The Tithe that Grinds

TAX (taks), v.t. [OF. taxer, fr. L. taxare to touch sharply.] --Webster's

From Washington last week came the touching news that U.S. taxpayers had been touched, in fiscal 1956, to the sharp tune of $75.1 billion--13% more than the $66.3 billion they paid in federal taxes the year before. Naturally, said Internal Revenue Commissioner Russell C. Harrington, the increase could be attributed largely to higher levels of personal and corporate income, a fact from which few could recoil or take comfort.

Ever aware of the necessity to make taxpaying as painless as possible,* the I.R.S. also announced a new timesaving device. Taxpayers need no longer make out their checks to "District Director of Internal Revenue." Suggests the bureau: just write "Internal Revenue Service," and save untold molecules of ink.

*In passing, Internal Revenue's Bulletin made it clear that just because Sanitary Farms Dairy, Inc. of Erie, Pa. won a deduction for the cost of an African safari for business purposes, "taxpayers are cautioned" to make certain that any future African safaris had better be strictly business before the pith helmets are purchased, else expenses will not be deductible for tax purposes.

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