Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-10-03
THINK BOND ISSUE
WILL HELP c. 0. P.
Republicans Expect to Profit
by Whatever Choice the
President Makes.
.-
Mr.. BRYAN'S OPPOSITION
TO BE RECK0NED WITH
Demand for Defense and Lack of
Money Deemed a Perilous :
Combination.

An impression, which has thus far
been permitted to remain undissipated
by official denial. Is gaining lodgment
in official circles that the administra-
tion intends to propose a bond issue of
three or four hundred million dollars
to meet the cost of the plans of ma
tional military preparedness soon to be
broached.
This is hailed by republicans as rare
good news They say that in every
democratic administration it is Gus
tomary to turn the leaves OF the polit-
ical calendar .and read about this
time. look out for a bond ISSUE" They
say it is the democratic long suit. in
variably played. at some stage of the
game. In past experience 1t has usual
ly been to supply deficit in revenue
The fact that there Is deficit now will
be cited by the republicans as at least
a coincidence with the suggested bond
issue.
Hark to Sugar Schedule.
Republicans say that the very nrst
time the subject of bond issue. for.
whA3exef purpose, Is mentioned In
Congress they propose to call atten-
tion to the fact that the democratic
tariff legislation throws away $4,000
600 q year revenue IN Just one item of
the tariff law. the sugar schedule. and
from that statement they will branch
out and point to innumerable leakages
through the tariff which might be
stopped up before resorting to bond
issues.
According to the republican view
point, the President faces dilemmas in
every aspect of the question of ma
t!onal preparedness. II he does not
fA
the republicans will make the omission
a campaign issue in 1916. II he does
come out for strong policy he will be
opposed by the pacificists. under Mr..
Bryan. and in addition will have to
carry the burden of unpopularity of
bond issue.
Faces a Big Handicap.
1t is realized that an elaborate plan
of preparedness will of itself be a load
to carry with an element Of the public,
aside from the additional handicap of
running into debt to perfect 1t. Yet
there Is no other way, according to ac-
cepted democratic policies, since the
democratic tariff does not even yield
penses of the government To be sure.
1t Is pointed out that the war has pre-
vented the tariff from having a fair
demonstration.
In point of fact, the belief obtains in
high financial circles in New York that
II things continue as they are going
now for many months longer the ad-
ministration will have to resort to sell
ing bonds to pay the governments 8
butcher, baker and candlestick maker
II the administration pushes in the
incoming Congress Secretary McAdoo's
project for government financed mer-
chant marine, still another issue of
bonds will be required, and 1t is gem
a hot
will resume his fight for this lesisla-
tion next winter. So, all in ali. the
republicans are looking forward to the
possibility Of making considerable po-
at the next session Of Congress.
It 10 not thought that they can fore.
go the temptation to make a political
Issue out Of either the failure to pre-.
pare Or the the method Of PREPARING: not
ton to be advanced by many that pre-
paredness should not be a political bat
tledoFe and shuttlecock The politicians
are expected to regard 1t as too good
a chance to be overlooked.
Bryan Opposition in Way.
There is considerable speculation as
to how President Wilson will succeed
with his legislation in Congress in tho
face of apprehended opposition from
Mr.. Bryan. While the elections Of 1914
shook out quite number Of Bryan
democrats and replaced them with re-
puhltcans. the commoner still has a
following In Congress not to be regard
ed as negligible.
| No one attempts to depreciate the as
sistance rendered by the Bryan men, at
Mr.. Bryan's behest in aiding the en-
ing. trust and canal tolls legislation in
the last Congress. Whether the Presi-
dent is strong enough not only to 20
1t alone. but make headway against
downright opposition in his own party
Is the interesting question yet to be
answered. Yet attempt 1t he must, in
the opinion Of republicans.
The republicans claim to have the ad
vantage OF position in that they are
not charged with responsibility of a
constructive program. but will act as
judges upon acts of omission and COM
mission alike. Furthermore, they say,
1.-THE radical difference OF opinion in the
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