Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-05-05
PATRIOTIC HARRISBURG
TIME patriotism of the America

2 II NIi1A PtltllOIlSIll VI IllO AultTlCdIl
people is being manifested in
many ways, but there is moth
ing that has given more substantial
expression of their devotion to the
ideals of the nation than the earn
est effort of all classes to help in
the financing of the war. This is
taking form in subscriptions to the
special bond issues and other forms
of national obligations created for
the emergency.
The Harrisburg Clearing House
Association is handling the subscrip-
tons to the bonds without charge
and all the local banks and financial
institutions are in this way cooper
ating for a prompt absorption of the
first big loan.
England had her experience in
raising money for the conflict and
the difficulties overcome by the Brit
ish empire suggested to our own
financierS the methods which will
make easier the important work of
providing funds for the prosecution
of the struggle.
The Chamber of Commerce of this
city has already adopted certain
recommendations for the guidance
of the national organization which
will in turn aid Congress and the
administration at Washington in
determining the best plan for put
ting in force and effect the financial
resources of the country.
1t is the purpose of the United
States to place a large part of the
burden by direct taxation. Large
loans will follow, of course, but the
policy of those at the head of the
nation is to avoid so far as possible
a continuing burden which would
be vexatious in the readjustment
period following the war.
1t has been pointed out by long
headed business men and hnanciers
that the pay-as-you-go plan repre-
sented by direct taxation is safer
than the loan system employed by
Germany. Our chief enemy has al
ready practically exhausted her loan
capacity and is about to suffer from
the burdens of interest which must
be paid on the billions of marks she
has already borrowed.
Under the plan suggested by ouI
own government, it is proposed to is
sue about seven billions through
bonds and two billions additional
would be raised by taxation. Just
how to distribute these taxes is the
present concern of Congress.
1t is proposed to tax heavily lux.
uries and amusements and the things
which cannot be classed as necessi.
ties. Also, excess profits and those
best able to support unusual burdens
will be expected to contribute large.
ly to the public purse.
While much attention is being
given to the raising of revenues anC
there is certain to be more or les.
uncertainty growing out of the eff.
fects of these revenue measures, i
must not be forgotten that the cir.
culation of billions of dollars in the
purchase of supplies and the activi
ties of business will serve to main
tain prosperous conditions through
out the country. During the las
week there has been q perceptiblt
change of attitude on the part o
manufacturers and industrial lead
ers generally. Instead of timiditl
there is evidence everywhere of Wig
orous prosecution of business activi
ties of every sort. We are organic
ing armies, but are also organizini
our industries and upon every hanC
there is a desire to help to the ex
tent of the ability of every man
woman and child.
We must face whatever is aheaC
with courage and with a determine
ton each one to do his or her part
This is no time for slackers or pes
slmists, but is time for individua
courage and unselfish support of th
government at home and in the fielt
wherever our duty calls.