints with bad faith
and nurtful injustice the new organic
act Of 1922. and (e) It has caused by
It's vicious influence the final appropria-
iion for the parkway connection be-
tween Potomac and Rock Greek Parks
10 be made solely from District tax
money In violation OF every principle
Of equity.
There are 10 offset.ing benefits 10
the 'njuS'ices inflicted by the lump-sum
payment practice. All the predictions
OF evil concerning i. have been 100 Der
cent fulfilled. Not one Of the benefits
promised for it has been enjoyed.