The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-29

WASHINGTON. May ss-After an ex-
tended discussion the senate this afternoon
reached the first decisive vote on any feat
ure OF the pending war revenue measure.
The hsll had been under consideration four
hours and a half when Alirich OF Rhode
Island. one Of the Republican members
of the finance committee. entered a mo-
tion to lay the corporation tax amend
mens proposed by the Democratic ma
tority OF the committee. on the table.
1t was realized that this was the first
test OF the opposing elements in the SEN
ate. and the roii-cali was followed with
the deepest interest. The result was de-
cisive. The amendment was laid on the
table. Al TO q.
German then proposed his substitute
amendment. providing for a tax on cor
reached.
German presented an argument In favor
OF his amendment.
Lindsay of Kentucky suggested that. an
proposition of law, 1t might be well for
German entirely to exempt from taxation
$4,000 Of the receipts of every corpora
tion. II the receipts did not reach $4,000
| they would not be taxed.
German had no particular objection to
the suggestion ofFereA by Lindsay. In
reply to the sug9estion that the rate az
tax proposed should b reduced, uorman
declared that the corporations ana their
friends were making great mistake. In
his judgment. In endeavorinx to escape
from the proposed tax. and to evade their
just and equitable share of the burdens
OF war.
Daniel said that while he had no desire
unduly to delay the passage OF the pend-
ing bill, he thought fun discussion of It's
important provisions ought to be held.
He favored tax upon the gross earnings
Of corporations. and expressed his regret
that objections to IL on the ground of its
suspected unconstitutionaiity had been
made. These objections he desired 10 an
swer by citing authorities. lie made an
elaborate presentation of his views upon
the respective state and Federal powers
Ul
pending bill. consendlng taat the taxation
on corporations was warranted fully by
the law as existing and Interpreted by ths
] coh.e-.
In the course OF Daniels speech the vice
president laid before the senate a CON-
municatlon from the Ohio iegtsiaturs.
transmitting the report of the committee
Of the senate IN tisa investigation u
charges OF bribery against Senator Hanna.
Tho communication was referred TO the
committee on privileges.
Daniel presented an argument In favor
of the income tax.
woieots of Colorado. member Of the
finance committee. spoke in advocacy OF
the position taken by the Republican,
minority OF the committee. lie said that
1t was a source of great satisfaction TO
him that no political turn had been given
to the bin itself or to the debate so far.
Until the Hawaiian annexation amend
ment had been added to the bill. not one
feature had been suggested that was not
perfectly relevant 10 1t. lie rejoieed that
the amendment had NOT been offered by
Western senator who certainly would
have been charged in doing 80 with an
effort 10 obstraet the bonding neasurc.
Whatever might be the individual opinions
OF senators upon the Hawaiian question, II
was 10 him perfsefiy clear that 1t ought
rot 10 have been tackled on as rider 10
the revenue bill.
wolcott, referring 20 the dssirsbility OK
placing the government In excellent ;inan-
cias condition al this time. said he was
satisfied that, with the exception OF Great
Britain, no European power could conduct
war with the United States which would
be as expensive as the war with Spain.
No other foreign country except Great
Britain had colonies which In time OF war
II wouid be necessary for the United
States TO occupy No man could say that
the war would come to speedy conciu-
sion. and 10 could not be said that II might
not result in complications OF the most
serious nature IL would require bi.
spark 20 set The whole Of Europe afams.
and that spark might be struck from
the elashing swords Of the United States
believe that any country n Europe would
intervene between the eoatending nations.
except on grounds Of pure humanity, for
/ no one cared TO assume the risk Of war