Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-07-28
THE INCOME TAX AMENDMENT.
tFrom the New York Tribune)

Georgia's acceptance OF the income
tax amendment to the federal consti-
tuition is oreshadowed by the passage
in the state Senate Of n resolution of
ratification The Legislature of Georgia
was in session year ago when the
amendment was submitted to the States
by Congress. The lower branch voted
overwhelmingly to ratify, but the
Senate postponed action on the ground
that there would not be time enough
to give the question full considera-
tion, the House resolution having
reached the Senate only q few days
before the session was to end by limi-
tation. Now that the Senate has fallen
In line with tho House of Representa-
tives the latter body may be counted
on TO reaffirm it's action Of last year.
There has been no change in the MEM
bership of either body, Georgia having
biennial even year elections, but an
nual Legislative sessions.
If Georgia ratifies the amendment it
will be able to boast the support Of
eight states. Alabama approved it in
1909, and this year it has been accept
ed by the Legislature of South Caro-
vened in regular session, and the Leg
| islatures of Illinois, Oklahoma and
mississippi. called together to consid =
or emergency measures. Since Arizona
and New Mexico will soon come into
the Union, increasing the number OF
the States to forty-eiEht. the amend
ment will fail unless II receives favor
able consideration In thirty-six States
It has now. even in Georgia reinforce
ment. one less than a quarter of the
votes needed.
| While the Legislatures of seven
States have so far given 1t their APP
prevail. the Legislatures of eight States
have rejected 1t or failed to act on 1t
which has the same practical effect
as rejection. In Rhode Island II was
defeated by unanimous vote ir
each branch Of the Legislature. Bott
houses of the Massachusetts Legisla-
ture rejected 1t. In Virginia the Sen
ate voted to ratify and the house OF
delegates to refuse ratification. There
was parallel situation in the New
York Legislature. The Senate approved
the amendment. but 1t failed t.
pass tho Assembly In Louisian'
vored ratification. hut the Senat
lodged the Issue by insisting on tn
iuuestion to the voters at the Stat
election of 1912. The Legislature ad
journed with the two houses in dead
lock. Three states have failed to TAX
Iany action on the amendment. TIL
Legislature OF Connect cut. in session
a year ago, decided to pass tho prob
lem along to the Legislature of 1911
The Legislatures OF New Jersey an
Ohio IN session this year. allowed tn
amendment to slumbcr In committed
Two more States will have chanc
to vote In 1910 Tho Legislature
Vermont meets In regular session l
October, and the Legislature or Tex
, as has been summoned to meet in
? extraordinary session this month. TIL
year 1910 will therefore end Wtthou
decisive enough action TO reflect IN
nations attitude toward the amend
ment Thirteen states Will nave
, vote against 1t to defeat 1t. and eigf
have already manifested more or les
serious opposition. 1t is true that IL
|, negative verdict of one year may
converted into an affirmative verde
the next wear. But. on the other han
popular interest in the amendmel
may die away. Its fate will probab'
be determined by the progress
: makes next winter. when nearly n
a the Legislatures which meet pie'
lnally will be in session. The West WI
then be heard from, and the ferv'
r or lack Of fervor which 1t exhibi
@ will give a satisfactory line on Il
= amendments prospects.