The Washington times., 1937-05-14
HAzEN ASSAILS
JACOBS DATA
ON DISTRICT
By A. J. DRISCOLL
Citizens Associations Editor

SNSN~-N-
It cost washington $4,000 to
obtain the Jacobs Committee re-
port, which crucified the District,
Commissioner Melvin c. Hazen
told members Of The Washington
ians at the final meeting Of the
year last night at the Brighton
Hotel.
The report, he said, recon-
mended a Federal payment to the
District of 100000 for services
rendered, in lieu of a lump sum
appropriation, when survey
showed a more equitable amount
would be at least $12,000,0 900.
Minces No Words
With Federal and privately
owned property, which constitutes
about 40 per cent of the taxable
area of the District. exempt from
taxation, how can only 60 per cent
Of the taxable property be ex-
pected, he argued, to help build
and maintain the Capital of the
greatest nation in ths world. He
continued:
eve have a weII-governed
city, but many things may be
done to improve it. and that
was the reason for the selection
Of a committee of taxpayers to
make a comprehensive study,
and make such recommended
tons to the Commissioners as
deemed necessary"
He explained a five-point
formula, that is being considered
by the Commissioners, to meet a
deficit of 100000 in the 1888
District supply bill, which include
an increase in the gasoline tax, a
weight tax on motor vehicles, an
inheritance tax, an increase in the
business tax and an income tax.
The two latter, he said, should be
considered together as they go
hand in hand.
Henry I. Quinn, president OF
the District Bar Association, and
member OF the Board Of Educa-
ton, another guest speaker, said
the way money is being wasted
by filling positions, for which
there IS no real demand, by the
time we are ready to die, there
will be but little left for anyone
to inherit.
He recalled many demands
made for increased school facil-
tiles which are usually 100 per
cent Just and necessary, but when
an increase in taxation becomes
necessary to meet those requests
he said that was another story.
One reform, he said, which may
well be considered in reducing Dis
trict expenditures, would be to
place the office Of Recorder OF
Deeds directly under the Board
Of Commissioners, and combine 1t
with the surveyors office, which
maintains a complete record Of all
property within the District. ..
Back Randolph Bill
Thomas E. Lodge, president Of
the Federation of Citizens AsSo-
Citations, the last speaker, urged
Q closer contact with new Con.
greSsmen in order that they may
obtain a clearer understanding OF
local problems, and urged support
Of police boys clubs, as a means
Of reducing juvenile delinquency.
During the business session, in
dorSement was given a bill by Rep
reSentative Jennings w. Randolph,
providing for the election of dele
gates to represent the District at
national political conventions.
The association deplored the &C
ton Of the Board of Public Wei
fare, in appointing an outsider as
superintendent of penal institu-
lions Of the District, and urged
that in the event the appointee
does not accept the office, that
it be given Col. w. L. Peak, super
intendent Of Lawton reformatory.
Resolutions were adopted, call
ing upon the Commissioners to
demand payment from the Fed
eral Government for a District
owned building at 458 Indiana
Ave-, now occupied by the U. S.
Marine Reserves.
Miss Taggart Elected
Election of officers resulted in
Miss Eta L. Taggart being chosen
president, Amelia MacFadyen,
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