Evening star., 1942-08-12

was far in excess of that necessary
to carry on the essential work of
the university.
ITO permit of such exemptions is
entirely inequitable to the general
taxpayer. Likewise. the Commits
sioners have found that exemptions
have been enormously made
through misinterpretation of the
exemption statutes.
Commissioners Recommended ton.
Having concluded that the ne
cessity exists for a change in the
present exemption statutes, the
Commissioners have given consid-
Grafton to the form such laws should
take. Keeping before them the need
for revenue to carry on the affairs
Of the local government, due equity
to the classes of organizations
which should be the subject of ex-
emption, and finally to see to it
that exemptions are not granted to
the extent of placing undue burden
on the taxpayers. With this prom
Use in mind, the Commissioners feel
that there should be as many gen.
eral classifications as reason and
equity dictate and as are susceptible
of definite Interpretation and prac-
ticable administration
ut may we'll be that in your con-
sideration of this general subject
you may determine that this or
that particular property would not,
under a certain proposed bill, be
exempt, and that it is your opinion
that it should be exempt.
ITO illustrate, you might conclude
that certain educational institu-
ton, which does not come within
the exemption spelled out in Senate
bill 2673, should be exempt from
the payment of tax If such be the
case, then it is our earnest request
that you do SO by specific Language,
spelling out the property to be
exempt. rather than attempt to put
the same into general classifica-
tion which would permit of interpre-
tation which would either let in
many unworthy cases or bring about
continued litigation which, if sue
cessful, would result in an inequity
being done to the general taxpayer.
The work of the Real Estate Tax
Exemption Board, so far as proper
ties which have been exempted are
concerned, has been completed"
Ba. Backs Proposal.
Paul V. Cromelin, president of the
District Bar Association. presented
Edmund D. Campbell, chairman of a
special committee that studied the
problem and<approved the McCar-
ran bill in neral Mr.. Campbell
indicated a ment with the view
of District ais that it would be
better to e by name worthy
agencies not Fred by the bill than
to include nany broad defini-
tions. ...- .....-
A plea for Inclusion OF language
to exempt, non-profit character
building amncies was presented by
Edward Senblum and David
Wiener q Washington Jewish
Commun TER. They suggested
the defini charitable institu-
tions be u to include agen-
c1es work the moral, mental
and phys provement of men
women al uren."
! The commNtee recessed until Fri
day, when the large universities will
be heard. along with the Commu
nifty Chest and the Council of So
cial Agencies. Saturday was sci
aside for hospitals, Monday fol-
churches and Tuesday for educa,
tional and scientific institutions not
heard with the universities thi.
week. Senator McCarran said hi
wanted to hear all groups affected
| by the bill.
Caution Is Advised.
The Commissioners told the com
mittee the question of tax exemp'
ton is Of greater significance to th'
District government than to tht
ordinary community, because. as the
National Capital. 1t contains large