Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-06-01

and better her position by fostering the antasonisms|
which she has fomented among hSr ~neighbors. Neso-
aattons for peace between Ukraine and Bolshevik RUS
ia are still under way. but German troops continue
their advance into UkrainiAn territory, ana within the
past few days they are reported TO have used great vol.
.umes Of gas in their attacks on several UkrainiAn towns
and to have asphyxiated many Of the Inhabitants, civil
a. we'll as military
. So 50
Early in the week President Wilson appeared before
congress to urge that there be no adjournment until war
revenue bills are passed. The presidents statement was
so forceful, ana his appeal to the patriotism Of the men,
beers was SO earnest that all thought Of an early adjourn
ment has been abandoned. and there is every reason to
believe that congress will now address itself vigorously
to the passage Of the needed revenue legislation
-. .
According to the estimate which the president has
made. twenty billion dollars will be needed for the COM
ing year. The recommendation Of the executive is that
about 40 per cent Of this vast sum be raised by taxation,
ana the remainder by the sale Of bonds This will mean
that during the year about twelve billion dollars worth
OF bonds will be offered to the American people, and that
eight billion dollars will be raised in taxation. This is
twice as much as has been raised by taxation during the
past year. Two sources Of revenue are particularly nen-
toned by the president, excess profits and luxuries. The
propriety Of raising as large a part Of the revenues from
these sources is generally recognized.
. = .
According to announcement made by Director Cen
eral McAdoo, railway passenger rates are to be advanced
to three cents a mile on June 10, and on June rs the
new freight rates will take effect. These rates will be
advanced approximately IS per cent, and the new rates
will be uniform for interstate and intrastate tradac
Heretofore separate rates have been maintained on many
lines within state borders, but for the purposes Of war
this system has been abolished. It will be interesting
Ito observe whether this wartime abolition Of state a-
thority over the making Of railroad rates will be aban-
doned when peace returns. We venture the prediction
that the country has seen the last Of state rate making.
. = .
Incomplete as to detail. but very interesting as to
its general purpose is the announcement just received
that Sweden has assigned to the allies 400, 900 tons Of
shipping according to the terms Of an agreement which
has been pending for some time. and which appears to
have been completed satisfactorily. Sweden needs food.
and the allies. which control the food which Sweden
an exchange has been accepted. and the transfer will be
made. A similar arrangement was under way with Hol-
land. and it had been substantially agreed to, but the OPP
position of Germany caused Holland to withhold her
assent. The Swedish arrangement is not likely to prove
any more pleasing to Germany, but Sweden. while her
position is precarious, is, fortunately for herself. a little
in quite as imminent danger of invasion.