The Washington times., 1915-12-10
WOULD MAKE RICH
/. PAY DEFENSE BILLS
Rational Defense League Is Or.
ganized to Oppose "Ammuni-
ton Ring"

Advocating national preparedness II
the cost will be borne by the nations
wealthy, and not fall upon the shouI-
dcrs OF those least able 10 bear IL, the
Rational Defense League began today a
campaign for membership. following the
initial meeting OF the organization last
night in the rooms OF the Chamber OF
Commerce.
''I believe that II the masses Of the
people are willing to do the fighting TOT
this country, the possessors OF great
fortunes should lie willing to pay the
bills incident to war and preparedness.
Congressman Edward Keating OF Colo
Tado declared in addressing the meeting.
"I will vote for President Wilson's pre-
paredness plan II the cost IN placed on
The wealth OF the country VIII nos S
vote for the proposals II II lsh PiaSeN
there"
OppOse Present Plans.
CONGRESSMAN Warren Worth Bailey OF
Pennsylvania and Brig Gen. Isaac sher-
wood one of the few Congressman who
served in the civil war. also opposed the
preparedness plans thus far proposed.
Participating in the discussion which
/ followed the address OF Congressman n
KeatIng were Mrs. Christobel Eastman
, benedict. Mrs. John jay White, Mrs.
Sara Bard Field, and Mrs. Frank Cock
ran, -,
rThe league plans to form branches all
over the country, and committees soon
of rational preparedness. The Eve OBJ
iects Of the league, as explained by Mrs.
! Jessie Hardy Stubbs Mackaye, VINO was
! chairman OF the meeting, included the
creation OF commission to investigate
| the possibilities of aggressive war by
! other nations against the United states
/ the conservation of coal, oil, timber,
water power. and other natuEai re-
! Government manufacture OF all NUM-
! tions OF war, taxation of incomes and
| inheritances to pay for nationaI defense,
| the people, men and women, before de-
claring war whenever possible to do So
Purpose Of League.
! ut is no secret that the ammunition
ring has been lobbying for preparedness
in the hope OF procuring large contracts
that will keep busy the additional muni'
tion plants that have been erected tc
! supply the demand OF the European
powers" Mrs. MacKaye declared, "anC
this organization is to oppose the pro
tlonal Security League and similar or
ganizatious urging limited preparedness
! unless the cost thereof VIII not be placed
who bear all expenses and do all th'
Cor ConEressman Xeating's subject wa
Taxing the Rich to Pay for Prepared
ness" He proposed a fund in tn,
Treasury to be known as the "nationa
defense fund" TO be made UP OF a con
tributlon of $3.50, 100000 each year from
the general fund. "The remainder need
ed Tor army and navy would be pro
cured by the imposition Of an inherit
ance tax and income tax" Mr.. keatinI
said. ',.
Promises To Be Pest.
J The income and inheritance taxes
/ CONGRESSMAN Heating suggested. woul
be determined each year by the need
OF the army and navy. and he declare
:, on the floor of the House during tn
|. preparedness agitation until he -aScei
y tanned who is going to pay Tor pr'
: I'm all the band OF estimsble Eentl,
e men who have been advocating bis
Q mot one has siEnifed his desire
n stand the. necessary extra tax,
It "The poor man Is already payiE
enough taxes. Should he have an add
tional burden for defense laid upC
him, when. II the drums rolled tomo
row he would be the hrst to march
S H1f a system OF taxation for defen
were adopted. as I have suggested; "
-, | NAV be sure the rich man would n
wish an extTavagant program. ana tht
~ with his power over industry ana Z
10 press. he would constitute himser
r auditor OF defense costs.
NJ a second meeting will be held in ia
a. uary. at which Clifford Pinchot
sneak on conservation OF resources
atfectinG national defense,
.
!. Kentuckians Plan Feast
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