The San Francisco call., 1909-04-22
Taft Steers Clear of All Fac
tIOns, but His Wishes Are
Well Known
Executive Earnestly Desires
Measure That Shall Afford
People Real Relief
Would IudOrse Income Tax
Proposition as Last Recourse
in Raising Revenue
By Ira e. Bennett
SD Dispa.ch q The Calll

- C~HhNNA
Especial Dispotch 10 The Call
wv AsH1NGToN. D c. April p
w The evident desire of each Of
the several factions in con-
gress TO obtain the approval of Presi-
gent Taft for the ideas which it would
embody in the pending tariff bill has
served 10 emphasize in the minds of
observers the desire of the entire con-
gress to work in harmony with the
president in the enactment of the tariff
law.
This anxiety to obtain the presi-
dents approval extends to democrats
as well as republicans. There have
been several instances where the presi-
dents sanction. Of democracy sugges-
tlons for amending the tariff bill have
been sought and it is evident that
Mr. Taft in spite Of the difference be-
tween his methods and those of his
. predecessor. exercises a powerful moral
influence over the legislative branch
of the government.
Policy of Noninterference
The president. however. has shown
that he believes thoroughly in the
policy Of interference on the part
Of the executive with the law making
branch. except to the degree which the
constitution permits and virtually ad-
,ocates. He has not hesitated TO ex-
2 press his ideas 70 individual senators
4. and representatives. as to the charac-
l~er and scope or the tariff law which
be would like to see enacted but he
has not gone to the extent of insisting
that he knows better than congress
does Just what the tariff law should
provide in detail.
Wants Real Relief Given
He wants a law that viii furnish real
relief in reducing the cost OF living and
bringing a corresponding degree Of
content and happiness to the people Of
the country. Having obtained bill
drawn in accordance with this idea he
would then ascertain whether is would
produce sufficient revenue TO meet the
needs Of the government. II it should
? be found that it would not yield enough
income 10 provide surplus Of receipts
over expenditures he would then con-
sider the matter Of imposing special
forms OF taxation, with an inheritance
tax as the first to be regarded with ia
Eor in this connection. Should it be
clear that the Inheritance tax would
bring in sufficient revenue to provide
an income large enough to prevent
p deficit in the treasury the president
would be inclined 10 favor the imposi-
p tIon Of tax on the net receipts OF cor
perations
Not Anxious for Income Tax
Efforts have been made to create the
Impression that Mr. Taft was decidedly
anxious TO have an income tax pro-
vision Incorporated in the pending bill.
Nothing is farther from the truth. The
president. it is known, is not opposed
10 the principle OF an income tax. but
those who have his confidence assert
rbat he would advocate such tax only
as last expedient
Those radical republicans in the SEN
, ate. headed by Ia Toilette and Cum
mins. who are preparing for an effort to
have the pending tariff bill amended by
P the insertion Of an income tax feature
have received no comfort at the White
House in their effort TO carry through
their plan. They are depending on the
g.. solid support Of the democracy senators.
and this has served to emphasize that
the income tax is really q democratic
policy and that the republican party is
not bound by any pledge or moral
obligation TO provide tax on incomes
IS means Of raising revenue.
Steers Clear Of Factions
Mr.. Taft realizes that in order to
carry out the pledge Of tariff revision
contained IN the republican national
platform Of 1903 he must have the sup
port Of the republicans in the senate
and the house Efforts have been made
10 induce him to take sides with this
or that republican faction in the two
branches Of the congress. but he has
good naturedly resisted the importuni-
ties Of very jealous radicals or in
surgents. or whatever factional name
they may have. to make him party TO
thoir own particular politics.
Mr.. Taft. it is understood, is not con-
cerned over the pessimistic view that
the tariff bill as amended by the SEN
ate committee on finance viii not pro-
duca q uficient revenue. Even If this
view Mould be verified the excess of
ee Expenditures over receipts for the
aeriod that the congress would be in
recess would not exhaust the present
treasury surplus. and the administra-
uon officials point out that the trouble
could be recuhed as soon as congress
assembled next December.