New-York tribune., 1909-06-21
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
FEATURE OF WEEK.
Interest in Schedules Sub0rdinated to
Ne5o Plan for Increasing ReUenues
adjournment Date Still
Uncertain.
EFrom The Tribune Bureau ]


message to Congress urging the adoption of a tax
the earnings Of corporations and joint reso-
luton for 4 constitutional amendment to authorize
the enactment of income tax law was the strik-
ing feature of the thirteenth week of the tariff Con-
gress Interest in the schedules has been subordi-
mated to the new plan for increasing the national
revenues and al the time placing on the stat
ute books medium for the government control
through publicity, of all the corporations in the
United States
The Republican leaders in both the Senate and
the House have seized on the Presidents plan as
the only practicable method Of defeating the enact
ment Of an income tax at this session OF Congress
They in hearty accord with the Presidents
programme. not because all Of them approve 1t In
principle, but because most of them realize that to
oppose It to seek to retard it means the enact
ment OF a farreaching income tax law which viii
apply both individuals and corporations.
From the beginning Mr., Aldrich was opposed TO
any amendments 10 the tariff bill authorizing the
levyng OF special taxes lie felt that the new Gus
toms duties would raise sufficient revenue to meet
all proper expenditures Of the government ana II
his desire TO test OUT until the regular seS
sion of Congress. the revenue producing power OF
the tariff law II was his purpose to have the in
tax amendment referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary with instructions report in Decem-
ber. whether it within the constitutional power
OF Congress 10 enact an income tax law
ASKS PRESIDENT FOR HELP.
When the Rhode Island Senator found that the
combination which had been formed by the Demo
Gratis and the fifteen more income tax Fepunh-
cans was inpregnable and that his motion 10 refer
probably would be defeated he placed the situation
before the President and asked for help. The Pres
ident was quick realize that here was an oppor-
tunitv for him to put through Congress measure
which he intended to recommend in his annual mes
sage in December. The Rhode Island Senator ac-
cepted the Presidents plan to tax corporations on
their incomes and at the same time TO test lhe
wishes of the states the deslrability Of amend
tss,t+fr civ
levy income tax.
While many Of the Republican leaders are max
ing wry faces and in private conversation aoli'
that the corporation tax plan Is not 10 theiT Ais
hey are seeking in good faith and with all pos
sible speed. 10 carry into effect Mr.. Tafts recon-
mendation. A tentative draft Of the amendment
prepared by Attorney General WickerSham Is no"
in the hands Of the Finance Committee. ana II Will
be perfected and introduced in the senate '"'S
week
That the Taft plan will be adopted by the Sen
ate and approved by the Conference Committee
and the House seems to be assured Enough Ike
publican supporters OF the income tax AInehuiiitH'
have signiied their purpose 10 abide by tire wishes
OF the President TO insure the corporation tax a
clear majority when 1t is offered as substitute
for the Bailey C'ummiUs amendment to tax IN
comes. Mr. Taft's message almost caused panic
on the Democratic side and alarm was sent
out for a Democratic caucus. Mr.. Bailey frankly
told his colleagues that Mr.. Taft had cut the
ground from under their feet and that 1t was
necessary TO determine policy which would
make the country think that the Democrats had
forced an unwilling majority TO come 10 terms
DEMOCRATS LOSE PRESTIGE.
The dissens!ous on the Democratic side over the
Denver platform and the disposition Of minority
Senators to vote for protective duties on the prod
ucts Of their own states have stripped that party
Of prestige the tariff question. Now the Demo
cratic leaders have turned to the corporation tax
as the only means whereby they can gain political
of 'oTg
will be to bring about a parliamentary situation
which will compel the Republicans to vote down
the income tax amendment and then apparently
be forced to accept the corporation tax
Some Of the Republican supporters OF the income
tax are greatly dissatisfied with the corporation
tax plan. These disafections are not far reaching
and do not concern the leaders whose poll OF the
Senate shows that majority OF the Republicans
are willing 10 recognize Mr. Tafts party leadership
and to follow his wishes. The leaders express the
belief that when the corporation tax amendment Is
in the hands of Senators the ranks Of the in
surgents" viii be still further diminished in mum
Der. and that IN the last analysis there Will be
! practically united party to execute the soft but
persuasive mandate of the head Of the party organ
ization.
OF course it is Impossible TO forecast the duration
of debate the amendment now being perfected
by the Finance Committee Both insurgents and
Democrats are unable 10 predict what they will
have TO say this question. we want 10 know
its provisions before we make any promises con
cernng its discussion, Is the reply TO questions aS
to how long the amendment will be before the
Serate The leaders do not believe the corporation
tax provision Will lead to prolonged discussion. and
It is their expectation that not to exceed week
will be required explain it TO the satisfaction of
the orators They had figured five or six days'
debate on the income tax question.
HOUSE ORATORS FESTIVE.
While the leaders do rot think the special tax
amendment will postpone appreeabiy the date OF
final adjournment it is now admitted that Con
sress probably VIII be In session until close to the
| middle of July. Some OF the pessimistc
doubt If final adjournment can be taken before
August l. Until the last few weeks IT was the eX-
pectation Of both the Senate and House leaders
that not to exceed a week ten days would be
required to adjust the differences in The conference
| committee II appears. however, that some Of the
| House orators who have had long rest, want to
| unload a large assortment OF talk for home con
sumption before voting on the amended tariff Dill
The speechmakng will begin as soon as the bill Is
! returned to the House. Members OF that BODY
want to go on record in opposition to certain Senate
| anandments and TO notice on the House con-
ferrees not to yield. 1t is expected that an effort
! viii he made to instruct the House conference
committee certain provisions Of the bill, ana
! q NAV he a week longer after the bill reaches
the House before It is placed in the hands of the
| conference committee. IN view Of the oratorical
,o-,rer Of some Representatives who have returned
| ~ washington the House leaders, say it may be
tbree or four weeks after the Senate passes the bill
before the House will be ready to vote finally Oh
| the tariff question
The principal debate the tariff schedules last
week related to the Philippines section and the print
paner and hides paragraphs. The section providing
+ free trade with Philippines but limiting the
amount of free importations Of tobacco, sugar and
cigars occupied attention three days before its
adoption. The paper paragraph. fixing duty OF