The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-04-25

~E~@N&~A0AA ~ anu AAN6A TIC MEEN&&l
nelds OF all persons in the cities who
are able and willing TO work on the
farms, to the end that all idle and
unproductive elements or city popula-
ton may be profltably and productive
~ employed in agriculture.
Taxation TO Meet War Bankruptcy.
Whereas our government has
authorized the raising OF seven billions
of dollars for war purposes, and
whereas 1t is evident to all that the
raising OF this stupendous sum is brI
d start upon future amounts which II
VIII be necessary to raise in order tC
effectively prosecute the war;. and
whereas, further. the experiences of the
european nations engaged in war has
resulted in StupendouS bonded indebt-
edness which has already entailed end
less burdens upon posterity and even
threatens to plunge the governments
or those nations into national bank
ruptcy and reputation,
Therefore. be it resolved that we de-
mand that the government OF the
United States adopt pay as we GO
policy. and refrain from burdening
posterity and inviting financial ruin by
the assurance of any bonds except for
tional. purpose of laws to ally nations:
that we can upon the government to
adopt system of income taxation
which shall place a tax of at least 10
per cent upon the excess Of incomes
over $1,000 and up to 5000 and shall
rapidly progress until. if the duration
or the war and its cost make it neces-
sary, all Of that portion Of incomes in
excess or $4,000 shall be taken entire
W. that frHVfhnv. a 80 -
on war profits which shall take a. very
large percentage OF such profits, to-
gether with an increased tax upon all
luxuries.
We further call attention to the fact
that the universal experience shows
that permanent bond issues produce
imitation, thereby increasing the cost
of living and the cost to the govern
ment of purchasing munitions and
war supplies and generally financing
the war. The taxation of incomes, lux
uries and war profits is a fair, equit-
able and democratic method Of meet
ing war expenses. The poor man in
the trenches will be called upon to
give his all, even to his life. II MANNED
or injured, what he has given cannot
be returned. II the wealthy are merely
called upon to invest in bonds they
give but little. The investment they
AhdhC VIII UO T0pdlu WIN interest anu
in the meantime, it is exempt from
and secure.
1t would be inequitable to expect
the poor man who, with sacrifice and
suffering to himself and family has
fought the country's battle in the
trenches, to return to civil life and
assume the more than lifelong burden
Of taxation which would be necessary
to repay, the profitable war bond in
II a TAN-
fortunate brother who merely loans
money and performs no further SER
vice.
We therefore demand, in the inter-
ests of equal and democratic service,
and the efficient conduct OF the war,
that incomes and profits be at least
equally as liable to CONSUMPTION as
human lives.
Resolved further, that we extend to
the city of Fargo, and particularly the
commercial club Of the city, our sim
tesy and hospitality which has been
extended to us.
Resolved further, that copies Of these
be mailed to the secretary
Of agriculture OF the United States
and to all members Of the United
States congress from the northwestern
states.
Z. j. Lee, Fargo, N ID.
Alex s. Mill. Newburg. N. D.
]. w. Boeing, Fargo. N. d.
M. Teigen. Kramer. N. d.
c. B. May, Argusville, N. d.
Abram Baldwin, Oberon, N. d.
Benz. Drake, Minneapolis, MINI.
Drake Defines Problems.
At the meeting yesterday afternoon,
Ben Drake of Minneapolis spoke on
what things should be considered by
he conference to meet the propo-
sitions that the farmers OF the north
vest, as well as those Of other sections
If the country, will have to face
curing seed, farm labor, distribution
md marketing.
In speaking Of increased production,
dr. Drake called attention to the great |
demand that will be put upon Amer |
ca for foodstuffs. He said that in |
creased acreage will assist materially |
nut that this will not do everything,
md increased production on present |
acreage will have to result.
1--WE will have to do more than in |
rease the acreage-we might resort |
o more intensive and more scientific |
Methods Of production. have not been |
NY more enthusiastic over the work |
f the better farming organizations,
county agents and the like than you |
ave, but we must all admit that there
s something to their theories and by |
he use Of the right amount OF horse |
ense we can adopt some OF their |
IDEAS and put them to practice with |
rofit," said Mr.. Drake.
"As individuals and as an organiza-
ion we have a great duty thrust upon |
Is. ! believe that it is a mans duty /
o stand by his country when that /
country is at war and It is our duty i
o do our share"
Mr.. Drake believes that the organi-
alton should take some steps to meet /
he labor problem. He said that he be-
Ieves that certain classes Of men in /
he cities should be nlisted to help |
in this matter.
AS to distribution, the speaker called 4
to the almost complete para
ysis Of railroad traffic last year and
aid that, under war conditions, this /
analysis will be much greater the /
oming year. He said that the war i
ggravated but was not responsible for /
ne breakdown of the transportation
ystem Of the country-that for years
tile or nothing has been done by the
Dads to increase equipment or ter
linal facilities and that the conditions
0 evident last year cannot be RENEE
led in short time.
He advised that the farmers buy |
nose things now which will have to
e used later, such as coal and Irvine
nd like articles, and he believes
/ cooperating with the government
nd with the railroads that the propo-
Ition can be met in part at least.
On the marketing problem, Mr..
rake declared himself heartily in |,
avor of both the minimum and the
laximum fixing Of prices on food
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