The citizen., 1920-08-12
Peace Keynote Of Cox Speech

GeaCe heyuOte OI SOX opeeCu
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questions IN order, r. mas always seem
ed to me that the Interpretation Of the
function OF the league might have been
stated In these words
I'm giving its assent TO this treaty,
the senate hss In mind the fact that
the League of Nations which II en-
bodies was devised for the sole pur-
pose Of maintaining peace and comfy
among the nations Of the earth and
preventing the recurrence Of such de-
structivs conflicts % that through
which the world has Just passed.
The cooperation OF the United States
With the League and lts continuance
as member thereof. VIII naturally de-
pend upop the adheveaep Of hs
League 10 that fundamental puFpossS
"sush . declaration would q (sass
express the view of the United States
and justify the course which our ma
tion would unquestionably follow II
the basic purpose Of the League were
at any time distorted. II would also
appear TO be a simpler matter to pro-
vide against any misunderstanding In
the future and at the same time 10
meet the objections Of those who be-
lieve that we might be inviting Q con-
uoversy over our constitutional rights.
by making q senatorial addition In
words something like these:
at will Of course be understood
that In carrying out the purpose Of the
League. the government Of the United
States must at all time act In strict
harmony with the terms and intent Of
the United States Constitution which
cannot In any way be altered by the
treaty-making power
Helpful Additions Not Barred.
"Unquestioned friends of the
League have made other proposals.
Our platform clearly lays no bar
against any additions that will be help
full. but II speaks In a firm resolution
to stand against anything that dis
turbs the vital principle. We hear II
said that interpretations are unnneces-
sary. That may be true, but they will
At least be reassuring TO many Of our
citizens, who feel that In signing the
treaty. there should be no mental res
ervations that are not expressed In
plain words, as a matter OF good faith
10 our associates. Such interpreta-
tons possess the further virtue Of
supplying a base upon which agree
ment can be reached, and agreement.
without injury to the convenant, is
now OF pressing Importance. II was
the desire to get things started, that
prompted some members Of the senate
TO vote for the Lodge reservations.
Those who conscientiously voted for
them In the final roll calls realized.
however, that they acted under duress,
In that a politically bigoted minority
was exercising the arbitrary power Of
It's position to enforce drastic condl-
tiOns Happily the voters Of the re-
public. under our system of govern
ment, can remedy that situation, and
have the faith that they will. at the
election this fall. Then organized
government will be enabled to combine
impulse and facility In the making OF
better world conditions. The agencies
Of exchange will automatically adjust
themselves TO the opportunities Of
commercial freedom New life and re-
newed hope will take hold of every
nation. Mankind will press a resolute
shoulder to the task Of readjustment.
and new era will have dawnsd upon
the earth.
Federal Taxation.
Federal taxation must be heavily
reduced. and Il will be done at once,
II Democratic administration is
chosen In November. Without hamper
ing essential national administrative
departments, by the elimination Of all
others and strict economy sverywhere.
national taxes can be reduced In ex-
cess Of two billion dollars yearly. An
noying consumption taxes. once will
ingly borne. now un1ustined. should be
repealed. The incomes from war-made
fortuneA those Of non.producers and
those derived from Industries that exist
by unfair privilege may be able TO
carry their present load. but taxes on
the earnings Of the wage-earner, Of the
salaried and professional man. Of the
agricultural producer and Of the small
tradesman should be sharply modified.
believe that q better form OF taxation
than the so-called excess pronts tax
may be found and I suggest a small
tax. probably one to one and one-half
per cent on the total business Of every
going concern. II is TO be understood
that the term business as used does
not include income received by wage
earners. salarisd men. agriculturists
and the small business man who should
be exempt from this tar. The pronteer
and some Of the highly capitalized
units have used the excess profits tax
as a favorite excuse for loading on the
consumer by means Of highly Inflated
selling prices many times the amount
actually paid the government A
necessary condition 10 the national
eontentment and sound business ls a