Gunnison news-champion., 1917-10-19
GREAT Accomplishments Of
CONGRESS JUST ADJOURNED
Makes Us Void Military
In Few Months Says
Congressman keating
(By EDWARD KEATING)
Congressman from the Third Colorad


enacted some of the most remark
able Legislation ever placed on the
statute books of this country.
Practically every request for pow
er made by the president has been
granted.
The selective draft bill placed the
man-power of the nation at his COM
mand. In the army and the navy
more than l.500, 900 men are now un-
der arms and if the president wants
additional units he only has to attach
his signature to the proper piece of
paper and within few days they will
be on their way to the training camps.
To maintain and equip this force,
billions of dollars have been placed
at his disposal. Congress has not at
tempted to hamper the executive in
the expenditure of these vast sums.
The widest possible discretion is vest
ed in him and his assistants.
The only question asked by Con-
gress has been:
"How much do you need to win the
war;" The moment the executive
has been able to make up his mind
the money has been forth coming.
Beating the Submarine
ave must build ships faster than
the submarines can sink them" said
the president.
IAN right" replied Congress. Here
is billion dollars and law which will
permit you to commander all the
shipyards and related industries in
this country. Go to work."
The only delay has been caused by
an acrimonious argument between the
rnln.tal for tho 20 Tho
dent ended the quarrel by firing"
both gentlemen and naming success
ors who, presumably, will give US
more team work"
"The food speculators are injuring
US more than the Kaiser" said the
president.
"Tell US what power you need to
curb them and you shall have it." was
the response of Congress.
So the food-control bill was put
Enthusiastically in the form sug-
gested by the administration. 1t is
too early to pass judgment on the
work of Hoover, Garfield and their
associates. Congress has done its
part. Now it is up to the men charged
with the administration of the law to
make good.
"Airships can win this war;" said
the military experts.
Here's s640,000, 900. Build the
strongest air feet the world has seen,"
was the response of Congress.
Building New Navy
"Our navy must be doubled or quad
rupled in fighting strength" argued
Secretary Daniels.
"Just tell US how it should be done
and give US an estimate of the cost
and you shall have the money" came
the prompt reply and Congress passed
the necessary bills in record time.
"Our allies are short of funds. They
want loans of approximately $780,
600, 900 q month" said the president.
Congress answered by placing seven
billions in his hands to be loaned as
he saw fit.
This list could be extended indefin-
itely but it is unnecessary. The read
ers of these letters are familiar with
the principal items.
Congress has backed the admins
tration earnestly and consistently.
Party lines have been obliterated and
members have waived their views con-
cerning the declaration of war and the
question of conscription.
Where congress FalIed
But Congress has failed in at least
one important particular. Its arm has
been palsied when it has been called
upon to levy adequate taxes on large
incomes and excess profits.
The revenue bill which we have just
passed is disappointment.
Excess profits are taxed just about
80 per cent in the face of the fact
that England is collecting 80 per cent.
ON THAT ONE ITEM WE WILL
LOSE TWO BILLION DOLLARS
THIS YEAR.
By adopting the English rates we
could have accrued another billion
from big incomes, and no one would
have been hurt.
THREE BILLIONS LOST! A sum
equal to the Second Liberty Loan!
Perhaps we can correct this blunder
at the December session but whatever
we may do then will not affect the
incomes and excess profits of 1917.
They will have escaped taxation for all
time.
Patriotic Foreign Born Citizens
Here's an item which should prove
gratifying to every American.
A recent investigation conducted by
the Pennsylvania railroad company
showed that 80 per cent of its foreign
born employees had subscribed to the
First Liberty Loan. This was within
two per cent of the proportion of em-
ployees Of American birth who sub
scribed.
1t developed that there are in the
service of this railroad company men
Of forty-two different nationalities, be-
sides native-born Americans.
When it came to buying Liberty
Bonds, the Irish made the best dis
play Of patriotism. Forty-three per
cent Of the sons Of the Green Isle
bought bonds. The English and Rus
slams were second, with SO per cent
and the Americans came third, with
a. per emit. the Italians and Germans