New-York tribune., 1909-06-17
INCOME TAKERS MEET.
TO Support Proposed Resolution =
Taft Programme Not IN Danger.
from The Tribune Bureau. ]

Washington, June 16.-The receipt by Con-
gress to-day OF the special message of the Presi-
dent insures the carrying out of the programme
ne recommends without any material difficulty,
IN the opinion of competent judges in the SEN
ate and of number of the House leaders A
few Republicans most closely identified with
the income tax propaganda are still threaten
ing to make trouble, but they are considered too
few in number to be dangerous while ii Is prob
able that their number will be still further
duced when time has healed their injured feel
lngs. The income takers held a meeting to-
night which was attended py senators Borah.
La Toilette, Brstow. Cummns and Clapp, which
represents the entire strength of the income tax
on the Republican side of the chamber. Sena-
tor Brown came to the meeting. but did not re-
main After the meeting Mr. Borah gave out
statement saying that friends of the income tax
would support the proposed joint resolution, but
would not abandon the income tax until they
had exhausted every effort in its behalf, and
explaining their reasons for preferring tax on
individual incomes. The Republican leaders be-
lieve that at most only Senators Borah La Fol-
lette, Bristow and Cummins will vote for the
income tax amendment if afforded an oppOr-
tunity
The Presidents message was delivered to the
Senate by Colonel William H Crook II being
his first appearance in that capacity for years.
although for many years following the Civil War
he brought all executive communications to
Congress. Senator Lodge called attention to the
absence Of a quorum. and sixty-nine Senators
answered to their names and then gave the
closest attention to reading OF the message.
Senator Root, who in the chair referred
the communication to the Committee on FL
nance. but Senator Gore Immediately raised an
objection, claiming it should go to the Commit
tee on judiciary. He finally moved. however.
that il be sent to Finance with the provision
that it be reported Friday. "in accordance with
the Presidents views" To this Mr. Bailey
raised objection, and on motion of Mr.. Aldrich
the motion tabled by vote of 81 70 IS. Mr..
Bailey gave notice that he purposed to offer an
amendment to the joint resolution specifying
a graduated income tax and declared that he
would give Senators on the other side more
than they bargained for
The opinion among Republican lawyers is
that resolution delegating to Congress power
TO impose an income tax would include authority
to impose a graduated or any other form Of such
tax while the Bailey proposition would add
nothing TO the force OF the proposed amendment
and might place undesirable limitation on the
authority delegated thereby. 1t is possible Mr..
Bailey's contention may cause some debate.
but that II can prove no serious obstacle is the
general belief
The Democrats purpose to hold a caucus to
morrow night. and IL is expected that they will
decide 10 support the income tax proposition by
a party vote but that will, Of course, prove in
effective in view Of the diminished strength Of
their Republican allies 1t is generally be
Iieved moreover, that the Democrats will gener-
ally vote for the tax the net earnings OF
corporations when they perceive that the income
tax is irrevocably defeated for this session.
There is much satisfaction expressed the
Republican side over the outcome of the crisis
through which the party in the Senate has
passed. and most of the Republicans are CRATE
full for the opportunity to rally round the
President and support proposition which they
believe will add immensely to the popularity of
the tariff bill and strengthen the tactical position
Of the party in the next campaign. Senator
Hepburn. however. has indicated his opposition
to the Presidents proposition.
There is already a disposition in some quar-
ters to create the impression that Senator Al
drich will be guilty of bad faith in the confer
ence and that he will attempt to kill the cor
ooration tax amendment when the tariff bill
reaches that stage. Such reports are. of course |
wholly without foundation. in the first place
Mr. Aldrich would not be guilty of such an
effort and in the second. such an attempt would |
create such bitterness in the Senate when the |
conference report was made as TO result either |
n the defeat of the tariff bill or in the substi-
tuition of an income tax. Moreover, there Is |
very reason to believe that such a would |
70 checked by an executive Veto If it were not |
defeated in the Senate.
The special taxation amendment will not be |
added to the bill Friday but will be post |
7oned again. as has been told in these dis |
patches There will be considerable skirmish- |
ne for position the part Of the leaders, who |
zone TO present the corporation tax amendment |
q a substitute for the income tax amendment |
md thus prevent any direct vote the Cum |
nins- Bailey proposition