Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1916-09-22
Hughes and the Income Tax.

For some half dozen years Mr..
Hughes. as justice Of the supreme
court of the United States, was re-
moved from active politics and partici-
pated in no discussions OF political
issues.
Prior to that time for several years
he had, however, been an active figure
and as the political leader OF his party
is a great state was called upon fire.
Quently to give his views upon ques-
tons OF governmental Importance.
Some of those views have now come
forward like ghosts of an unfortunate
past to give him pause in his pursuit
of further distinction and doubtless
cause him some grief.
Already his organs and advocates
are in the harrassng difficulty of en-
planning away his attitude as governor
of New York on the proposed amend
ment to the federal constitution to tax
incomes.
One clause in his message to the
state legislature on the subject has
been and is being urged to in at
tempt to create the impression that he
favored the amendment. However
those who would thus quiet his critics
and deceive the public. dare not quote
the message in full
The facts are these:
On January fifth. 1910, as governor,
he transmitted to the legislature a
certified copy Of the congressional
resolution proposing an income tax
amendment to the federal constitu-
ton. He accompanied it by spe-
cial message. the concluding lines OF
which were. Il therefore deem II my
duty as governor of the state to rec
ommend that this proposed amend
ment should not be ratified"
Governor Hughes was known to be
opposed to the amendment. AS poll
tician. however. he found it necessary
to soften his message by an attempt
eddy adroit plea that might lessen
popular evaporation towards his posi-
ton.
Therefore. in his message. he at the
outset proclaimed himself as believing
as principle that the power to tax
income should be held by the federal
government. so as properly to equip
1t with the means OF meeting nation
al eNgencies.'
The proposed amendment. however,
he could not sanction for the reason.
alleged by him. that incomes derived
from bonds issued by the state itself
or those issued by municipalities und
er the states authority should not
be taxed. Such an amendment as that
proposed would place the borrow
ing capacity of the state and of its
governmental agencies at the mercy
OF the federal taxing power
Opponents of the proposed amend
ment were highly pleased with the
governors message. 1t was the re-
Spouse of a faithful servant TO them
who had so often and so unstintedly
contributed TO the success OF his
party.
His party. too. at least. its legisla-
tive representatives, favored his mes
sage. for the New York legislature.
Republican in both branches. prompt
" voted 70 reject the amendment.
This action took place April 20th.
1910.
Five days later President Taft ap-
pointed Governor Hughes justice OF
the supreme court Of the United
States.
Just one year later. when Governor
Dix. Democrat, was in the govern
or's chair at Albany. the legislature
did rayify the amendment which Gov
ernor Hughes and Republican legis-
lature had rejected.
The income tax has now been in
operation several years. 1t has the
sanction OF the American people. 1t
was drafted by Democratic member
OF congress and enacted by a congress
Democratic in both branches.
All this in spite of the positive and
forceful opposition OF the now presi-
Dental nominee OF the Republican
party.
In the meanwhile, so satisfactory
has proven the workings OF the in
come tax law. so thoroughly has it
established the wisdom and states
manship OF his supporters and so
thoroughly has it disproven the argu-
ments of its opponents and their *
plsnstorv pleas in resistance. tia ii