The Washington times., 1914-09-24
HOUSE OPENS FIGHT
OVER WAR TAX BILL
Republicans Denounce Gag"
Rule, and Debate Over Issue
Becomes Warm.

Under a special rule, which was
roundly denounced by Republicans.
limiting debate to seven hours and
forbidding amendment, the Demo-
cratic war tax bill was taken up in
the House today. The first oratorical
skirmish occurred when Chairman
Henry reported from the Rules Com
mittee the so-called gag" rule and
informed Mr.. Campbell, ranking Re-
publican of the committee, that he
was extravagant in requesting two
hours to talk about the rule itself.
I'll agree to one hour. of which the
minority may have thirty minutes"
said Mr.. Henry.
The minority is thankful for such
little favors as it receives" said Mr..
Campbell, bowing low and bringing
into play his most sarcastic tones
Thereupon the battle OF words was on
and Congressman Lenroot, Progress
sive Republican, moved down the
aisles and called upon the old Cannon
regi emto witness how the Democrats
have gone Uncle Joe" and his coherts
one better.
II have more respect for Cannon
and his rules than for a Democrat who
votes for this gag proposition today,
shouted Mr.. Lenroot. one of the vet
non rules.
Rule "Speak for Itself"
Mr.. Lenroot quoted a speech in
which President Wilson had said:
NO man can be just who is not
free"
"who is free among you?" demand
ed Lenroot. shaking his forefinger at
the smiling Democrats.
Mr.. Henry said Democrats had little
desire to debate the rule, which
speaks for itself"
Derisive laughter and cries Of 1T
certainly does" came from the min
ority.
Mr.. Lenroot said the revenue bill had
been framed in secret and by private
arrangement
Mr.. Garrett, replying for the Demo-
Gratis, asserted that the majority was
forced to act quickly on an emer-
gency revenue brought On by a for
eign war over which this country has
no control.
TT is common understanding" he
said. "that the minority in the Senate
are to use obstructive tactics against
this bill. II it is to be question OF
physical endurance there, We might as
well start it as sono as possible. We
must meet our responsibility speedily,
and we have decided to put this bill
through at once"
hQlculeS w ar lax.
Mr.. Campbell. in an unusually bitter
speech, ridiculed the idea that the
emocratic measure is war tax
why, We are at peace with the
world" shouted Campbell, and the
Democrats took up the cheering at the
Republican admission. Undaunted. Mr..
Campbell declared that you cannot fool
the people by talk Of a war tax when
everybody knows we are rot at war"
The pending revenue bill. Mr.. Camp
he'll said. was but another demonstra-
tion of the inefficiency of Democratic
legislation.
Another tariff for revenue only has
failed TO produce revenue, and we must
have a war tax to make up the reve-
nues which the Underwood bill has
failed TO produce he said.
Although the adoption or the rule was
a fOregone conclusion, the debate was
Of the old-fashioned field day order,
with Republican taunts and Democratic
defenses filling the heated air of the
House chamber.
Will Be Much Debate.
There will be plenty of debate on the
bill in the Senate. Discussion Of the
war taxes will lead to a revival of
tariff talk. Republicans are preparing
long speeches in which they will deal
with the workings of the Underwood
act. They will endeavor TO show that
the Government has lost much revenue
from the reduced duties of the Under
wood measure without giving the public
any corresponding benefit in reduced
cost Of living. In other words, efforts
Will be made to show that the present
tariff act is operating to aid the trusts
and combinations and special interests
control nd
E ssities in this country and to give no
relief TO the consumer.
Democratic appropriations will come
in for sharp dissection. The extrava-
2ance of appropriations by this Congress
Is well understood. The figures show
money has been spent with an extreme
ly lavish hand. The discussion of the
pork barrel bill in the Senate recently
ten led to emphasize the situation as to
appropriations. Senator Borah said at
IN" time that the only place where ex-
penses were not being curtailed was
the Government of the United States.
The argument that If a proper degree
% economy were observed there would
he no need for war taxes will be freely
advanced.
Could Meet Needs.
BY gradually drawing in these depos-
is. It will be pointed out, the Govern
ment could meet its needs without ex-
acting more tax.
NaLy in both houses believe that If
more money must be had, the equitable
Way to raise il is through bond issue
That could be paid off in normal times.
Others hold that the way to raise any
more revenue that may be needed is to
raise il on whisky, beer, wines and to-
haCCO.
An effort will be made in the Senate
TO have more tax put on whisky. The
House gag rule has made il impossible
for such an amendment to be submitted