The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-21
REDUCTION OF TAxEs.
Secretary Gage Thinks Revenue Can
Be Cut $3O,OOO.ooO.

Washington, Nov. 21.-The Republican
members of the ways and means COM
mittee met to consider a measure for the
reduction OF the war revenue tax. The
most important action taken was a de-
cision not to remove the tax of ten
cents a pound on tea The committee
viii not take up or disturb the tariff on
imports, as the members claim it would
open up the whole subject of tariff re-
vision. The committee will not grant
any hearings while framing the bill, as
full hearings Were given during the last
session OF congress, and since then briefs
and statements of various interests have
been received. Parties who are inter
ested, however, can file briefs or state
ments with the committee.
No decision was reached as to the
made.
Secretary Cage and Commissioner
bureau were before the committee for
some time. The secretary told the COM
nlittee that in his opinion there might
be a red@ctiOn in revenues of $50, 900,
goo. The war revenue act now raises
about $780, 600. 600. Commissioner Will
son went over the schedules with the
members of the committee, and both he
and Secretary Gage were questioned as
to where reduction could be made to
the best advantage from the treasury
standpoint.
considerable part Of the discussion
was confined to schedule B, which takes
in medicinal and proprietary articles and
preparations, perfumery, cosmetics,
Chewing gum, wines, etc. There was
also discussion of stamp taxes.
The discussion indicated that the COM
mittee favored quite a change in this
feature of the law and reductions wher-
ever possible. The committee also de-
sires to eliminate the taxes on convey
ances, Of which there has been a great
deal of complaint.
It can be stated that In a general way
it viii be the aim of the committee to
E--r--
to grant relief from stamp taxes as far
as possible. The committee called on
the president to obtain his views ON the
proposed reduction.
After there has been a general inter-
change of opinion on the proposed re-
duction, it is quite likely that a sub
committee will be appointed to draft a
measure.
Ii is not believed the bill can be pre-
pared and ready for the fun committee
until the session begins The measure,
after it is agreed upon by the RepubH-
cans will be submitted to the Democrats
of the committee.
Suggestion has been made that the
OleOmargarine bill. now on the house
calendar and made a special order for
December 6, might be made part of the
war revenue reduction bill. Represen-
tative Tawney, the father of the oleO-
margarine bill, when asked about this,
said that the OleOmargaTine bill would
be passed by the house early in the SeS-
sion 50 that an opportunity would be
given to ascertain If there was a dis
position to defeat the measure in the
senate by any unusual delay. In such
case, he intimated, the oleomargarine
bill might be made a part of the reye-
nue. reduction bill in the senate.
The committees conference with the
president lasted IesS~than an hour The
committee and the president agreed
upon the desirability Of the reduction or
abolition of the war taxes where they
have proved annoying and irritating to
the interests involved and yet have not
produced much revenue The president
believes the surplus in the treasury is
accommodating too rapidly, and that con-
servative reductions may be made safely
or the taxes entirely removed in some
instances. The Republican members be-
Iieve they win be able to agree in few
days on the general line of changes to
be made.