The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1914-09-23
OFFICIAL PAPER OF cnOUTEAU COUNTY
WOULD REDUCE X

We ~
A novel plan for equalizing govern.
ment income and expenses, and one
which will appeal to citizens who
would not contribute directly to it's
success, is proposed by Senator Var.
daman, of Mississippi, a democratic
statesman who makes a bid for pop
ularity as the Taxpayers friend"
Senator Vardaman achieved notoriety
some time ago in al entirely different
field Of endeavor that did not meet
with general endorsement, but his
effort to solve the problem of federal
taxation will attract favorable atten-
ton throughout the country.
The Mississippi senator proposes
to dispense with an intricate and cost
~ method of collecting additional
taxes, by the simple expedient of re-
ducing the compensation of all fed
eral employees, his plan being briefly
set forth in this press dispatch from
Washington:
Senator James X. Vardaman of
Mississippi, is considering a plan to
avoid a war revenue measure which
would add to taxation. He believes
that if every salaried officer or EN-
ploye of the government, from the
president down, would yield up ten
per cent. of his salary that an addi-
tional tax would be unnecessary.
Senator Vardaman has been looking
up information on the subject, with a
view to determining just how much
money could be saved in that way.
"He would have the president, men,
bers of the cabinet, the chief justice
and his associates in the supreme
court. senators and representatives
and all other persons who draw sal
airy or compensation from the gov
eminent, large or small, pay ten per
cent. of the amount to the treasury.
The senator said that men in other
business and to income on account of
the war and he ICES no reason why
people who draw salaries from the
government should not share the bur-
den.
1.-The senator is also considering a
proposal to cut all appropriations for
the maintenance of the government
about ten per cent
This announcement, of course, is
merely an advance notice of what
Senator Vardaman may possibly pro-
pose. He may conclude to abandon
the scheme and cooperate with other
senators in framing a law that will
impose additional taxes, but the publ
city given his plan for relief to the
taxpayers will suggest possibilities
that are worthy of consideration. The
Vardaman plan is not likely to meet
with enthusiastic support in con-
gress, anyway, or from other govern
ment employees who would be affect.
ed by its provisions. Congressman
who refuse to give up the mileage
perquisite of twenty cents per mile
would not willingly vote for a ten per
cent. reduction in their own salaries.
1t is unfortunate for the taxpaying
community that the expenses of gov
eminent are growing faster than the
resources from which they must be
paid. The power to increase the pub.
AN 1hSOuIC ny IulpOSllS duUlllOIldI
taxation appears to have encouraged
extravaganza in the conduct of pub.
lie business. In national, state and
local affairs, the tendency is toward
larger expenditures In proportion to
the wealth of the community, com.
pared with the cost of government
in former years.
The public is losing confidence in
the promises of economy that are
made by each of the political parties
while seeking success at the polls.
The number of public employees is be-
ing constantly increased. and the cost
of conducting the public business as
sumes larger proportions from year
to year. Most of the additional pub
lie expense is due to the action of leg
islative assemblies. and it is hoped
Montana taxpayers will not be afiict-
ed with heavier burdens through laws
that may be enacted by members of
the state legislature who will be elect
ed in November.
The voters would appreciate eXpli-
cit pledges to this effect, and would
be greatly pleased with an assurance
that the present rates of taxation will
be reduced.