New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-11-23
president Will Submit
First Draft to Cabi-
net To-day.
prvFNUE QUESTION
WILL STIR DEBATE
N0 plan Which Sidetracks Trou-
bic Has Yet Been Evolved
by Democrats.
,r,,n TIE Tribune Burssul

.,..;ncton. Nov. 22.-President Will
-, Dut in practically his whole work
w .;u. to-day on his message TO Con-
, ... The first draft is ready, and
~ :. submitted to the Cabinet to-
.v The President hopes that he
,ut on the finishing touches on
Taarssday. and have his mind free for
-. thanksgiving celebration and for
-. ARMY ana Navy football game in
~ York. which he will attend on Sat
urdsy.
o,lv one important subject-revenue
,.r;.,s.ion-it is understood, is likely
- rseeive extended discussion at the
msstine tomorrow. Other questions
have already been debated and the
p-..,dent's attitude approved by the
cabinet. The President will merely
,.sd the paragraphs concerning them
,,a consider suggestions as to word
Ing.
The message will include, II Is re-
,orted. only a part of the administra-
ions programme for the coming ses-
,;or several matters being reserved
q, special messages later. 1t does not
% into detail, but calls the attention
=, Congress TO the needs Of the coun-
,ry and indicates the general lines
wb,cb the President believes legisla-
ton should take.
Defence Is Chief Topic.
The chief topic is understood to be
defence. with q plea for some form OF
,aeouate preparedness and specific IN,
Sorsement of the proposals to be lard
bsfore Congress by the Secretaries OF
War and Navy. Along with this is eN-
nscted TO 20 a request for Legislation
against war plots, such as attacks on
nunition plants, fomenting OF strikes
and other conspiracies, which are not
now covered by Federal statutes. 60,
What recommendations, If any, VIII
he made on the raising Of revenues TO
nav for the defence programme ana
n meet the heavy deficit caused by
the Underwood tariff law have not
been decided on. The administration >
original plan was to avoid revenue leg
isiation as far as possible at this SEES,
sion. paving for the defence plans ana
deficit out of bond issues already au-
thorized. Such serious opposition de-
veloped among Democratic leaders,
however. that the question was re-
onened for discussion. There were In
timations that the President would
make no recommendations, but leave
the whole matter to the House, partly
because revenue measures must orlgi-
nate there and it would be an encroach-
ment on the rights OF Congress lot the
President 20 interfere.
Democratic opposition, however, was
speedily made apparent TO this course
also. II was pointed out that there
was specific legal authorization for the
President TO suggest 10 Congress the
means by which revenue might be
raised when il was evident that eN-
penditures would exceed expected re-
eeipts. Moreover, many Democratic
leaders are anxious TO share with the
President the responsibility which VIII
fall on the originators of tax measures,
sure TO be resented at the polls.
Seek Revenue Source.
II is certain that in case the Presi..
dent does point out possible sources OF
revenue. he will suggest no details.
Many such sources have been under
discussion, and the Treasury, through
its agents, has been gathering data on
them. None has yet been discovered,
however. that will not stir up trouble.
Amcng the suggestions are levles on
beer, on saloonkeepers, on checks, on
automobiles, on inheritances and on
manufacturers Of war munitions, and
an extension and stifening of the in
come tax.