January 27: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
ON THIS DAY IN 1895, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “The machinery of the internal revenue department, relative to the collection of the income tax, was set in motion yesterday afternoon. On Friday the small books of instructions on the tax law were received and at noon Saturday the blank statements or returns to be filled out and filed also arrived. Before 1 o’clock the first income tax return was filed with the collector, and the work, so far as this district is concerned, was actually begun. These blanks are now ready for distribution and may be had upon application at the internal revenue department, on the second floor of the post office building. Already the collector has received a large number of requests for blanks, which will be answered on Monday. The blank is very explicit, both in regard to instructions and queries.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1929, the Eagle reported, “MEXICO CITY, JAN. 26 (AP) — Efforts by the United States to limit immigration from Mexico have dovetailed with the Mexican Government’s own vigorous campaign to stem the northward flow of citizens. The recent wholesale exodus of Mexican citizens has created a grave problem. In calling the matter to the attention of his cabinet, President Portes Gil pointed out that emigration of Mexicans is no more desirable to Mexico than it is to the country of their destination. He outlined a plan for stemming the outflow, and various of the government departments have set to work on the project. The president penetrated directly to the roots of the problem and found that lack of employment on this side of the Rio Grande is its principal cause. He gave orders that the cause by combated. It is hoped that by creating new industries and rearranging the tariffs so as to give Mexican production a maximum protection, the field for employment will be greatly expanded.”