The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1910-02-10
BY Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
Washington, Feb. Ex-senator VIII
liam E. Borah, Of Idaho. took occasion
in the senate today, TO attack the posi-
ton Of those who oppose acceptance
by the several states Of the propos
ed amendment to the constitution Of
tie United States which would per,
NIT the levying Of tax on incomes
without apportionment between the
states.
Incidentally the senator paid bis re-
spects to Governor Hughes. Of New
York, including him By inference
among those who profess to be in
favor OF an income tax but oppose
practical measures ghieh permit its
enforcement His allusion was Of
course to Governor Hughes annual
message 70 the New York state legisla-
ture urging defeat OF the proposed
amendment on the ground that its
language might be 50 construed as
to authorize congress to tax incomes
derived from state and municipal
bonds.
Senator Borah pictured. the mind Of
the public az in a state Of suspicion
and discomfort toward the government
and declared thas the people could not
much longer be withheld from radi-
cal action if taxation we're continued
in protection Of wealth and in exemp-
ton OF incomes which sustain luxury
and breed fdleness and idiocy." The
senator said in substance.
"The history Of the income tax since
1894 has not been one which any citi-
zen can recite with pride. For hun
dred years rule of construction az
established by the men who helped
TO write the constitution had received
the approval Of an Undivided court
time ana time again. During this
period there sat upon the bench of
the supreme court some Of the great
est lawyers Of that or,any other period
Of this or any other country. During
this period the wealth Of this country
had not become to domineering, so
powerful, so determined to have its
own way. During this period, there
fore, we had under the constitution
the right to impose part OF the tax
upon wealth and a part upon consump-
tion and we did so.
In 1894, and 1896 these precedents
were overturned, this constitution re-
ceived an Interpretation unknown to
its makers. In the face of two most
powerful dissenting opinions to which
two other judges assented. the humil-
iating and astounding doctrine was
announced that the makers OF the
Republic had hedged wealth about 50
that the taxing powers Of the govern
ment could not reach It even in time
of war that the founders Of a govern
ment based upon equality and justice
had made It Impossible to divide the
burdens of government between CON
sumption and large class Of gathered
wealth. Last session of this body
we were called upon to ratify aud de
clare by express act our assent to
that Interpretation Under the rule
of the majority we did So We sub
mitted this proposed amendment to
remedy this supposed hideous defect
In the fundamental law.
"Now the scheme and plan is to de-
feat the amendment. Having as
law making body solemnly accepted
this construction of the constitution,
thereby making it impracticable again
to appeal to the court. II this amend
ment can be defeated this. the govern
ment of the people. for the people and
by the people. will stand alone among
all the civilized nations of the earth /
shorn of the power to tax that form of
wealth best able to bear the burdens
OF government.
THAT is the scheme and plan, and
such men as the great governor of
New York is giving them great aid
and comfort Men say with great
feryor Of patriotism. Il am in favor
of this power being given to the gov
ernment to be used at least in time
OF war and straigEtway proceed to
help defeat the amendment II those
who are the real enemies of this
measure would come into the open its
friends could deal with them far more
successfully
"Mr President. no one ever saw
this country In just the condition It is |
today Never since ithis government |
was launched has there been such a
restless spirit among the great mass
of the people. such ugly questioning, /
such persistent inquiry No part of
the government scenes to escape chal- |
lenge or criticism. and IL Is fast be- /