Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-22
INCREASE IN TOTAL LEVY
, OF WAR TAX BILL LIKELY
After Borah's Speech To-Day, Con-
stderation of Income Tax Section
Is Expected to Begin.
ABSENT SENATORS RETURN
Antagonism Grows Between Factions
Advocating and Opposing Drastic
Advance in Rates ON War Profits
and Incomes.

WASHINGTON, August 21.-Increase
in the total levy of the $4,000. .0O0, 900
war tax bill was regarded certain to-
night, following another day of Sem
ate debate and informal conferences
among leaders The extent OF tho in
crease was still in doubt, with antag-
onism growing between factions cd
vocating and opposing n drastic ad-
vance in rates on war profits and in
comes.
Senator's La Toilette and Weeks made
the only addresses to-day. The former
spoke for nearly three hours in favor
Of radically higher levies on war
profits and incomes OF the wealthy,
while the latter defended the bill as
drafted.
After q speech tomorrow Ly Senator
Borah in favor Of higher taxation and
fewer bonds consideration Of the in
| come tax section is expected TO begin.
Leaders OF the Finance Committee
now are considering presentation Of
| amendments proposing higher sur
taxes on big incomes. Those advocating
greater levies declare at least thirty
Senators favor such action. although
few are expected to go to the extent
urged by Senator La Follettc.
Senator Gerry. Finance Committee
member. and reputed millionaire. to-
day introduced an amendment. reported
to have been approved by committee
leaders, proposing levies of 35 pc. cent
on incomes between 100000 and $3.50 :
600. IS per cent on those between
$75O.o00 and s1.Oooo00 and so per cen,
on those over s1.0O0.O00. It would
raise s4,225,00o more revenue.
ABSENT SENATORS CALLED
BACK ny PARTY LEADERS
Senators who have been absen,
were arriving to-day in response
to telegraphic notice from the party
! lenders to be on hand for the voting
on the war tax bills chief features
in dispute, the war profits and In
| come taxes. though this may not be
reached before the latter part of the
week. Final action on the bill itself
probably will not come until the COM
ing week.
Senate sentiment in favor of higher
rates on war profits and income taxes.
already strong, apparently is gaining
strength. Proposals for higher rates
on these sources arc being incorporated
in n sub-bill to be offered by Senator
King.
Conscription OF wealth to pay for
| the war was urged by Senator La
Toilette in presenting the minority
plans Of the Finance Committee for
higher rates in the war tax bill on war
profits and incomes. He suggested in
creasing the $4,000. 100000 bill to more
than S3,500,000 900 by such increases
with elimination OF consumption taxes
GOVERNMENTS DEMAND WAR,
WHILE PEOPLE ARE FOR PEACE
The Wisconsin Senator declared gov
ernments were demanding war while
their peoples were asking for peace,
and contended that 85 per cent of men
drafted are protesting. Large bond
Issues desired by wealthy interests. he
contended, initiate prices and increase
the present high cost of living. The
| Liberty loan. he said. was made pos
sible by an Iron hand within a kid
glove" and persistent advertising
methods.
| Tho pending bill, Mr.. La Toilette
stated. provides by taxes but II per
cent of this years war expenses. while
Great Britain imposes IS per cent.
Next years war expenditures. he pre-
dicted, may reach $4,000, 100000 or
| SAC. 900. 900. 900. and he urged that huge
war profits and incomes OF wealthy
persons. by higher surtaxes. be made
to bear the burden Of the war.
BY keeping down taxes and increas-
ing bonds, Senator La Toilette said. the
masses are being 'mortgagcd to tho
money lenders"
| Loans to the allies. the Senator said.
may and may not be repaid. certainly
not for many years after the war.
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