Evening star., 1918-05-25
TMB|LL LDELAYERS
ASK c. 0. P.'S AID
Democrats Urge Assistance
to Convince President
and Mr.. McAdo0.
FAVOR ENACTION IN FALL

fAvUn GVHO ION >lN TILL
Republican members of Congress
for the first time were called on today
to aid the democrats in their effort
to convince the administration that it
would be unwise and unnecessary to
enact a new war tax bill at this ses-
sion.
While President Wilson had the
question under advisement prepara-
tory to giving Congress his final de-
cision on the matter, the ways and
means committee and the finance
committee both met to discuss the
revenue situation and adjournment
plans.
1t was decided by the ways and
means committee, with the fndorse-
ment of the republicans. that It
would be unwise to put through a bill
now. and the republicans pledged
their aid to early passage of the
measure after the elections. This de-
cision, with the republican backing.
will be presented to President Wilson
in the effort to get him to consent to
postponement of revenue legislation.
with the non-partisan pledge to put
through a measure quickly after the
elections
Senate leaders expressed belief that
they could give the President and
Secretary McAdoo convincing assur-
ances that, even with a summer res
pite for Congress, tax bill could be
started on it's way and enacted next
winter in ample time for the Treas
ury's purposes.
Favor November Recovering.
Senator Simmons. chairman of the
finance committee. indicated that he
ing of Congress early in November,
Immediately after the elections.
rather than In September or October,
and believe that by starting work
in November the time would be sufi-
cient for completion of the new law
by the time 1T will be needed by the
Treasury.
The ways and means democrats con-
'stitute the steering committee of the
House and the effort of the demo-
cratic leaders is to secure the CO.
operation of the republicans all along
the line on war legislative matters.
Majority Leader Kitchin stated yes
terday that he purposed to arrange
as quickly as possible for beginning
hearings on the revenue program.
President to Obtain Data.
President Wilson last night. after
q conference of two hours with Sem
ator Simmons. chairman, of the
finance committee. again announced
that he would postpone his Anal de-
cision as to whether revenue legisla-
tion should be enacted by Congress
at the present session. He said he
wished to obtain more data.
This determination Of the President
came after Secretary McAdoo. to
whose judgment. it was said Thurs
the decision in the matter. had given
his opinion that immediate action
should be taken by Congress.
Members of Congress. following
Mr.. McAdoo's statement, gave up hope
of an early adjournment and began
Needed Before Year Is Out.
1t Is pretty well understood at the
Capitol now that whether or. not Con-
gress stays here to enact revenue leg
islation at this session. the country
knows that 1t must expect legislation
increasing taxation before the year is
out. The controversy over the mat
ter between members of Congress and
Secretary McAdoo has spread this
abroad. Some of the politicians are
convinced, therefore. that 1t will mat
the legislation Is enacted before the
November elections. II the party de-
cides to put the legislation of until
after the election. many people will
merely say the democrats are lodging
the question and trying to fool the
voters, many of whom would rather
know as soon as possible what to ex-
pect in the way of additional taxation
SO that they may prepare for it.
Among the alternatives suggested
by Senator Simmons. which the Pres
tdent was reported to be carefully
considering. was a proposal that Con-
gress adjourn as soon as urgent busi-
ness now on the calendar is disposed
OF and come back for a special reve-
nue. session In the fall.
Discusses Probable Action.
Discussing probable action II a.
revenue law is to be enecated now.
the ways and means committee, said:
The ways and means committee
will frame this bill itself. Eight per
cent Of the amount it produces Will
profits taxes. There will be increases
in the excise taxes. Luxuries will be
taxed. There probably will be a tax
on automobiles. on jewelry and on
monographs. There will be a large
increase in the income tax"
Mr.. kitchin said he believed that
taking up the legislation now was
unwise-
Il believe" he said, "it will add a
disturbing effect on business. It
means there will be lobbying and that
there will be agitation on the subject
Secretary McAdoo thinks 1t will help
him sell liberty bonds. l think, on the
contrary. 1t will handicap him in SELL
ing bonds. Secretary McAdoo gave no
reasons for insisting. except that 1t
was necessary to finance the war We
will go after profiteers. Those who
have made large profits out of the
war business will have to pay their
share of the taxation that the bill
will carry.
Suggests December Session. .
I'VE will not get money into the
Treasury any earlier by passing the
bill at this session than we would by
passing 1t. say. on February I. The
tax would be payable in June or July
and there would be time to enact the
legislation at the December session"
Mr.. htchin said there probably
would be an increase In the Inherit
ance tax.
Joint Hearings on Next
Tax Bill Suggested
by Speaker Clark