Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1886-08-14
BOGUS BUTTER BILL.
Is Approved by the Presidsnt-Tsst Of His
Message.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, Aug. 3.-To the
house of representatives: | have this day
approved bill originating in the house OF
representatives, entitled AN act defining
butter; also imposing tax upon and regu-
lating the manufacture, sale, importation
and expectation of oleOmargarine.'
This legislation has awakened much in
terest among the people ofthe country, and
earnest argument has been addressed to the
executive for the purpose of influencing his
action thereupon. Many in opposition
have urged its dangerous character as tend
ing to break down the boundaries between
the proper exercise of legislative power by
federal and state authority; many i'll favor
of the enactment having represented that
it promised great advantages to a large
portion of our population who sadly need
relief; and those on both sides of the ques-
tion whose advocacy or opposition is based
upon no broader foundation than local or
personal interest have outnumbered all the
others.
This upon it's face and it's main features
il a revenue bill and was first introduced in
the house OF representative, wherein the
constitution declares that all bills for reve-
nue. shall originate. The constitution has
invested congress with very
wide legislative discretion both as to the
necessity oftaxation and the selection ofthe
objects OF its burdens. And though if the
question was presented to me asan original
proposition might doubt the present need
of increased taxation. deem il my duty,
in this instance to defer to the Judgment of
the legislative branch OF the government,
which has been SO emphatically announced
in both houses oil congress upon the passage
OF this bill. Moreover, those who desire to
see removed the weight of taxation now
L. al hnr al
tions may well be justified in the hope and
expectation that the selection of an addi-
tiOnal subject of internal taxation so well
able to bear it, will in consistency be fol
lowed by legislation relieving our citizens
| from other revenue burdens rendered by the
passage Of this bill even more than hereto
| fore unnecessary and needlessly oppressive.
Ii has been urged as an objection to this
measure thatiwhile purporting to be legis-
lation for revenue, it's real purpose IL to de-
stroy, by the use of the taxing power, one
industry of our people for the protection
and benefit of another. II entitled to in
dulge in such a suspicion as a basis OF Off
| cial action in this case, and il entirely sat
| isfied that the consequences indicated would
| ensue should doubtless feel constrained to
| interpose executive dissent. But | do not
| feel called upon to interpret the motives ol
| congress otherwise than by the apparent
character of the bill, which has been pre-
| sented to me, and am convinced that the
taxes which it creates cannot possibly de-
stroy the open and legitimate manufacture
and sale Of the thing upon which they are
| levied. III this article has the merit which
| it's friends claim for it, and if the people 81
| the land with full knowledge ofits character
desire to purchase and use it, the taxes en-
acted by this bill will permit a fair profit tc
both manufacturer and dealer. II the ex
| istence of the commodity taxed and the
profits of it's manufacture and sale depend
upon disposing of it to the people for some
thing else which il deceitfully initiates, th'
entire enterprise is fraud and not an IN
dustry; and If it cannot endure the exhlb
ton OF its real character which will be Ell
fected by the inspection, supervision anc
stamping which this bill directs, the sooner
it is destroyed the better, in the interest o
fair dealing.
| Such a result would not furnish the first
instance in the history OF legislation il
which a revenue bill produced benefi
which was merely incidental to its mail
purpose. There is certainly no industr.
better entitled to the incidental advantage
which may follow this legislation than ou
farming and dairy interests and to none o
our people should they be less begrudge'
than our farmers and dairy-men. Th
present depression of their occupations, tn
hard. steady and and remunerative tol
which such occupations exact and the bul
dens of taxation which our agriculturist
, necessarily bear, entitle them to every
, ultimate consideration.
Nor should there be opposition to the II
eidental effect OF this legislation on the par
: OF those who profess to be engaged honestl
and fairly in the manufacture and sale OF
wholesome and valuable article OF fooc
which by its provisions may be subject I
taxation. As long as their business is ca
ried on under cover and by false pretence
| such men have bad companions in thos
= whose manufactures however vile and harm
/ fr1l. take their place without challenge wit
the better sort, in a common crusade OF d
eeit against the public. But il this occup
= = ton and its methods are forced INTO %
light, and all these manufacturers must tn!
Q either stand upon their merits or fan, q
good and bad must soon part company, AZ
the fttest only will survive.
; Not the least important incident rslat'
: M this legislation is the defence afforded
y the consumer against the fraudulent subs
tuition and sale of an imitation for gen
inc article of food of very general househo
y use Notwithsta anding the immense qua
3 tity of the article described in this b
which il sold TO the people for their co
sumption az food, and notwithstanding I
T claim made that it's manufacture suPp1es
- cheap substitute for butter, L venture
say that hardly pound ever entered
ie poor mans house under Its real name a
y in its true character.
n While in it's relation to an article OF u
II, description there should be no governmei
"a al regulation of what the citizen shall ct
o. it is certainly not a cause of regret Il by
islation Of this character he is aforde'
er means by which he may better protect nj
We self against imposition in meeting the net