Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1905-10-21

EX-SENATOR w. r. CHANDLER.
practice of making political contribu-
lions and 10 the question OF taxation
upon certain patent medicines, al
though this latter is but a feature OF
the general subject Of overcoming the
Treasury deficit.
IL is expected that the President Will
refer in his annual message 20 the
question of campaign contributions.
and il is known that there are many
Senators and Representatives who
would favor prompt action In the en-
actment of prohibitiye legislation.
Chambers Bill to Prohibit Con-
tributions-
AS far back as 1901. Senator Chand-
Ter OF New Hampshire. introduced e
bill 20 prohibit those national banks or
corporations which do an interstate or
foreign business from making any pc
ntical contributions. and 20 prohibit
any corporations from contributing 20
campaigns involving the election OF
United States Senators and Represen .
tatves. The bill was almost immc
diately favorably reported 10 the Sen
ate. but IL was near the end of the
short session and il failed OF passage.
The evident fact that il could not be
taken up and passed may account for
the entire lack OF opposition 10 IT,
What strength will develop against
such measure this winter is problem
atical. IL is no secret that many cor
porations regularly contribute 20 both
political parties. Mr.. Havemeyer. of
the sugar trust, has declared in plain
language that he has contributed 10
the Democrats and Republicans alike.
Publishing the Donations.
The discussion next winter is likely
10 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 a
certain need OF money. The publica-
ton and distribution Of speeches and
all classes of literature is quite gem
orally regarded as not 10 be condemned,
but as of advantage in having tn
questions OF the day properly under
stood by the voters.
Leaders in Congress are but a uni.
in declaring that il is only when
money is expended in order 10 corrupt
NQACAo lAA4l Tic CAu Ot Git
icised. But il 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 10 go on record
saying things about the corporations
and the practice of corporations max
ing contributions 10 political cam
paigns.
Propose Tax On Medicines.
The question of the taxation OF pat
emit 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 s., 600, 900 a month now.
which IS considerably less than last
year, still il is possible that IL may
increase 10 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 il is. of course, not certain
TO what extent Congress will increase
OF pare down appropriations. A num-
Der 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 H. They will resist efforts to
impose special taxes upon them. claim
ing with apparent force that the alec
hol used in their medicines has al
ready paid its tax