News In Brief

Elite D.C.-area club denied tax break over membership Penalty sought on guardsmen in unofficial fighting abroad

A judge ruled Thursday that the exclusive Burning Tree Club, an all-male bastion for the elite of Washington, could not receive $150,000 in tax benefits because of its discriminatory practices.

Burning Tree, with a $12,000 initiation fee and more than $1,700 in annual dues, for more than half a century has been an all-male club of the rich and powerful. Its membership has included presidents, members of Congress, and Supreme Court justices. President Ford frequently played golf there.

Members of the National Guard and military reserves who participate in unofficial military ventures in other nations could be imprisoned for two years and fined up to $5,000 under a bill introduced Thursday in the House.

Rep. G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery (D) of Mississippi drafted the measure after two Americans, one a captain in the Alabama National Guard, were killed in Nicaragua while flying a helicopter during an operation by antigovernment guerrillas. Mr. Montgomery said that he has long supported covert actions by the government but that reservists have no business becoming involved.

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to News In Brief
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0914/091407.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe