The Washington herald., 1916-08-17
Raising Revenue.

From the opposition which the Senate draft ot
the emergency revenue bill is scheduled to meet
1t is difficult to find just who it satisfies.
Senators Underwood, Phclan O'Gorman, Ash
urst and Pittman listed among Democratic
members OF the Upper Branch of Congress who
find one or more sections cmincntly unsatsfae-
tory.
Aligned with these Senators are many more
who believe that the method which the party pur-
sues for raising funds to meet threatened def
cencies is all wrong, but fealty to Democratic
principles them to support the administra-
ton measure.
OF course the Republican opposition to the
bill will be classcd as purely politics. The fact
that the Underwood tariff bill has failed to fur
nish the necessary revenues for the government
will be conveniently thrust aside by the Demo
Gratis.
Before Congress gets through with appropria-
ton measures the aggregate for all purposes will
probably exceed $I,7oo 1000, topping all previ-
GUS records by at least 5oo,ooooOo. This in an
administration that has pledged undying loyalty
to economy.
Those measures designed to preserve the peace
and prosperity OF the country, and popularity
called preparedness bills, the prcpondcrancc of
the Democratic majority and the Republican mi
iIS support, duu tllC county - with tlSliI'
The only question is how the bills will be paid.
The existing tariff bill does not the situa-
ton and some remedy is imperative
Taxation experts in Congress feel that a bond
issue is the logical method to meet the threatened
depletion OF the Treasury. On the supposition
that the prosperity OF the future ought to bear
its share OF the present taxation burden they be-
hcvc it much more desirable than direct tax
which almost everybody feels But the experts
are in hopeless minority hence the additional
revenue bill
Looking OF the special taxes it pro-
yidcs VIC find corporations, joint stock compa-
nies and associations paying 50 cents for each
$1,000 OF capital, surplus and undivided profits
used in any OF the activities or functions OF their
business, including such sums as may be invested
in or loaned upon stocks, bonds, real estate,
mortgages or other securities.
Brokers shall pay $50 per year, pawnbrokcrs
$50 shipbrokcrs $50, customhousc brokers' $40, and
circuscS SIoo. Public exhibitions and perform
anccs, except those exempted for charitable pur-
poses, $40; proprictors OF bowling alleys and bill
lard halls, S for each table or alley; manuiac-
turcrs OF tobacco whose annual sales exceed
$4,000 pounds s.; those whose annual sales cx-
ceed 100000 pounds, $I2; cigar and cigarette
manufacturers are further assessed.
Theaters shall pay their tribute Additional
stamp taxes placed upon legal papers, public
documents, agreements, bills OF sale and other
papers necessary to the conduct OF business. In
surancc companies savings banks and small in
vestors all contribute their part
With the Democratic party shouting pros
perity from the Golden Gate to HcIrs Gate, the
present bill seems somewhat inconsistent
But it is a fact that the nation is prosperous
and that the man in the street has money in his
pocket. Therefore the opposition to such a bill
that would ordinarily be raised by the people is
lacking in a large degree. This lack OF opposi-
ton by the taxpayers augurs Tor the passage Of
the measure.