The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1895-06-08


come Tax Measure.
While II IL true that. until after The
presidential election, no provision can
be made for increasing federal revenue
from customs duties, there is no need
OF concern relative to the finances of
the national government Legislation
to increase It's income by a stamp tax
on money evidences Of wealth may be
secured in the interval. and from this
source alone sufficient revenue may be
had TO cover the present deficit or any
extension OF II which may arise from
further shrinkage OF custom-house
receipts 1t is also practicable so TO
alter the excise as to secure twenty
or thirty millions year annually
above the present sum from matt and
alcoholic liquors. The next congress
can choose one of several bridges over
the gulf created by the decision Of the
supreme court on the income tax, and
any legislation to this end will un-
doubtedly be approved by President
Cleveland.
Had the income tax decision been
given four months ago the effect of IL
upon the country would be very differ
ent from what It Is to-day. Then, with
capital timorous and inert, trade pros
trate and universal lack of confidence
in the immediate future. there would
have been grave danger OF panic.
The serenity with which announce
ment of an annual deficit of fifty
million dollars is received over the
country is the most convincing proof
of restored confidence. The announce
ment comes simultaneously with the
raise Of wages east and west, with re-
opening of factories, relighting of
FORCES and resounding of long silent
anvils. In every section of the coun-
try that animation is manifest, which
assures long continued IL late de-
ferrcd, period OF renewed vigor and
assured prosperity. A deficit of fifty
million dollars gives no concern either
To the government or TO the people.
Why, then, talk of accomplishing
the purpose of the defeated income tax
by constitutional amendment. or by
construction OF a statute which would
secure the application OF the tax by
apportionment upon the states? As
u sectional majority imposed the
income tax in q manner designed
expressly TO lay its burden on the
north IL is not likely that the next
congress would be able to enact an
amended statute which would dis
tribute tho tax equally over that por-
ton OF the country from which the
vote that passed the nnnulled measure
was mainly secured. Nor Is IL evident
that, slow as the process would be, tho
required number of states could be In
duced to assent TO n change In the con-
stitution SO radically touching the sem
sitive line between federal and state
sovereignty. There is no indisposition
among Americans TO support the ma
tional government There is pro-
found reluctance 10 alter the constitu-
ton, and this reluctance, not altogether
reasonable, has delayed. and doubtless
viii continue TO delay, adoption of
amendments more urgently needed
than one securing an income tax
through apportionment
The fact is the country does not want
IN income tax laid either directly or
Indirectly, either by the federal gov
crnmeTt or by state government. 1t
does not want an income tax in any
form. Public opinion has not only re-
ccived notification of the income-tax
law with serenity, but has welcomed
IL as the desired and final end of the
income-tax proposal in any form what
ever in time of peace in the United
States
American morality Is at the basis of
resentment toward the income tax
idea Americans, as n rule, resent
needless intrusion into their private
affairs. American conscience abhors
the temptation an income tax law,
federal or state affords for perjury.
American common sense knows per-
fectly well that there Is not the slight
est need of an income tax for the sup
port of the federal government. The
support can be found in so many way,
all of them simpler and surer, that IL
Is not only repugnant to the logic Of
the nation, but even absurd, to suggest
that such tax Is desirable, necessary
or tolerable. Issues of bonds In the
manner already accomplished by Pres
ident Cleveland; issue OF small, low
Understanding popular bond, as one
of tho easiest of expedients; popular
Endorsement of increased impost on
iuxuries, whether at ports Of entry or
through the internal revenue system;
u slight stamp tax on paper evidences Of
wealth, combine TO render further dis
cussion OF the income tax idea needless
as a means of raising federal revenue.
The whole country rejoices that the