New-York tribune., 1921-04-30
L. S. Business
Rejects Plea
For Sales Tax
National Commerce Cham
ber Consents Only to Com
nit Plan to Directors.
Suggesting a Referendum
Tariff Left to Committee
Avoidable Strikes Opposed;
Against Rail Regulation
That Cripples Initiative
From a Stat Correspondent

From Stat Correspondent
ATLANTIC CITY, N. j., April %
The question of the sales tax at the
,'nal session of the ninth annual con-
vention of the Chamber of Commerce
Of the United States disturbed the
smoothness of the proceedings this
afternoon. Advocates of an impost on
consumption sought in vain to commit
what is considered the most represen-
tative mouthpiece of American bust
ness.
After an unexpected give and take
"a wit and invective, the delegates in
Formulating their 1921 creed side
stepped two issues which stood fore
front in interest at the discussions
taxation and the tariff. The sales tax
question was referred to the board of
directors, with the suggestion that they
order the 400 constituent member or
sanizatsons to register their prefer
ences in new, referendum, which may
take months, and the tariff problem was
passed on to the tariff policy commit
zee of the chamber for further study
On the tariff the delegates, though
smiling at it's innocuous character, ac-
cepted the resolution offered by julius
Barnes, of Duluth, former head of
the United States Grain Corporation
and chairman of the resolutions COM
mittee
Early Referendum a Failure
In the matter of taxes. the situation
was even more complicated The
Chamber some months ago sought to
certain the views of its members on
this subject by an elaborate referen-
aun but the questions were SO un-
scientifically phrased that no one can
interpret the returns with certainty.
10 meet this situation, the resolution
committee made a proposal this after
noon toy new referendum, which was
hnaliN adopted. but not until after pro-
'0nced debate
Meyer Rothschild, of New York,
counsellor of the National jewelers.
aaard of Trade and chairman of the
BUSINESS mems national tax committee
n'tacked the resolution and made a
'igorous plea for the acoption of the
alrs tax and the elimination of the
iuXsry taxes. He offered a substitute
,aVorIng = sales tax, then withdrew it,
tHen another advocating the repeal of
tne iuNury tax. then he withdrew that
- - .i'o.Hschlid receded from his posi-
ton after making a deal in open ses-
,ion with Harry A. Wheeler, a Chicago
nanker. Mr. Wheeler, having been
t9ree years ago president of the
chamoer and at present director, is
enc OF the most influential members of
ne organization. and, though opposing
Hf. kotnschild's methods, promised
HIM that he would see that the d.
Tectors would not pigeonhole the ques-
''oh II II was referred to them.
Few Delegates Left
Delegates began to leave Atlantic
C'ty early to-day. Only a rump con-
'cHtion was left therefore to pass upon
the resolution, and Mr. Wheeler laid
emphasis on this fact.
Nilaf withdrawing the sales tax mo-
uc1 Mr.. Rothschild proposed that the
convention go on record as opposed to
luxury taxes.
'acob De Long. of New York, presi
deaf OF the Millinery Chamber of Com
fnf Ncc. jumped TO his feet in opnosition.
After the original tax resolution was
y psssed Mr.. Rothschild seconded mo-
,ion 40 thank the resolutions commit
II tee icr ITS services. It's report as a
whole was adopted and .here was no
attempt to fight any of the other reso-
lHtiors on the floor.
otfer important expressions of mass
"P'''oH ic1Ateu TO world peace. the
iairoad riddle, the aims of business
government relations with business
a:id he budget
Resolution Summarizes Views
The basic philosophy of the Amcri
'ah business man was crystallized IN q
resolution which said in part:
liais chamber believes that the re-
lHtion OF government toward industry
ahc commerce is primarily that of pre-
serving equality of opportunity Law
Shd administrative acts should touch
uSiness enterprise with great care and
only to preserve a fair field to ALL
A wholesome standard of living is
essential TO general eontentment That
s'anaafd depends upon the intell-
Eeycc. work and thrift of the individ
.,ai citizen. Hence, restriction of pro
oEct'on must necessarily undermine
Ia. standard. We therefore condemn
avo'dable strikes, lock-outs and ali
c9ino'na tlons that ncedlessly limit out
rns or custali distribution on the part
o. workers. owners or managers of in
dnstry. ~ '''-
Ihe Foundation of all enterprise is
primarily that of service to the com
munity, and this service is most effec-
I'VE under private initiative. The com
manlty's variation of that service. and
Us reward for it, are most fairly ex
"Hcis secured Dy individual |
ln't'ative. under conditions of free COM
rctition;: The value of and the reward
Or such service cannot be safely ap-
poruoned by the arbitrary decisions
q government agencies"
ne chamber further indorsed Presi-
cent ,Harding'a assertion to CONGRESS-
mat our obligations in effecting Euro
rean tranquility are not less impellinr
man our part in the war itself" and
me delegates urged "that our national
pSicy be ixed with all possible speed
'p,n..slstent ,'..t with Just recognition of our
Guards to our institutions and ;nter-
.sls. and especially of the rights of
"mcr-can nationals abroad"
regarding the railroad question. the