Evening star., 1939-02-08
Randolph |ndorses
D. T.. Sales Tax in
Civic Talk
Tells Columbia Heights
Citizens of Merit in
Overton Plan, Also

"Unequivocally indorsing" sales
tax for the District of Columbia,
Representative Randolph, chairman
of the House District Committee,
last night told members Of the Co.
lumbia Heights Citizens Associa-
ton such levy was the only fair
and equitable tax affecting visitors
and residents of the city alike.
"Under such a tax" Mr.. Randolph
declared, even Representatives and
Senators would directly contribute
each day they are here to the Dis
trict's revenue"
He recalled that when a similar
levy was introduced in West Vir-
ginia 80 per cent of the citizens OF
the State opposed it. But today it
is supported by at least that number
and the State debt has changed to
a surplus" he continued.
Mr.. Randolph also favored the
Overton plan which bases the Fed
eral Governments contribution
toward District expenses on land in
the District used by the United
States Government
Sees Merit in Plan.
THE Overton plan has much mer-
it," he stated. 1T is one that forms
basis for fair taxation on the resi-
dents of this city. I believe it to 0e
very equitable one"
Turning to topics for discussion
suggested by members of the asso-
citation, the West Virginian described
slum conditions in the alleys of the
National Capital as breeding grounds
of disease. He praised Mrs. Frank
lin D. Roosevelt for her attempts to
aid in bettering the living condl-
tions of many Washington residents.
He said increasing thought should
be given to putting the District of
Columbia in order in the matter of
substandard living conditions.
In answer to questions concerning
the traffic problem in the city, Mr.
Randolph suggested subways as
possible solution. He said the prob
lem will be discussed more thorough
ly by a special traffic subcommittee
of the District Committee to be ap-
pointed soon.
Urge Suffrage for d. c.
The association unanimously ap-
proved the favorable report of A. B.
Carty, chairman of the Taxation
Committee, on the Griffenhagen
report on District government re-
organization, with the following two
provisions:
l. That the reorganization plan in
clude national suffrage, which
should be the inherent right of
every American"
2. That the plan include District
suffrage. so that residents of Wash
ington shall have the privilege of
voting for the officials who shall
administer the government of the
District
In accordance with Mr.. Randolph's
advocacy of the Overton plan, the
group Endorsed the measure.
The following committee was ap-
pointed by Col. Luther R. Maddox
president, to study the report:
George H. Brown, Mr.. Carly, Mrs.
Ernest Howard, DR.. A. V. Smith,
w. I. Swanton, Miss Lillian Cheno-
Weth and Col. Maddox.
The association reaffirmed its
stand for payment of tuition by
students attending schools of the
District of Columbia whose parents
are non-residents of the District.
An additional appropriation for
the Street Cleaning Department was
asked by the group, which also
urged strict enforcement of the city
ordinance prohibiting littering the
streets.
The association Endorsed Repre-
sentative Rankin's bill proposing the
setting up of a Potomac Valley
Authority hydroelectric project
An appropriation providing for a
more adequate force for Gallinger
Hospital was urged by the associa-
ton