Amador ledger., 1905-10-27

practice of making political contribu-
tions and to the question of taxation
upon certain patent medicines, al
though this latter is but feature of
the general subject of overcoming the
Treasury deficit.
1t is expected that the President will
refer in his annual message to the
question of campaign contributions,
and it is known that there are many
Senators and Representatives who
would favor prompt action in the en-
actment of prohibitive legislation.
/ ChandIer's Bill to Prohibit Con-
L.. tributions.
AS far back as 1901, Senator Chand-
Ter OF New Hampshire, introduced
bill to prohibit those national banks or
corporations which do an interstate or
foreign business from making any po-
itical contributions, and to prohibit
any corporations from contributing to
campaigns involving the election of
United States Senators and Represen-
tatiVes. The bill was almost imme-
diately favorably reported to the Sen
ate, but it was near the end of the
short session and it failed of passage.
The evident fact that it could not be
taken up and passed may account for
the entire lack of opposition to it.
What strength will develop against
such a measure this winter is problem
atical 1t is no secret that many cor
porationS regularly contribute to both
political parties. Mr.. Havemeyer, of
the sugar trust, has declared in plain
language that he has contributed to
the Democrats and Republicans alike.
Publishing the Donations.
The discussion next winter is likely
to centre largely around the PreSi-
dents plan for the publication of all
campaign contributions, with a view
to framing such a law as will prevent
money from being spent for corrupt
practices. Every one recognizes that
in order to have the great political
issues properly contested there is
certain need of money. The publica-
ton and distribution of speeches and
all classes of literature is quite gen.
orally regarded as not to be condemned,
but as of advantage in having the
questions of the day properly UNDER
stood by the voters.
Leaders in Congress are but a unit
in declaring that it is only when
money is expended in order to corrupt
icised But it is generally believed that
this subject will give rise to an i'm
mense amount of debate in the next
Congress. There are a score of Sena-
tors and a large number of Represen-
tatives who will wish to go on record
saying things about the corporations
and the practice of corporations max
ing contributions to political cam
paigns.
Propose Tax On Medicines.
The question of the taxation of pat
ent medicines, which contain consider
able alcohol, is bound to receive seri-
GUS consideration by Congress, espe-
cially if the present rate of the Treas
ury deficit continues. The deficit is
running about $5,OO0,00O a month now,
which is considerably less than last
year, still it is possible that it may
increase to an annoying extent and
necessitate some action by Congress.
There has been a number of extra ex-
penses which has caused the deficit, |
and there are other extra expenses
ahead, while it is, of course, not certain |
to what extent Congress will increase
Or pare down appropriations. A num- |
ber of congressional leaders have had |
in mind, as a partial increase in the |
revenue desired, tax on patent medi- |
cines,
Patent Medicine Men Will Fight.
The Commissioner of Internal Rev.
enue has been called upon for unofficial |
information and an opinion on these
non-revenue producing alcoholics. The |
patent medicine people recognize that
a fight is ahead and they propose to |
meet it. They will resist efforts to |
impose special taxes upon them, claim |
ing with apparent force that the aIco-
hol used in their medicines has al !
ready paid its tax.