The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-09-26
the WAR TAX BILL.
DEBATE LIMITED TO FOUR
HOURS IN HOUSE SAYS UN-
DLIiWOOD.
Will Come Before House TonOrrOW-
Majority Report Defends Measure,
While Minority Claims il Is Unncc.
cSsary.

Washington, Sept. 22.-Early dis
position in the house of the war reve-
nuo bill to raise approximately 105,-
100000 was indicated today, when
Majority Leader Underwood announce
ed that it would be brought up Thurs
day under Il rule limiting debate TO
four hours.
Republican members will attack the
measure along lines suggested today
In minority report filed by Repre-
sentative Payne, Of New York, pro-
testing that there was mo occasion
for panic, hasty or headlong action TO
heap heavier burdens upon the peo-
pie" The Democrats were charged
with extravaganza. Failure of the
new tariff to meet expectations Of its
trainers also was claimed.
The majority report of the ways and
means committee, filed with the bill
today, declared that the new tariff
laws ard other sources of revenue
would have yielded sufficient govern
ment funds had it not been for the
European war and consequent de-
crease in customs receipts.
Prospects for early passage Of the
bill, when it reaches the senate, ad-
mnistratiOn leaders pointed out to-
night, seemed to be more favorable in
view of the capitulation Of the Dem
ocrats in the river and haroor fight.
Republican senator's propose, however
to debate it thoroughly.
"The great nations Of Europe" the
majority report says, "have gone tC
Il paper basis, and gold has gone to q
premium. international exchange has
been interrupted and must be estab-
lishcd on Il new hasis The usual
pected to return gold to this country
within the next four months, has been
interrupted and interfered with, bring.
ing about II more or less demora lizci
condition Of business, and has placed
-a~tremendous, strain on our banlaes
facilities. 1t is, therefore, deemed un-
wise at this time to withdraw govern
ment funds from the banks, because il
would necessitatc the banks reducing
their credits, embarrass the crol
movement reduce the treasury bal.
anco to the minimum and probabl!
bring disastrous conditions to our pco.
pie.
1T, therefore seems wisdom fOl
congress to levy u tax at this time t.
take care Of the deficit in our customs
revenue brought about by condition.
over which our government and oul
people have no control"
The report cited treasury figures il
an argument that the necessity for tht
exchange cannot be traced to the
tariff law. 1t estimated that the spe
cial taxes on bankers, brokers, pawi
brokers, commercial brokers, custom.
house brokers, proprietors OF theatres
museums and concert halls in cite.
Of more than 1900 population; pro.
prictors Of circuses and other public
exhibitions and shows, lowing alley
ana billiard rooms would produce ar
aggregate of $10,0OO,OOO during the
first twelve months the law is in ef-
feet.
Motion picture shows would be tax
cd 500 under the head of pro
prietors of theatres" etc. in cities OF
1900. according to members of the
committe today.
The report estimated that the tax
upon telegraph and telephone compa-
nies would yield $1.50O.OOO the first
year; tobacco dealers and manurac-
turcrs $5,00O,00O.
bRnV1IISIIVnN S.U-r,l,v,c,