The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-04-21
Fifth Page

tax so framed as to put it out of the power OF
the owner of one Of these fortunes to hand
more than q certain amount to any one individual;
the tax, of course, to be imposed by the national
and not the State government Such taxation should,
of course be aimed merely ut the Inheritance trans
mission in their entirety of those fortunes swollen
beyond all healthy limits"
In commenting on this suggestion, the Boston
Herald thinks that the cardinal idea of the scheme
is TO make it practically impossible for any section
of the community to remain indefinitely outside the
circle of workers and producers But President
Roosevelts scheme is broader and deeper than this.
lie would tax active and invested capital ake-the
quick and the dead'-when it passed certain
point. He would tax 1t beyond certain amount,
either given in life or bequeathed or devised upon
death to any individuals to put 1t out OF the
power of the owner of one Of these enormous for
tunes to hand on more than certain amount to any
individual Under this scheme Marshall Field
would not have been permitted to bequeath 100000
600 to his two little grandsons, nor could Mr. Rookie
Teller give 100000 houses to his grandchildren, or
distribute his billion among his children. 1t IL
certainly very radical proposition and it will be
interesting to observe how 1t is received by some OF
the Presidents supporters"
The Philadelphia Record in discussing the subject,
objects to imposition of such tax by the Federal
Government It believes that "the confiscatory tax
on incomes, il needed at all, might be applied by
the States to many objects OF expenditure, including
education. But in the hands Of the Federal admin
istration the vast revenues would afford additional
The Chicago Record. Herald Is Of the opinion that
"n the present temper of the public such decara-
tion must result in pronounced Efforts to establish
the tax that is proposed. The qualifications sug-
gested by the reference to matter OF personal con
vction only and by the use of the word ultimately
will exercise very great restraint For tn: feeling
Of millions upon this subject Of swollen fortunes Is
such that definite schemes will be devised in plenty,
and now will be substituted for ultimately 1t
will be very interesting to watch the developments,
to how far the popular desire for numerous re-
srictions upon wealth may be gratiied in practi'
cal political campaign and legislation OF the sort
that is indicated"
Intimate friends Of President Roosevelt assert
that no is sincere In his declaration that he will not
again be candidate for the Presidency but he de.
sres to remain in public life Senator from New
York and it il believed that he will attempt to
the seat of Senator Platt whose term expires March
a. 1909, the date that Roosevelt will retire from the
Executive chair.
Congressman Blackburn, Republican, Of the
Eighth district OF North Carolina, has been placed
on trial, charged with receiving money in exchange
for his official influence
The bill providing for the abolition Of tax on
grain alcohol when denaturzed to prevent its use as
a beverage, passed the House by vote OF
224 to 7.
Congressman Champ Clark Of Missouri, in advo'
eating the measure, said; "lf the roseate predic'
tions OF its most enthusiastic advocates are
fulfilled, will witness veritablc Aladdins lamp
working its myriad wonders before our eyes In this
prosaic age. IL even half Of them realized, we
will a revolution in lighting, heating and motor
power"
The battle ground OF free alcohol will be in the
Senate, however, where mighty influences will rally
in opposition TO its passage
A far.reaching decision has been made by the
United States Supreme Court in declaring that
divorce to BIO beyond legal attack must be obtained
in the State in which both parties 10 the suit reside
According TO this decision divorces obtained in
States which do not have jurisdiction both par
ties TO the marriage not enforceable outside the
State granting the divorce divorce, to have legal
standing, must be obtained in the State Of which
both parties are residents.