The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-01-28
A spicy speech ON the 1neeme Tax.

In the United States Senate THURSDAY J
Mr.. Howell said: I think we have had
the verdict of the people at large on this
question already. j do not like to come
after Senator rise upon this floor, In the
face of that verdict Of the people, duly re-
corded, and tell us that the people demand,
that the people are clamorous for the re-
peal Of the income tax. / deny it a, toto.
deny that the slightest evidence fthe de-
mand Of the people Of the country at large
can he produced in favor OF the repeal of
this income tax. 1t is monstrous to assume
it. We have no petitions here coming from
the people at large; we have no expressions
Of the people ut large in State conventions,
In State Legislatures, or in public meetings
Of any number or Responsibility. Then how
are we advised Of this demand Of the peo-
pie Of the country for the repeal Of the in-
come tax? How are we impressed or to
be impressed With this demand?
Is 1t possible that the people Of this coun-
try are aroused, and in arms almost, de-
handing the repeal Of this tax. which does
not fall upon them, and which is no burden
whatever to the masses OF the people Of
this country, and which it has been asserted
here over and over again by Senator'S on the
other side, is confined to some fifty thou
sand persons in the country? Are the
masses of the people aroused all over this
country in favor of these fifty thousand,
whose fortunes do not affect the people?
Are they so sympathetic? Do they take it
30 much to heart that these rich men, amply
able to pay taxes, with ample property and
ample income to pay taxes, have to pay
them? deny that the people are so SYM
pathetic. / deny that the people are inn
pressed with the idea that this is an unjust
tax, or an odious tax, or that any consider
able number OF the people have made any
assertion whatever to that effect.
I do believe, I do know. that number Of
the capitalists who pay this tax, and who
ought to pay this tax, and some Others who
ought to pay the tax, but do not; know
that presses in their interest-that news
papers and newspaper companies who
| have their own individual interests at stake,
and who represent these capitalists and
their desires-have.heen clamoring for the
repeal of this tax. ] know that they have
denounced over and over again, in the mass
and individually, Senators and members OF
Congress who insist upon the retention OF
| this income tax. l know that in that way
| those newspapers which circulate through
| out the community, and have very great
influence in the country, have, so far as
their columns are concerned, impressed an
| appearance of such sentiment; but deny
| that the masses Of the people have been at
| all affected by it. I deny that there Is any
public sentiment of the masses Of the peo.
pie anywhere throughout this broad land
in favor of the repeal of this income tax,
! and defy the proof to the contrary. 1t
has not been presented; it cannot be pre-.
| Sented. The whole effort, the whole clam
Or, is in the interest and for the benefit oil
the capitalists who pay, and who ought to
4 this tay and mot mu1p bv the npODle.
| nor in the Interests of the people in any re-
| snart whotavor