New-York tribune., 1920-06-11
reorganization of Federal De-
partments and Bureaus


Reorganization of Federal De-
partments and Bureaus
We advocate thorough nvestiga-
ton of the present organization of the
Federal departments and bureaus,
with a view to securing consolidation,
a more business-like distribution Of
functions, the elimination of duplica-
tion, delays and overlapping of work
and the establishment of an up to- date
and efficient administrative organiza-
ton.
War Powers of the President
Taxation
The President clngs tenaciously to
his autocratic war time powers.
His veto of the resolution declaring
peace and his refusal to sign the bill
repeating wartime legislation, no
longer necessary, evidence his deter
mination not to restore to the nation
and to the states the form of govern
mcnt provided for by the Constitution.
This usurpation is intolerable and de-
serves the severest condemnation.
Taxation
The burden Of taxation imposed
upon the American people is stagger-
ing. But in presenting a true state
| ment of the situation we must face the
fact that, while the character Of the
taxes can and should be changed. an
early reduction of the amount of rev.
enue to be raised is not to be ex-
pected.
The next Republican administration
will inherit from it's Democratic prede-
cessor floating indebtedness of over
$3,o00,o 100000, the prompt liquidation of
which is demanded by sound financial
siderations. Moreover, the whole
fiscal policy of the government must be
deeply influenced by the necessity of
meeting obligations in excess of s5,-
000,000,000 which mature in 1928. But
sound policy equally demands the early
accomplishment Of that real reduction
Of the tax burden which may be
achieved by substituting simple for
complex tax laws and procedure,
prompt and certain determination of
the tax liability for delay and un-
certainty, tax laws which do not for
tax laws which do excessively mulct
the consumer or needlessly repress en-
terprise and thrift.
We advocate the issuance of Il asin.-
pllhed form Of income return, author
izing the Treasury Depa rtment to make
changes in regulations effective only
from the date of their approval, en-
powering the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue, with the consent of the tax
payer TO make final and conclusive set
Elements of tax claims and assessments
barring fraud, and the creation of a tax
board consisting of at least three repre-
Sehtatives of the taxpaying public and
the heads of the principal divisions Of
the Bureau of Internal Revenue to act
as standing committee on the simpli-
hcatlon OF forms, procedure and law,
and to make recommendations to the
Congress.
Banking and Currency
The fact is that the war; to a great
extent, was financed by a policy of in
nation through certificate borrowing
from the banks, and bonds issued at
artificial rates sustained by the low
discount rates established by the Fed
: eral Reserve Board. The continuance
OF this policy since the armistce lays
the Administration open to severe
criticism. Almost up to the present
time, the practices of the Federal Re-
serve Board as to crecit control have
been frankly dominated by the con-
vcnience of the Treasury.
The results have been a greatly in
creased war cost, serious loss to the
millions Of people who in good faith
bought Liberty Bonds Victory Notes
lation, followed day by a restricted
credit for legitimate industrial expan-
sion. As matter of public policy we
urge all banks to give credit pref
erence to essential industries.
The Federal Reserve system shovld
be free from political influence, which
Is quite as important as its indie
pendencc of domination by financial
| combinations.
The High Cost of Living
The. prime cause of the "high cost
Of living" has been first and foremost
| a 30 per cent depreciation in the pur-
chasing power of the dollar, due to
| gross expansion of our currency and
credit. Reduced production, burden
| some taxation, swollen profits and the
increased demand for goods arising
from a fictitious but enlarged buying
power have been contributing causes
III greater or less degree
We condemn the unsound policies of
| the Dem mocratic Administration which
nave brought these things to pass and
their attempts to impute the conse-
quences TO minor and secondary
causes. Much of the injury wrought
IS lrreparable. There is no short way
out, and we decline to deceive the peo-
pie with vain promises or quack rem
edies. But as the political party that
throughout its history has stood for
honest money and sound finance, we
/ pledge ourselves 20, earnest and cor
sls.ent attack upon the high cost of
iiving by rigorous avoidance Of further
,A'latlon IN our government borrowing.
! by courageous and Intelligent dcha
ton Of over-cXpandcd credit and cur
rency, by encouragement of heightened
production Of goods and services. by
prevention of unreasonable profits, by
exercise OF public economy and stimu
iatlon of private thrift and by revision
OF "ar-lmposed taxes unsuited to neace
time economy.
Profteering
we condemn the Democratic Admin
istration for failure impartially to en-
force the profteering laws enacted
by the Republican Congress.
Railroads
We are opposed to government own
ership and operation or employee oper-
alton OF tho railroads. In the view Of
the condition prevailing in the country
! th~ expenditures Of the last two wears
ana the conclusions which NAV be
fairly drawn from nm observation Of
the transportation service both for the
present and future can be furnished
more certainly. economically and cf-
iclently through private ownership and
operation under proper regulation and