Bettman ex rel. Tax Comm v. American Missionary Ass'n
Bettman ex rel. Tax Comm v. American Missionary Ass'n
Opinion of the Court
We think we may most directly approach the real issue in the case and matters complained of as constituting error in this case by referring to the contentions of the Tax Commission as presented in its brief. They are as follows:
1st. That the American Missionary Association is not a public institution of learning as defined in §5334, GC.
2nd. That said Association, with respect to its educational work, is not carrying on said educational work in the State of New York, and that therefore is not “within the State which does not impose, etc.”
3rd. That since the said Association piay use its funds, and specifically the bequest in the present case, for missionary or religious purposes, at the discretion of its Executive Committee, and the proportion used for educational purposes may be reduced to a minimum, the-said institution is not an “institution of learning” as contemplated by §5334 GC.
Proceeding now to a consideration of the first proposition, which reads, as follows: “That the American Missionary Association is not a public institution of learning as defined in §5334 GC”: If it is not such an “institution of learning,” as is defined in §5334, GC, then, of course, the bequest would not be exempt from taxation. This contention is based upon a construction of the language of this section of the Code, and perhaps a recollection of its terms will necessitate again reading from this section:
“The succession to any property passing to or for the use of the State of Ohio, * * * or public institutions of learning within this state * * *”.
Here is recognized an institution of learning within this state as “a public institution”; — or “institutions of learning within any state.” Now, the word “public” is left out;- — “or institutions of learning within any state of the United States which state does not impose an inheritance, estate or transfer tax on property, given, devised or bequeathed by a resident thereof to an institution of learning within this state.” That part of the section which provides for this reciprocity does not use the word "public” as preceding an “institution of learning”. Then follows, “or to or for the use of an institution for purposes only of public charity,” etc. Then we have “charity” defined as “public.” Counsel for plaintiff in error construe this section as being applicable to “institutions of learning” referred to under the law of this State as being public institutions of learning because the preceding clause uses the words “public institutions of learning.” Perhaps some difficulty might have been encountered in construing this section if the word “public” had been used only once, and might then have been construed as applying to all or both of the other purposes. In view of the fact, however, that the section first provides for “public institu
The second proposition stated by plaintiff in error is that “said association, with respect to its educational work, is not carrying on said educational work in the State of New York, and that therefore is not ‘within the State which does not impose’, etc.” Our conclusion upon this proposition is briefly this: that the association has its domicile or its situs in the State of New York, and its rights and privileges, its limitations and duties are imposed according to the law of that state, and that it does not necessarily follow because it is incorporated and domiciled in the state of New York that it must carry on its activities in that state, or any considerable part thereof. As may be perhaps hereafter suggested, the very nature of the organization of this Association, the work which it has attempted and duties which it' has assumed logically carries its activities into other states rather than in the state of New York.
The third proposition is,
“That since the said Association may use its funds, and specifically the bequest in the present case, for missionary or religious purposes, at the discretion of its Executive Committee, and the proportion used for educational purposes may be reduced to a minimum, the said institution is not an “institution of learning” as contemplated by §5334, GC.”
It is asserted in the agreed statement of facts in this case that 85 per cent of the disbursements of this Association are for educational purposes, or for the establishment and maintaining of institutions of learning, and we are not sure after a consideration of this case that it might not properly have been said that even a greater percentage of its earnings might properly be considered as being devoted to the purposes of education. So far as this last claimed error is concerned we do not think that this is an important matter for consideration now and the question as to what may be the conduct of this institution in the future, as to whether it may be able or may desire under its charter, for the accomplishment of its intended purpose, to reduce its expenditures for educational purposes to a minimum and devote them more exclusively to other purposes, is a proposition which does not require a determination at this time. In the future, if this organization should deviate from the beaten path of its recognized and established duty and shall engage in work which may be considered properly as ultra vires or otherwise wrongful, then proper action may be invoked for the purpose of preventing it from straying from the path of rectitude and duty under the provisions of its charter. We think that it is sufficient to deal with and consider this proposition under present conditions. It was suggested a few months ago that perhaps even more than 85 per cent of its disbursements might be considered as educational in their nature. A few months reflection will suggest the thought that there is going on continually now a wonderful progress and development along educational lines. Compare for a moment the little red schoolhouse of a generation or two ago and the limited education that the youth were able to acquire after being compelled to tramp through a mile or two of mud and snow to the school house,
A few moments will be devoted to commenting on some authorities along this line. In the 123 New York Supplement, 443, it is said that the word “educational” as used in this sense is not employed in the narrower or more limited meaning of the word but in its broader sense as the act of developing and cultivating the various physical, intellectual and moral qualities towards the improvement of the body, the mind and the heart.
“A devise of a residuary estate to the City of Yonkers, in trust, to found a trades school under the direction of the board of education and as a part of the school system * * * is a devise to an educational corporation within Tax Law, and is not subject to a transfer tax” — 137 New York Supp., 438.
“The Metropolitan Museum of Art, incorporated * * * for the purpose of establishing and'maintaining a museum and library of art, of encouraging and developing the study of fine arts, and the application of arts to manufacture and practical life, of advancing the knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing popular instruction and recreation” is said to be an “Educational corporation.” 113 New York Supp. 948.
In the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in the case of Mt. Hermon Boys’ School v Town of Gill, it is said:
“Education is a broad and comprehensive term. It has been defined as ‘the process of developing and training the powers and capabilities of human beings.’ To educate, according to one of Webster’s definitions, is ‘to prepare and fit for any calling or business, or for activity and usefulness in life.’ Education may be particularly directed to either the mental, moral, or physical powers and faculties, but in its broadest and best sense it relates to them all.” 13 NE 354.
Another quoted definition:
“Education includes moral as well as physical instruction. In its broadest sense, the word “Education” comprehends not merely the,instruction received at school or college, but the whole course of training, moral, intellectual and physical.” Academy v Mezger, 90 N. Y. Supp., 488.’
It seems that activities such as to make the people better nourished physically and give a better appreciation of morals, tend to give them ability to acquire a better education and it all tends to lessen crime and immorality to a great extent.
It is sufficient to say in conclusion that it is the opinion of this court that none of
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.