The Washington herald., 1909-04-19
RADICALS PROPOSE
A TAX ON INCOMES
Republican Senators Opposed
to Aldrich Bill Meet.
WILL SEEK MINORITY SUPPORT
Hold Meeting at Home Of Senator
Cummins and Discuss His Proposed
Amendment to the Aldrich Meas
are, which Comes I'D for Debate
TO-dny-FOr an Inheritance Tax.

AS a preliminary step to an effort to
amend the pending tsriT bin some Of the
radical Republican Senators had a meet
ing yesterday to talk over the situation
and determine upon course Of action.
The meeting was at the residence of
Senator Cumrnins. Of Iowa. who first
came into national prominence as the au-
thor OF The Iowa Idea" OF downward
tariff revision. Among those present were
Senators Borah. OF Idaho; Brown ana
Burkett. Of Nebraska; Bristow. OF Kan
sas, and Dixon, Of Montana. They came
at the Invitation OF Mr.. Cummins Sen
ator La Toilette, who had been regarded
as the leader OF the radical Republican
wing IN the Senate, was not present.
The conference had TO do mainly with
the matter Of agreeing on an income tax
amendment Senator Cummins had in
tended TO propose such an amendment to
day, but as a result OF the conference.
he will change It in certain respects.
HIS amendment, as drawn. provided for
a graduated income tax, ranging from
l per cent on incomes between S1.0eO and
$500, and 8 per cent on incomes OF more
than $500.
Differ as to Percentages.
There was a general disagreement
among the radicals at the meeting that
an income tax amendment should be pro-
posed. but there were differences OF
opinion as to percentages that should be
favored. Between now and Wednesday
these differences, it is expected viii be
harmonized, and Senator Cummins Will
submit his amendment in modified form.
1t is probable that a tax OF per cent
on incomes between $500 and $4,000. and
a tax Of per cent on incomes above
5000 VIII be favored.
The radicals, realizing that they Will
not get enough support from their own
party 70 put through what they have in
mind. plan combination with the Dem
ocratic Senator's. The radicals were
told that IN the speech explaining the
provisions OF the Finance Committee S
bill, which he will make in the Senate
to-day. Senator Aldrich, chairman of the
committee. would endeavor 70 show that
the bill, as amended by the committee
would produce enough revenue without
resorting 20 the expedient of an income
tax or any other form Of direct taxation
Senator Cummins and others who at
tended the conference called by him took
exception to this idea. They asserted that
the expense OF the government would
keep on increasing ana that II would be
necessary 20 have an income tax in order
TO provide sufficient revenue for the needs
Of the nation.
Favor Inheritance Tax Also.
Radical Republicans IN the Senate are
in favor also Of a restoration to the bill
OF the provision contained in the measure
as It was passed by the House. proytd-
ing for graduated tax on inheritances.
It Is probable they will decide 70 offer
the House provision. which was eliminat-
ed from the bill by the Senate Finance
Committee. as an amendment to the
measure when II Is under consideration
fl the Senate.
II all the radical Republicans who are
criticising the amended Senate bill have
their way, they Will press for many
changes IN the schedules. According To
what was said. they want an increase in
stead OF g decrease on the duty on raw
refined sugar, with the object of hurt
ing the so-called sugar trust Through
this means, they assert, the sugar trust
VIII be prevented from Increasing the cost
Of sugar, as competition from abroad
would follow the reduction OF duty on
the refined grades. Some OF them want
the rates on steel IN the Finance Com
mittee's bill cut materially, and would
have iron ore. pig iron, coal and wood
pulp placed on the free list In addition
they ara anxious TO change the tobacco
schedule so as to hit the American To-
bacco Company and 20 make reductions
IN the woOlen schedule and the glass
schedule.
The radical Republicans OF the Senate
realize that their numbers Just now are
not sufficiently large TO accomplish any
thing, even with the support OF the en-
tire Democratic membership. Fifteen Re-
pubncans will have to join IN the move
nent but a count Of noses has shown
that the ra1tcal forces are still several
short Of that number. Democratic pro-
lection Senators from the South, and
there is a good sized contingent OF them,
feel that the products OF their several
StaIes have Jared so well IN the Sen
ate measure that an alliance on their
part with the radical Republicans TO put
an income tax amendment into the bill
would not only be showing a lack Of ap-
probation, but might provoke the regu-
lar Republicans 70 amend the measure
so that the South would not obtain all
the protection now m sight. In view OF
this condition, IL Is likely that a good
many Of the Democratic Senators would
not join the proposed combination with
the Republican radicals.
Debate on BID Begins To-day.
The debate on the tariff bill VIII be
begun IN the Senate to-day. Senator Al
drich VIII open It In e statement de-
signed 10 show that the bin as amended
by the Finance Committee will produce
sufficient revenue for the expense Of the
government.
In order not 70 prolong the debate. most
OF the Republican Senators will not make
the usual protracted speeches, and they
are OF the opinion that a majority of the
Democratic Senators viii confine their re-
marks TO the fewest possible words.
Every effort viii be made to put the bill
through as quickly as possible, and there
is q hopeful feeling among the leaders
that the measure WI be enacted into
law by June l. A continuance OF the hot
weather which Washington experienced
yesterday VIII have a marked effect il
discouragiGg any effort to delay action.
Back TO the Farm.