Evening journal., 1918-03-20
House PUTS BAN Oh
INCOME TAX chance
After Long Discussion Re-
fuses Final Action on
McNabb Bill
WANTS WILMINGTON
TO SECEDR FROM STATE

special to TIE EVENING jOubNAL.
DOVER, Del, March Representa-
tive McNabb, OF Wilmington. today
made another Intellectual attempt 10 get
action by the House on his income tax
amendment, but after a long discussion
the House voted not TO put the bill on
final passage.
After the House was opened with the
singing Of the patriotic song, God
Save our Noblemen, Representative
McNabb made another move TO get
vote on his bill amending the income
tax law, increasing the exemption
amount and bringing agriculturisis
within its provisions.
The question was raised as 30
whether or not the income tax bill
amendment should be considered as a
measure that would come under the
subjects mentioned by the governor in
his proclamation.
Mr.. Jones said he had been asked 90
offer an amendment eXempiing men in
The military service. but he has held
back until a decision could be reached
As TO whether irrelevant bills could be
considered.
Ar. McNabb began TO argue for the
Justice of The bill. He said that It dis
criminaies against working people in
its present form
Mr.. McNabb moved for the bill 20
be placed on its third reading.
Mr.. Boyce thought the bill was OK
cluded from consideration. not being
included in the governors message.
81 agree with you.' said Mr. McNabb,
hut it is war measure. it is uncon-
stitutional and shall advise my people
not to pay The lax until the law has
been tested"
Mr.. Downward thought the bill
should be considered.
Mr.. peet opposed the bill on the
ground that it is not a war measure.
Mr. Burris also opposed considera-
ti0n OF the bill because be did not think
10 comes within the governors procla-
nation. All the power in Wilmington.
political or otherwise. he said. would
not deter him from doing his duty.
He wondered whether the Delaware
Legislature would trine over sucd an
matter as national defense.
After all he pointed out, the defense
bill Is directed only at the criminal
Stacker. I'VE come here in a great
crisis" he said. Let us meet il and
cut out all other things that have no
bearing thereon. Let us confne our
selves TO these war measures and avoid
all friction"
Mr.. Downward cOntended that the
Income tax bill is a war measure.
Mr.. B0yce said II the bill was a war
measure 10 would be out OF place at
this session. The present tax has been
levied. There Will be another Legisla-
ture before the next levy is made, he
said.
Mr. Rash said the idea is TO try 10
make the income tax legal so that an
can pay The tax with a clear conscience.
Mr. Peci said until the courts have de-
clared the law unconstitutional 70 re-
mains on the statute books and the tax
must be paid, no matter what anybody
advises.
Mr. Connolly regretted the haste in
which The House had passed the de-
tense bill. II brought a storm OF pro-
test, which is being needed and there
is 4 storm Of protest against the income
tax bill which ought to be needed He
thought i25,000 people in Wilmington
should he needed.
Il don't come under the income tax"
ne said. II am a real estate owner. I
am exempt. Why should be EXEMPT
ed ana my colleague to my right NC
NabD). have to pay 81. when he is not
as well able as l. This is no child's
play. We have been here two weeks
and done nothing"
You have done your share 10 con-
tribute toward doing nothing" said
Mr.. Burris.
Mr.. Cross spoke in favor Of the in
come tax amendments. His constitu-
ents have been asking him why he
voted to free the real estate man from
The tax. he said The voting people
feel that there has been discrimina-
ton against them and they look 10 the
Legislature TO restore justice.
Mr.. Jones said if This legislature has
made a mistake 10 should rectify it,
Tie said his concern does a business Of
about 100000 but pays no income
tax thereon, though, personally. he
pays a tax. He thought this was
wrong
Wilmington" said Mr.. McNabb "is
the meal ticket for Delaware. Take it
away and where will Delaware be?" lie
thought Wilmington, paying 50 per
cent. Of the expense, should be more