Donald's Decision

"WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. - The Treasury and the House of Representatives found themselves in sharp disagreement today on the value of Donald Duck as a promoter of prompt income tax payments.

"Ratifying an action tentatively last Friday, the house defeated, 259 to 112, an appropriation of $80,000 to pay for a Donald Duck movie, now being shown in theaters throughout the country. It is designed to make people cheerful about their income taxes. Half the $80,000 was to reimburse Walt Disney for production expenses and the other half to pay for prints. Several representatives criticized the movie as unnecessary.

"Secretary Morgenthau, speaking at a press conference, commented: ' I still think the Donald Duck was one of the best investments the treasury ever made. If I had to do it over again, I would repeat it.'"

(Associated Press, "Morganthau Praises Donald Duck Film," The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Wednesday 11 February 1942, Volume 48, page 14.)

Edited from Self Control (1938)