The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-03

1 intended to give Congress all the defer ence due to a coordinate branch of the government, the President already has learned that the shaping of the legisla- tive programme is to be placed very | largely Tn his own hands. Congress lead- CTS are going more and more to the White House for guidance It is not c'only case of consulting the Presidents wishes, but of actually calling upon him to make the necessary decisions.
 FARMERS PLIGHT SERIOUS | The plight of the farmers, really se- rious one, and the call of the manufac turing interests for protection from the dumping of German goods upon the American market, convinced the Pres ident two weeks ago that an emergency tariff and anti-dumping bill should have first consideration vat the hands of the Congress. Certain definite proof was placed before MT. Harding that European dumping had begun and it was then that | he agreed the tariff should have the right of way over taxes
 It seemed at that time it would be an easy matter to re-enact the Fordney emergency tariff bill in very much tine same form that it was vetoed by Pres l ident Wilson. As time has gone on, however it has been found that more and more interests are coming to Wash |. ington asking that they, too, be given consideration in the emergency bill | While MT. Harding himself has expressed no such fear, the suggestion has been kmade that the reconsdera tion of the Fordney. bill is likely to open up the en- tire question of the tariff and result in long delay.
 Meanwhile the business interests of the country generally. the bankers, and | the man in the street>as well, are press ing for the earliest possible considera- ton of forms of taxation. The influence which is being brought to bear along this line at the White House Is very power ful. Former President Taft hasA3been I among those who urged that taxes come l first
 TAXES MOST IMPORTANT l It Is argued very properly that taxes directly affect far more persons and ffar more interests than any possible emergency tariff bill could reach. A | heavy impost on wool, for instanc ?, would not stop the cargoes that are now on their way to this country from Australia nor would the new tariff apply to goods actually in transit at the time of the passage of the bill. Whateve- damage has been done to the wool inter ests by the sudden dumping of millions of pounds of staple into the country would seem at the moment to be ire parable
 So far as adding to the revenues is concerned the emergency bill would be an all but negligible factor It Is adr mitted that a general revision of the tariff. from A. to g., would increase the annual revenues by not more than $30O,- GOO This Is but small fraction of the four billions needed each year by the l government. It is the claim of the pro- tectionists that the country always is prosperous under high tariff. but it Is admitted that the tariff benefits to the average man. if there be any, are felt iI a most indirect way.
 On the other hand the income taxes of the government as now laid upon the people, strike at the pocketbook directly and the governments hand has not been a light one. It is the claim of big business interests that the present system of tax alton is stifling business. and that stifle1 tusinesa means an unprosDerons country
 NATION EXPECTS RELIEF
 From political point or view It Is urged that the country is looking to ths new administration for relief at the ear hest possible moment. Taxes are upper most in the minds of the people. They are thinking about taxes and talking about taxes from one end of the country to the other. The tariff on lemons af- fects only certain sections of the coun- try. Taxes are universal; they know nc particular season or no particular sec ten.
 One reason why astute republican leaders are urging that taxes be giver first consideration is the fact that al. ready the republicans have had contr , of Congress for two eyentful years and during that time have done nothing tt lift or1re-arrange the tax burdens of the people. It perhaps was good politics from purely partisan point of view te allow the people to chafe and suffer un der heavy direct taxes until resentment against the democratic administration made republican successes absolutel, certain in 1920. It has come to light noa that very small but very active dem. ocratic minority in Congress this sprins and summer is going to ring the change, time and time again on the fact that the republicans had, an opportunity to recas the tax system a long while ago tha President Wilson urged them. to pass some remedial legislation, particularls requesting that the excess profits tax b done away with. But Congress refusef to move in the direction recommended The republican Congress leaders decided to wait until there was republican President In the White House.
 SERIOUS CHARGE FEARED
 Conservative and far-seeing leaders II the inner circles of the G. O. P. realize that any further delay will permit se rious charge to lie against Congress Hence the hectic effort at the moment t get the tax problem we'll on it's way to- ward solution.
 While tentative decisions have beer reached in Congress not to levy sale, tax of one per cent on all turnovers. 1 is difficult for some experts to see jus how the big amount of money needed H, the government can be raised in an, other way If there is to be wiping ou of excess profits taxes and material re- duction in the general tax and sur taxes. The claim. is made that a pel scent sales tax would easily yield 2,o0O 0O0,O00 year and that it would be pait in such infinitesimal amounts as not Y be felt at all. Merchants association from all parts of the country are an bining to make q plea for the sales ta, as the surest means of bringing abou general reductions in the direct taxes