The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-21
RESURYEY NEEDED

Let me make thlS point clear: Tn saving that the aggregate receipts for the government should be maintained at a high level for the purpose indi- cated. l am by no means committing 2 myself to existing schedules, or to spe- cific taxes Much of the war legisla . ton was. of necessity, hastily devised. think it of urgent importance that there be prompt resurvey of the situa- ton with a view to a reform of the taxes to the end of wiping out of in- equities and inequalities and the as surance of sufficient revenue which may not be realized if the present sys- tenn remains intact"
 The treasury's programme had been 'sarranged, the secretary said, "by the heavy burdens imposed by the transportation act" He estimated the total amount which the government will pay the roads at s1.o00. GOO, 900, about one-fourth Of which already has been turned over to them. The re- mainder will be paid. the secretary thought. by early spring
 Mir. Houston predicted rapid reduc- ton in the gross national debt through the coming year. particularly the s2,- 0,000, 900 short term certificates out standing. The treasury programme, ne added. would result in reducing this below s2.000. 900. 900 and perhaps to $l,- 5t0,000. 900.
 By the end of the fiscal year of 1922 ' Mir Houston declared, "the treasury should have redeemed it's entire floatins debt. or the short term certificates when the victory notes maturing the next year would become practically the float ing debt and probably be accepted in payment of federal taxes"
 PRODUCERS PROTEST
 Turning to the demands of agriculture interests for government help Mir Hous. ton said that scarcely had a reduction ii. the cost of living manifested itseli when every producer manifested resis- tance."
 ''Every producer is willing for the pro- ducts of every other producer to decline but protests the decline in his own ture in this, but not much reasona ble- ness.
 "The situation is the result mainly of war and in no small measure the failure of this nation and nations everywhere to date to devise better arrangements for storage and marketing of farm products. For these things no one in particular is now to blame.
 '.In the circumstances. it seems to some farmers that they are in the way of being hit first. if not exclusively. They are naturally disturbed and distressed and are seeking relief measures. some of which are not practical, and some of which are suicidal.
 ''The first impulse Of many who are searching for the way out, is to turn to the government and especially to the treasury as the sole instrumentality for full economic salvation. This disposi- ton well developed before the war. was reinforced during hositilities. by practices or the government which became nsces- sary for the successful prosecution of the war, and the preservation of national life
 'It is the same disposition which causes resort to the government for all sorts of appropriations. many even of pur- ely local character. It is this disposi- ton. rather than sef-aggrandizement or efforts of federal departments to extend functions which is the main explanation of mounting federal budgets. and of cen tralizing tendencies frequently criticized.
 "If there is fault. and I think there is, the blame rests largely with the public which remains quiescent while interested yroups are clamorous. When the people -ealize this fact. there will be a remedy and not until then