New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-08-30
PARTIES AND THE INCOME TAX.

The attitude OF the two partiesoin Maryland
toward The income tax amendment TO the fed
eral Constitution suggests the possibility OF
some confusing partisan complications there
and elsewhere while the amendment is under
consideration. Maryland is an extremely con-
sentative state. IL the only one in the
Union in which the Democratic party never
declared in favor Of the free coinage Of silver.
The Democratic organization supported Mr..
Bryan in 1895 and 1900. hut il never recanted
its belief in the adyisa bility Of maintaining the
single gold standard. expressed just before Mr..
Bryan's first nomination. The state has been
counted among those likely 70 reject the in
come tax amendment because of its conserva-
tive inclinations. When the Democratic conven-
zion. held week or two ago. failed TO give any
indication that il was aware that Congress had
proposed an amendment OF that the Legislature
10 be elected this fall would he called upon 70
deal with the income tax question. the conclu-
sion was naturally drawn that the Democratic
managers were secretly opposed 10 ratification
but were sfraid 10 go record opposing IL
If they had favored ratification the omission
10 proclaim that fact would be hard 70 under
stand. The last Democratic National Conven-
ton adopted a resolution urging the submission
and ratification Of an income tax amendment,
and the party in Maryland. if il approved the
action and acknowledged the authority of the
national convention. would manfestly have
desired 10 align itself with the national or
ganiZstion and assure the voters that a Demo-
cratic majority in the next Legislature would
give effect 10 the party's pledge. But no such
assurance was given. On the contrary. the
state convention put the Democratic representa-
ton in the next Legislature in position to
deny that il vas under any obligation what
ever 20 support the amendment To complicate
the situation the Republican State Convention,
held last week. adopted q resolution favoring
ratification. so that the Republican party in
Maryland is pledged 10 carry out policy from
which its rival. though supposedly committed TO
IT, has tried TO run away. Possibly shrewd tao
ties dictated the Republican declaration; for
an attempt like that made by the Democratic
managers 20 play hide and seek with the voters
on an issue of undeniabe importance is always
stupid politics.
In Pennsylvania. where no Legislature is 10
be elected this year. the Democratic State Con-
ventiOn favored ratification. The Republican
convention. held prior 10 the passage by Con-
gress Of the amendment. had no opportunity 10
90 record. In New York and New Jersey no
state officers are 10 I've chosen this fall and no
state conventions will be held. Therefore
neither party as a unit. can define fits position.
although candidates for the Assembly in this
state and for the Senate and Assembly in New
Jersey will undoubtedly he called on 10 tell
individually where they stand. If the pro-
gressive Democrats in conference at Albany
urge ratification and the regenerators at Sara
toga Springs ignore the question, another con-
fusing element will Se introduced. No doubt
similar conditions exist. or will develop. In
other states. Action on the amendment there
fore. promises 10 produce not few surprises
and novel slignments in politics.