Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-04
M AY BE DEFEATED.
Many Democratic Members Oppose the
Income Tax.
1t May Defeat the Whole Bill-Much
Republicans-SOme Opinions.

The opponents OF the income tax are very
confident that that provision Of the Wilson
bill will never become a law. They are
very hopeful of beating it in the House.
but say that If they fail there 1t will GER
tainly be knocked out in the Senate. If the
republicans vote with the eastern demo-
Gratis in the House there will be a very
fair chance that the income tax will be de-
feated there. The democrats who want 10
make fight on the ways and means COM
mittee on this proposition have been MAX
ing an estimate of their strength and have
come to the conclusion that the committee
can be defeated in the House IL the repub-
lican vote is cast practically solid against
the income tax. 1t is proposed to hold
meetings of the eastern delegations and to
make a thorough canvass of the matter
One of the most influential of the southern
men in the House said to a representative
of The Star today that, as he figured it
out the republicans would be almost SOL
idly opposed to the income tax; the demo-
Gratis of the east would oppose II almost to
a man. and that there would be a serious
division among democrats in the south and
west on the question. IT, therefore, the op-
position can be brought to act together the
ways and means committee may be de-
feated.
Rccub b0eN.
1t is understood that Mr. Reed does not
want the republicans to act with the dem
ocratic kickers. his idea being that the
democrats should be permitted to make
their bill as vicious (from his point of view
as they desire and take the responsibility
for its unpopularity. II this policy is acted
on by the republicans and the income tax
is not stricken from the bill it is probable
that many of the democrats who are vio-
lently opposed to the income tax. together
with the sugar men and possibly one or
two who are dissatisfied with the treatment
OF iron and coal, will vote with the republi-
cans to recommit the bill to the committee
Representative Writings Views.
Speaking of the opposition to the income
tax, Representative Whiting, one of the
members of the ways and means commit
tee, said TO a representative of The Star:
Yes; there seems to be considerable feel
ing against the Income tax. especially in
the east and from members representing
large city districts. 1t Is astonishing that
wealth should have so many sycophants in
Congress. for In every district in the United
States. even in the largest cities, when the
people are aroused, as they must be on di-
rect questions of taxation, they seem able
to discern. II not absolute equity. yet what
is undoubtedly for the public good. and act
with such unmistakable majorities that
faith in the wisdom of Representatives who
get here when great questions do not enter
at issue.
Some resent the proposed tax perhaps
from misapprehending its provisions For
instance. who possessing a real net income
above all shrinkage of values of $4,000 by
paying $50 fo- the support of the govern
ment will be forced to do injury or injus-
tice to his family either in matter of food
or clothing? Especially when this tax is
demanded by reason OF a change in the law
which secures cheaper food and clothing,
and that because of the fact that thousands
Of human beings are deprived of proper food
and healthful clothing. even when employed
THE tax on the earnings of corporations
is 30 light as not to prove disastrous to the
existence of any legitimate business
For instance. a stockholder who Is en-
titled to a dividend of 500. either from in
te-est on a bond. or from earnings hereto
fore divided. will receive from the treasurer
check for eDS. the g being retained and
paid to the government. This dividend
comes from Investment Of money in enter
p-ises which In general contribute much less
taxation than real estate or land invest
ments. and IL eminently a Just source of
revenue"