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Show FIGHTING HIGH GAS TAXES. Though legislatures in ten states succeeded in raising the gasoline tax this year, news dispatches and editorials edi-torials in the nation's newspapers show that the popularity of the levy is on the wane and that the tax is "painless." For the first time in the history of the tax, there was active and widespread opposition to increased rates in many states. The rate was raised only after prolonged and bitter bit-ter battles, and in several states opposition op-position is continuing to show itself through activity for a referendum vote to offset legislative action. The plea of state officials that larger gas receipts are needed, is met by protests from motorists and business men that the time has come for economy econ-omy and efficiency in government, rather than increased expenditures. This should be good news for the harassed motorist, who, in addition to a gas tax of two to six cents a gallon, gal-lon, must likewise pay a personal property tax, a registration fee and a driver's license fee for the privilege of operating his car. Perhaps happier days are ahead in which he -will not have to face the appirition of stil! higher taxes. |