The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-01-02
Mr.. Gibson's Three Measures.

The Hon. RANDALL LEE GIBSON. Senator
in Congress- from Louisiana. has brought In
three measures OF proposed legislation. any
one Of which is sufficiently sensational to
wake tho snakes.
The first Is joint resolution proposing
an amendment to the Constitution OF the
United States by which the term Of Office
OF the President, and OF tho existence Of
the Fifty-second Congress. shall continue
until noon Of April 30. 1893. instead OF end
ing at noon on March Of that year. We
suppose that this resolution is suggested to
Mr.. G1BsoNs mind by the oft-discussed con-
siderations OF history and Of hygiene in
favor OF IN Inauguration day at the
end Of April rather than at tho begin
ming OF March. WAsH1NaToN's first term
began on April 20. and that date. IN the
latitude Of the national capital. is believed
by many people to provide warmer sun
shine and less pneumonia for out-of-door
orators and their audiences. Ono effect Of
this resolution. should it be adopted by q
two-thirds vote Of each House Of Congress
and then be ratified this winter by three
fourths Of the State Legislatures. would be
to keep the Hon. BENJAMIN HARRISON in
Office fifty-seven days longer than the term
for which he was elected.
Mr.. G1BsoN's second proposition is to
amend tho Constitution by providing in
Section Of Article XI. that tho President
.shall hold his office for the term Of four
years. and shall be ineligible for the sue
ceeding four years after the expiration of
the term for which he shall have been
elected" II this proposed amendment
should pass Congress and be ratified at
once by the Legislatures Of thirty-three
States. the question Of the next Republican
nomination for President would be settled
in advance. so far as the Hon. BENJAMIN
HARRISON IL concerned.
The third sensational measure conceived
and introduced by Senator GIBSON is
propounded in the form Of bill. and it does
not involve the amendment Of the Constitu-
ton. The bill provides for an income tax
Of two per cent. q year upon the gains.
profits, and income of every person residing
in the United States, and Of every citizen
temporarily residing abroad. 1t excmpts
all incomes Of $4,000 or less from the opera
ton OF the tax. and likewise all military or
naval pensions. and the salaries Of the
President, the Federal judiciary. and the
executive, Juulcldl, 6uu Legislative OAccis
of the States. Mr.. G1BsoN's income tax is
to he collected by the Internal Revenue
Bureau. and the entire proceeds are Ito be
applied to the payment of pensions and the
salaries Of retired officers"
We suspect that the intent OF this 70.
markable bill is satirical and suggestive
II Mr.. GIBSON were in dead earnest in pro.
posing an income tax to provide money
with which to meet the ever.growing pen.
sion list. he would probably have exempted
Senators and Congressman from the tax. as
well as the legislative officers Of the States
Congress votes the pensions. and perhaps
the Louisiana statesman believes that II
Congressman had to supply part OF the
cash directly from their own p 'ckets. they
might be more cautious in providing fol
new expenditure. There Is some merit in
the idea from this point OF view.
The Hon. RANDALL LEE G1BsoN's three
! measures are certainly radical enough tt
command attention. And he tossed Off al
three in single day.