Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-05-10
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rhnv Nav 90 Too Ear.

The bill TO remove the internal revenue
tax on donaturized alcohol, which passed
the House Of Representatives without
oncountering- opposition Of any moment,
only seven members voting against IL,
has been held mp in the Senate by the
tariff "standpatten" Of that body, under
the lead of Senator Aldrich Of Rhode
Island II is said that a majority of the
finance committee 20 which the bill was
referred, are willing TO make a favorable
report, but are not insistent For, while
they recognize the value Of the measure,
and the great benefit It would confer upon
the people. their tariff leanings for un-
taxed alcohol would interfere with the
mriil-poiected Standard Oil Trust-are
too strong to permit them 10 give the bill
that cordial Endorsement which would
insure lis speedy report to the Senate for
action Therefore, they have referred
Il TO subcommittee, and this may prove
its entombment during the rost of the
session.
There is probability however that
il this measure is defeated by the Senate.
such action viii. so far as the patience Of
a long-suiiering people is concerned.
prove the "lasi straw that breaks tho
camcls back" Like the tariff tax on
hides, which is the direct cause Of higher
prices for shoes so cents per pair accord
ing TO the testimony of ono manufacturer
the tax ON alcohol used in the arts and
manufacturers is severe and direct
burden upon the people Il keeps at a
high mark the price Of an article which
cheapenod by the removal of tho tax
would onior largely into the everyday
doings of thousands OF people an Over
the country, TO their material advantage
The manifest uses TO which donaturize,
alcohol may be put have been fully cx
plotted by those who have given careful
consideration 10 the subject. Chief anon,
it, advantages is that Il would supply thl
people with cheap light. heat and power
Here is something that appeals TO an classe
and conditions. in an parts Of the country
and if they are deprived of this great ad
vantage by the action Of selfish taril
"standpaticn' In Congress, Il is alto
gether probable that they win not onl
Task the reason Why" but will TAX
measures to ascertain to their complet
satisfaction And, having ascertaino
the reason, thore is little doubt that the
win set about applying the remedy.
When a measure that promises sue
great benefits to the people is before Con
gress for consideration, the natural IN
quiry is why Congress should hcsitat
over its enactment. In this case the eN
PLANTATION is not hard 10 find. The genog
use Of denaturized alcohol for heat. lieh
and power purposes would interfere Wit
the general use Of the Standard oil
monopoly Of kerosene, gasoline. naphth
and other fluids Of this character tn
prices charged for these products are higl
by reason Of the monopoly in their pr,
duction. The manufacturers Of WOO
alcohol are also opposed TO the measur
because Il would interfere with their M,
nopoly, and with their large profits. Wit
denaturized alcohol entering into con
petition with their products, they woul
have to lower prices or suffer materil
loss Of trade.
No one can claim that the standar
Oil monopoly and the wood alcohol ml
nopoly arc "iniant industries. whiC
need the protection OF tariff taxation
or any other kind Of taxation. to enab
them TO get on their feet" They ha'
been standing for years, and one Of then
at least, has attained the stature an
strength Of a giant. Il has profit,
enormously through It's practical contr
Of the oil supply Of this country and !
freedom from competition. by reason
the protective tariff, and the people hai
paid tribute TO IL as absolutely as Il
merchant ships on the Meditcrrane.