The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-04-19
SMITH is NO CUCKOO.

The speech of Senator Smith of New
, Jersey, in which he attacked the income
| tax and the Wilson bill, delivered in the
Senate on Tuesday, following closely
upon the staggering blows that Hill
aimed at the same measure, should
make the other leaders Of the Democ-
racy pause and consider what they are
about. It was speech more impressive
than Senator Hills in many particu-
lars, for the charge of personal ami
mostly against the Administration
could not be laid at his door. 1t was
the speech of business man upon mat
ters affecting the entire business inter-
ests of the Nation and while it was
largely devoted to ringing condemna-
tion of the income tax rider, it also con-
demned the substance Of the measure
itself.
He stated in words that could not be
misunderstood his opposition to the bill
and virtually declared that he and those
of his colleagues who were in agreement
with him, and without whose support
the bill could not pass, would
oppose it if the changes desired
were not made in the bill. His
arraignment was sharp and emphatic.
He called upon his party to defeat the
makeshift and return to sound princi-
pies. He gave eight distinct reasons for
his objections to the bill with the income
tax rider.
Ii is unnecessary, unjust, unsuccess-
ful, unpopular, un-Democratic, nm
American, unwise and unworthy Of
an intelligent government supposed to
represent free and enlightened people"
Ii violates the creed of the Democracy,
taxes for u surplus and is sectional in
its purpose. The income tax is impos-
sible of collection, ineffective and
ridiculous, obnoxious in principle
and is purely Populist measure.
He further denounced it as a
''sop to anarchy and socialism, uncon-
stitutional and despotic." 1t is despotic
"because it puts it within the power of
one man to publicly brand another man
as criminal before the law without
trial by jury, sentence by judge, or
any sort Of hearing beyond that which
he himself may consider fit and proper"
Turning to the consideration of the bill
from another standpoint he declared
that "a tax upon incomes is a tax upon
industry, upon economy, upon brains, up
on achievement. Itnot only provides for
additional taxation without additional
representation, but puts premium
upon dishonesty and evasion of the law"
He then pointed out the public unwis-
dom of such a measure. "Of its politi-
cal folly shall say nothing at this time
beyond this that in my judgment its
first effect will be to deprive the
Democratic party of Governor In
New York, Senator from New Jersey,
and so per cent. of its present Eastern
representation in the House of Repre-
sentatives. If it is the desire Of the ad-
vocates of this bill TO drive every
Eastern State into the Republican party,
TO encourage the Populists Of the South
and West to follow up their entering
wedge and to practically eliminate
the party Of Jefferson from participa-
tion in public affairs. they can find no
surer way to accomplish their purpose
than that which they have chosen"
His peroration was an eloquent appeal
TO his party not to commit this injustice,
to forsake its ways and return to sound
principles. "0ur duty is plain. The
country demands, and is entitled. TO
prompt and decisive action. The time
is ripe for quick aud permanent re-
covery from business depression.
Industry and prosperity wait
upon the acts OF this body.
Now. II ever, we should meet
the situation with candor aud courage,
and ask ourselves whether this bill, as
1t stands today, can be passed by Demo
cratic votes. IL 10 time for plain
speaking, and i do not hesitate TO ex-
press my own conviction that this Is
impossible.
I'VE cannot enact Democratic meas