The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-08-23
GOMPERS
OUT FOR
WAR TAX
BY SAMUEL GOMPERS,
President of the American
Federation of Labor.

FeuefatfOn OF LABOR.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Aug. 90.
Written for the United Press
There never was war that af-
forded less justification for war
profits than that in which our
country is now engaged.
The fundamental purpose of
this war is to establish inviola-
bility of human rights.
In my opinion, the rate Of tax
alton upon war profits should be
brought down to nearly peace
profits.
Abhorrent Idea.
For this war our republic has
felt justified in enforcing COM
pulsory military service. at the
constant hazard of health, body
and life; to require the full man
power in producing and transpor-
tation.
That corporations, companies
and even individuals should
have the opportunity to coin
flesh and blood of their country
men into war profits is abhorrent
to justice and humanity and in
conflict with the very ideals for
which our people and their al
lies are contending.
No single determination would
do more to unity the nation be-
hind the governments efforts in
this war and establish a feeling
of equity and security than to tax
war profits SO heavily as to vir-
tually wipe out of existence prof
its resulting from the war.
A Charge Made.
1t has long been charged that
there are industries and finan-
cial interests which have even en-
deavored to provoke war that
they might profit thereby.
Even now, despite the fact that
America has Joined in this world
struggle for the most exalted,
fundamental principles and ideals,
the false charge has been leveled
against us that this is war for
profits.
By preventing profits from our
present wars necessities nothing
would tend SO much to enroll the
spirit, conscience and activity OF
our people in one great homogene-
Gus task to win the war for JUS
tice, freedom and democracy the
world over.
Not Niggardly.
In recognition of the unusual
| oapl;tiana attnpdipo urar nrndna-
ton, in my opinion the rate oil
taxation upon war profits should
be brought down to nearly nor
NAL peace profits, and surely the
history of industry of the United
States demonstrates the fact thai
those profits are not niggardl.
to enterprise and wealth.
1t is my judgment that it woult
be extremely unwise for our gov
ernmene to raise all the revenu,
of this war for democracy and hu
mainly thru borrowing and mort
, gaging the future.
, Under the borrowing principle
safe loans are made to the gov
eminent for which full compensa
tiol is guaranteed.
Endorsed by Labor.
Interest on loans and ofte
loans themselves must be paid b
taxation levied upon the peopl
and which, of course, fall NOR
heavily upon poor than upon tn
wealthy.
By taxation on war profits, in
e comes and inheritance, our cour
: try can in large part meet the e,
,, penses of the war as we procee
with that great enterprise.
: The American labor movemen
I has officially endorsed the prir
: ciple of taxation of war profits
Indeed the justification of th
principle cannot be questioned.
In defense of the principles {
this republic the government ha
the right to ask the service OF tn
citizens of the country and to us
for defensive purpose all OF th
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