New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-08
Nelson, Chamberlain and
Williams Talk Straight
Americanism
Hardwick Target;
His Proposal Beaten
Fiery Debate Overshadows
Acceptance of Levy
on Incomes

WASHINGTON, Sept tn the
midst Of another bitter outburst over
American unity in prosecuting the war,
the Senate late to-day tentatively dis
posed Of the income tax provisions OF
the war tax bill and again defeated all
attempts at higher taxation.
Interest in virtual adoption Of the
income tax section, designed to raise
SS42OOO,OOO more revenue from indi-
vidual and corporate incomes, was
oy crshadowed by stormy three
hours scene, in which Senator Hard
wick, OF Georgia, was subjected to Wig
orous criticism by Senator Nelson (Re-
publican) and Senators Chamberlain
and Williams (Democrsts). The incl
dent hardly has been equalled in the
Senate since passage of the army draft
law.
Hardwick's Proposal Beaten
An amendment by Senator Hardwick
to increase taxes in large incomes in
order to pay a $50 monthly bonus To
all Americans serving in France stirred
uT the Senate's temper. 1t was
promptly voted down, II to 5, having
the support only of Senators Gronna,
Hardwick, La Toilette, Reed and Var
daman, all Of the group which opposed
the draft act. But before and long
after its disposition and with scant
attention paid approval of the big in
come tax levy, the Senate was engaged
in the war Of words it provoked
Senator La Toilette had offered the
amendment yesterday for Senator
Hardwick. who was absent. When ,ne
Georgia Senator to-day urged its adop-
ton as a conscription of wealth TO pay
soldiers conscripted, he was asssiled bv
Senator Nelson, a Civil War veteran,
who denounced the amendment as
"humiliating and belittling' to the
American soldier.
our boys are not as cheap as some
statesmen the Minnesota statesman
shouted.
Senator Chamberlain, chairman of
the Military Committee, with evident
feeling. cited Senator Hardwick's oppo-
sition 10 the draft law and declared the
amendment tended to demoralize the
army and toward further resistance OF
the law.
In reply Senator Hardwick claimed
the right Of free speech, defended his
course in opposition TO the Admins
trstion. and attacked what he called the
"hamDoyaut patriotism OF MS critics.
Senator Williams criticised the Geor-
gia Senator'S past and present attitude
toward the draft law and ridlculed his
speech.
With disposal of the hotly contest
ed income tax section to-tly, the
Senate tomorrow will proceed with
minor points Of dispute pending. SEN
ator Smmouds expressed slight hope
Of passing the bill before adjourn
ment tomorrow, but thought il more
probable that II would be delayed until
Monday, definitely fixed for final &C
ton.
In the further defeats today Of the
high tax group, the Senate rejected,
80 70 49, an amendment by Senator
la Toilette 10 raise S643, sol 900 IN
stead of S482. 100000 additional from
individual incomes. Another by Sem
ator Hollis 20 raise $75.OOO,O0O more
than the bill now provides was de
fcatcd 81 to %, and an amendment
by Senator Tramcll, Of Florida, 20
raise exemption standards was lost
viva voce.
As tentatively approved to-day, the
bill provides for an additional normal
tax Of per cent on individual incomes
with the exemption lowered to $1,000
of single persons and $4,000 OF married
persons. the corporation tax of ? per
cent is trebled. Graduate SurtaNes, be-
ginning on incomes over $4,000, and
ranging from l per cent TO 90 per cent
on those over 81 100000, are prescribed
With existing rates and the new tax
two-thirds of all incomes Of more than
Sl,O00,000 would be taken.
Blocks Inheritance Levy
An amendment providing for a pro-
gressive inheritance tax was introduced
by Senator Owen, with the announce
ment that ne would discuss it to-mor-
row.
The Senate has already expressed it.
self on the inheritance question, hav-
ing recently sustained the Finance
Committees action in striking out a
House tax upon inheritances designed
to raise 100000.
Chief interest during the day centred
about the Nelson speech.
"This amendment is Of such a char
acter that ] cannot help but say some
thing" said Senator Nelson. OF Mime
sofa. "Thc American soldier is not OF
such a mcrcenary disposition as this
amendment would seem to Indicate This
war IS carried on in Europe; we hope