Washington sentinel., 1901-04-13
OHIO IN THE VAN.
Brewers Organizing TO Meet their
Enemies.

Brewers Organizing TO Meet their
Enemies.
AT the breaking out of the war
with Spain brewers objected to
being taxed an additional dollar
per barrel on beer for military pur-
poses because they were already
paying a war tax and they telt in
all fairness that they should not be
asked to do more until all other
sources OF revenue had been eX-
hausted. There was nothing un-
reasonable in this demand, but it
did not appeal favorablY to legis-
lators, because the brewing indus
try offered facilities for easV and
large collections possessed by few
other callings. Therefore reason
able and just objections had to
give way to the demands OF ex-
pediency and the tax was imposed.
Lest they should be accused OF lack
Of patriotism IN the face OF the
Governments necessities, brewers
had yielded to the inevitable, and
for their sacrifices were assured
that the weight would be lifted as
soon as the war was over.
If ever the truth OF an old saying
was proved it has been IN this case,
for truly brewers have found out
that promises, like pie crusts, are
made to be broken" The war
ended IN Cuoa and another was
begun in the Philippines. Now the
latter is about over. Will the tax
be repealed1 Not # this Admins
tTation can prevent it. 1t has too
many friends 70 be rewarded, too
many obligations to be repaic.
Congress provided for an army
OF 100 600 men at a cost OF $780,
600. 900. Cessation of hostilities
in the Philippines gave hope for a
reduction Of our military establish
ment to 90, 900 men. at saving OF
$40, 900, 900 year. This course
would have provided at once for
the total repeal OF the beer tax. 1t
was reasonable to expect such a
policy would be followed, for il
war could be waged 20 a successful
conclusion with $4,000 men, cer-
tainly 6o,o would suffice Tor
police purposes in time Of peace.
But such a reduction would offer
no excuse for a continuance OF
taxes, and repeal would cut off the
golden stream which furnishes the
means to reward political faVorites,
therefore taxes must continue.
How to do It was the question.
Where there's a will there's
way. The army will be increased
to $1,000 and maintained at that
6gure-iully $1,000 men more are
to be utilized in maintaining peace
than IN waging war. This is an
apparent decrease Of as per cent on
the number appropriated Tor by
Congress. 1t should reduce ex
penditures by that amount and
open a way for the wiping out OF
Gas 900 900 of war taxes. Viii it
do so7 Lest il should, the War De-
partment decreases the numerical
strength Of companies to 80 men
instead OF the maximum, thus
necessitating the recruiting OF the
original number Of regiments, the
appointment OF as many officers as
originally provided for, and the
absorption in unnecessary military
expenses Of millions that could be
used in lessening the burdens OF
oppressed taxpayers. Who caresp
The brewers can pay the bills.
The Chinese question has pro
gressed to the point OF collecting
indemnities. Our Government
claims to have spent Sss, 900. 600
in that adventure, actual expenses.
. her Governments have preferred
claims whose total sums up $780,
ooo, 900 (expenses and penalties) -
twice as much as China can pay.
Every dollar Of our share will have
to be made good out OF the pock.
cts .of American taxpayers. Nc
one could accuse US Of wishing to
reap profit out Of China's misior.
tunes bv insisting on repayment ol
this countrV's expenditures, and a
proper regard Tor the interests o.
our people demands such course
II forbearanee is necessary, why