New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-26
Half Billion Tax Problem


out. cut of any revenue.
Half Billion Tax Problem
The simple question, What shall we
tax 10 raise that half billion dol
lars" had a telling effect, IT was
noticed to-day, especially when coupled
with a suggestion that the substitute
tex be placed on something produced
in the state OF the Senator being ques-
toned.
Prohibition leaders. however, are
confident that they will have clear
majority TO pass the House bone dry
amendment when the test comes. Due
70 the fact that much depends on
the parliamentary situation, and the
precise form which the motion takes,
there are endless possibilities Of de-
lay TO the food bill as a result Of
this fight. There are Senator'S in favor
of the food bill who would see the
bill thrown N the waste basket rather
than have it passed with the prohibi-
ticn amendment tackled on.
On the other hand, there are Sena-
tors in the dry camp, notably Shep-
pard Of Texas and Jones of Wash
ington, who woula sacrifice speed IN
the passage OF the food bill and tie
up almost any of the war legislation II
they thought by so doing they could
fore prohibition. =
The cotton states were put on the de-
fensive to-day by Senator'S Kellog. Cum
MINIS and Kenyon during A speech by
Senator Rsnsdell, Of Louisiana. Mr..
Kellog inquired II Mr.. Ransdell would
be willing to have the price OF cotton
regulated by the food administrator so
"a to protect the consumers OF that
commodity.
Excludes Cotton as Necessity
Mr.. Ransdell replied that cotton, ex-
cept the seed. although almost an es-
sential TO human happiness, could not
be classed with food as a necessary.
Senator Cummins drew attention 20
the fact that the bill, while barring
cotton from the control of the food ad-
ministrator. protects the cotton grow
ers under the minimum price guarantee
section.
At Nr. Ransdelfs hasty observation
that he was willing 10 surrender that
benefit for cotton, Mr. kellog said ne
did not wish it barred. He wished 1t
included. and also steel, farm imple-
ments and oil.
The Joker in the controversy IL tnat
the Southern rs are satisfied with the
present price Of cotton, and short
crop insures, they believe, that the hign
price will be increased. 80 they are
not interested in a minimum price
guarantee for cotton. They wish TO
avoid, however, any control wnlcH
might force the price down.
While debate on the Chamoerlain
draft of the bill continued in the Sem
ate. the measure as II passed the House
was referred 20 the Agriculture com
mittee. A subcommittee Will begin IT'S
consideration tomorrow and a repor,
10 the Senate is expected Wednesday.
Amendments Prepared
Material changes which the Admins
.ra.ion leaders have agreed 20 accept,
and which the subcommittee may
adopt tomorrow, are expected TO alIay
opposition to large degree. These
amendments propose
Extension OF government control
over food. feed and fruels, as pro-
yided in the Lever bill. To many
other basic articles. including iron
and steel and their products; oil,
copper. lead. zinc. aluminium. pla-
tinum. fern implements. fertilizers
and binding twine.
Elimination of the provision Tor
regulation Of consumption 20 in
sure that the food administration
shall not regulate individual ra-
tions.
Inclusion OF a new section to in
sure that control Of farmers
{ production or storage Of his own
products cannot be attempted.
An addition to the licensing sec
ton 20 make clear that the charges
! 10 be ixed shall relate to storage
and other middlemen's handling.
/ A half dozen amendments to the bll'
were introduced to-day. Senator Lewis
; Democrat. of Illinois. offered n subst
tute bill proposing that the President
shall have general broad authority t.
issue regulations for control of food
stufs; specifically enumerating those