New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-30
TO REVISE REVENUE LAWS
I,TVELY FIGHT EXPECTED.
Big Reduction IN Tar on Oleo-
margarine Planned.
lFRoM THE TRIBUNE BuREkU.l

Washington, Nov. 29.-Oleomargarine, which,
since the enactment of the law of 1902, has been
taxed at 10 cents a pound. will at COMPARE
lively early date. If the present plans are not
disarranged be taxed at a much lower rate.
The House Committee Ways and Means viii
report bill providing for the reduction of the
internal revenue tax on oeomargarine from ten
to three or four cents pound which Will be
the compromise reached between those MEM
bers OF the committee who favor high tax and
those who believe in it's removal altogether.
That such measure will provoke powerful and
determined opposition not only in the House,
but from various influential interests through
out the country. is acknowledged. but the neces
sty for providing increased revenue is appar
emily paramount and the committee will act
accordingly.
1t is pointed by those officials who are
friendly to the proposed legislation that the
imposition of a prohibitive tax on a manufact-
ured commodity so largely in use resulted prac-
tically In the death of that industry with
corresponding decrease IN the revenue derived,
so that now it Is an unimportant factor in the
running expenses of the government Many
other reasons are advanced WHY the tax should
be reduced, and these will be urged in extenua-
ton of the possible harm resulting from the
introduction and favorable consideration of the
measure TO the dairy interests of the country.
1t Is declared that for considera BILE time in
terests antagonistic to the oleomargarine in
dustry have quietly but Professionally enlisted the
support OF individual members of Congress
pledged them to oppose any attempt to reduce
the tax This movement was especially strong
IN pennsylvania. Iowa and in many agricult-
ural sections of the country 1t is not known
now many Of these pledges were secured. but It
is SAID that the entire Pennsylvania delegation
is opposed to any change. and that majority
OF the representatives from Iowa will also be
against 1T The farmers of the country are al
most solidly in favor of a prohbtive tax on
oleolhdrSarlne, and will vigorously oppose the
attempt to reduce the tax for they have no idea
OF tamely letting oleomargarine again figure in
competition with butter
AS outlined in these dispatches on November
~ II IS the intention OF the House Ways and
means committee to revise the existing internal
revenue laws because of the apparent need of an
intelligent and satisfactory modification of the
statutes. In addition TO the oleomargarne prob
iefl another pressing question that will be taken
up for consideration will be the tax on alcohol
proof gallon. while wood alcohol is subject to no
tax at all, and is not under the supervision
OF the government In it's manufacture or sale
The imposition Of the high tax on grain alcohol
practically amounts. il is declared to prohibit
tloh as the cheaper product is used wherever
possible. This has led to the use OF poisonous
wood alcohol in beverages
Lively times are expected when the WAYS and
Means Committee attempts the revision of the
revenue laws, especially when the oleonlarga rine
tax is under Considera ton