New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-28
Is Republicans
Bolt Leaders on
Soldiers Bonus
Insurgents Join Democrats
in Supporting War Profits
Tax. Instead of Sales Levy,
to Provide Needed Funds
Caucus On Friday Nigh,
80 Per Cent Assessment on
Surplus of Income Since
1914 Proposed in Bill

WASHINGTON. April 27.-The fight
over the method of raising almost
ss0oo,ooo.000 for the soldier relief leg
islation ipitated an all-day debate
in the House to-day, during which the
Republicans on one side and the Dem
cersts and insurgent Republicans on
the other explained their proposals.
Representative Johnson, Republican,
of South Dakota. announced that sew
enty-iive Republican "insurgents' ia
yored retroactive war profits" tax,
instead Of q sales tax. as proposed bv
Republican leadrs. His statement. if
borne out later, would indicate an up
set of the Republican program for
passing the bill Monday without per
hitting action on the war profits" tax
proposal. Representative Corner, of
Texas. the Democratic whip, predicted
the Republican caucus next Friday
night would whip the insurgents into
line.
MI Johnson and Representative
Henry T. Ralney, Democrat. of Illinois,
which would place an so per cent levy
on the increase of net income during
tie last four years over that of the
pre-war period. The plan was attacked
by Repre- entatives Green. of Iowa, and
Iongworth. of Ohio. Republicans. who
declared il would 'levy taxes on taxes.
ard that the excess earnings of indi-
vlduas and corporations during the
war period already had been taxed
more than so per cent.
Predicts Defeat of Bill
ITO accept this plan means there will
Be no soldier legislation, declared Mr..
Iongworth. adding that it would "kill
the soldiers bill beyond resurrection.
Without giving the details, Mr..
for raising the money proposed five
fold scheme OF taxation. Besides the
levy on sales, which he said would
not raise much" Mr.. Lonsworth said
all stock exchange transactions were
to be taxed, while the existing levies
on tobacco, incomes, and real estate
sales were TO be increased. He also
announced that officers of the rank of
captain or below in the army, and of
corresponding grades in the navy,
would receive the benefits of the re-
lief legislation, as we'll as the enlisted
men.
Representative Frear, Republican, of
Wisconsin, advocated third plan for
raising money, providing for increased
income taxes during 1919. 1920, and
1921, tax on stock dividends issued
this year. and new taxes on automo-
biles, theater admissions and real
estate sales.
Clark Would Amend Bill
Representatives Clark, the Demo
cratic leader, and Garner demanded
that opportunity be given to amend
the bill. Mr.. Clark recalled the par
liamantary revolution of 1910" and
gave gentle warning" that the Re-
publicans were entering on the same
Kind OF conduct that led to the upset
o. their machine then. Mr.. Garner
said the Republicans were "playing
politics" with the legislation and
would not pass il until after the cleo
ton.
Representative Rainey said the pro-
posed sales tax was especially favored
by "the great financial interests and
once adopted would never be discarded.
Congress ought never to pass a
BILL" declared M Clark, "out of which
more irritation than revenue is to
come"
Representative Griffin, Democrat, of
New York, declared the right why to OBJ
tain revenue for soldier bonus was
through t-xation of big incomes-taXa-
ton so heavy that the~e would be no
incomes above $500 900
Mr.. Griffin cited list "of war-made
millionaires.' which included ASP
women. p doctors, 206 lawyers and
judges. 120 farmers and stockmen, 92O
manufacturers, and I'll corporation Of
fcIals