New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-23
WAR TAXES.

The Senate Committee on Finance has de-
cded sensibly in restoring the House rate of
tax on tobacco. A tax exceeding II cents would
he likely 10 cause so much evasion and so much
curtailment Of consumption in that particular
form as TO diminish the revenue. There are
some provisions remaining in the bill which are
open 10 the same criticism. and ii is reported
that members OF the committee are much dis.
satisfied with the shape of Schedule b. relating
to proprietary articles. which is not surprising
1t Is a wcllnigh impossible task to adjust taxes
reasonably upon great a number Of things
having little or no relation TO each other, and
the effort to make all products Of that nature
contribute to the revenue necessarily renders
the measure vexatious to the public and hard
to enforce, without corresponding increase in
the revenue TO be expected. Blu. the public Is
not Just now In the humor 10 scrutinize the de-
tails Of the bill half severely it criticses
the Senate for making long delay over details
What patriotic people would like 10 see Is some
readiness in the Senate 10 thrust aside small
differences Of opinion about trlfes and TO pro-
vide with reasonable promptness for the needs
of the Government
Some features Of the measure must, Of course
be regarded with deep interest. because they
are essential 10 the vigorous prosecution OF the
war and the solvelcy Of the Treasury. The
debate on the bond provision Is to be deferred
until the end. II Is reported. end possibly for
good reasons. though persons not familiar with
the ways Of the Senate may find 1t difficult
10 understand why a decision regarding the
vital feature of the measure should be post
poned until all the insignificant rifies have been
settled The bill would not pass the House,
and II 1t did ought to be vetoed. unless II con-
tanned ample authority for raising money by use
OF the public credit in any emergency. and 1t
is said TO be ascertaincd beyond doubt that
sufficient number Of Senators will support such
provision. In that case II would seem the
natural and logical method TO settle that Ques-
ton as soon as possible. and that course would
certainly give useful aid to business through
ont the country. But the Senate has its own
ways OF working.
1t is conceivable. in this as In any other war,
that some reverse may come. Certainly it is
not sensible 10 stake the future on presnmp-
ton that no moment Of discouragemont will
como from beginning TO end of tho conflict
II the Senate postpones action until some mis-
fortune creates a popular feeling Of dlssatisfac
ton. ii il conceivable that tho Government
may realize less money for It's bonds than 1t
would IL they were offered earlier, so that the
delay may in reality make present of sundry
millions 10 those who are waiting and ready
10 pour their resources into the Treasury
The proposed tax on corporations is 10 be
considered this week. it Is reported. with an
amendment making the tax only half as large
on mutual as on other industrial corporations
If there Is sound reason for taxing lightly the
less fortunate people whose only savings are
invested in life insurance or companies Of a
kindred nature. that Is also good reason for
not taxing such savings at all. Nor has any
body been able to submit any reason why such
savings should be taxed The husband and
father who puts away by care and economy
q provision for wife and children IL not the
man who ought to be taxed even at q low