Evening journal., 1921-08-02
THE BURDEN GROWS.

1T IS becoming every day apparent 10 the people
OF Delaware that the Republicans in national conven-
ton assembled at Chicago just about year ago exer-
cised not only wisdom caution and frankness when
they took care make It clear that they were promising
no immediate reduction OF Federal taxation.
From day To day facts developing which make
it difficult get the national finances into condition
which will make reduction of taxes possible
All the legitimate obligations OF the government must
be met however unwise unnecessary the original ere
alton Of the debt may have been.
The Republican administration has choice in the
matter It must pay the debts incurred by the Wilson
regime
Even though the Republicans who formed the platform
committee at the National Convention knew that the
Democratic administration had saddled enormous obiga-
tons upon the Government they not aware of the
extent OF those burdens.
Much that had been done concealed from the pup
Ho view and n is only since the Republicans came into
control of the executive branch Of the Government lna
the real facts coming to light
One Of the most recent discoveries that has shocked he
Harding administration is that the Shipping Board as or
nv President Wilson has been running behind 10
degree that was not suspected since the method oil
housekeeping concealed the real situation
The Republican Congress is called upon to make an ap
nronraton OF s3OOOOOOOO for purpose which the lead
ers had not taken into consideration in making their
plans
This amount may be cut somewhat but very likely tne
fun amount must eventually be provided.
Then. too It Is disclosed that President Wilson had
made some very definite and apparently morally binding
agreements or promises regarding deferment OF payment
Of principal or interest foreign debts due the United
States
Not only the Republican leaders but the country in
general have been counting on payments from foreign
countries to make up considerable part Of the amount
the United States must raise order TO pay the interest
on her debts.
These payments from abroad expected to make it
possible to reduce taxes imposed upon the American
people
Now appears that there will not be any considerable
payments forthcoming and the people Of America must
raise the money 10 the place Of that which should
come in from Europe.
That some such situation this might develop was
foreseen by the trainers OF the Republican platform.
They did not know the specific facts that would make
reduction Of taxes dlncut but they did know that the
Democratic administration had been extravagant an'
wastefu, and that It had been secretive
They thought the part OF wisdom to be cautious il
making promises lest they be later charged with failn
TO keep their engagements
Therefore when they wrote the plank taxation the
said, in part:
raised Is not 10 be expected The next Republican az
mnlsration will inherit from its Democratic predecessC
la floating Indebtedness or over tnree Dillon collars, u
prompt liquidation which demanded by sound hnar
oa considerations. Moreover, the whole fiscal policy
the Government must be deeply influenced by the nece'
slty OF meeting obligations in OF nye billion dollar
which mature in 1923"
The statement quoted above was made without know
edge Of such obligations the Shipping Board dehoit
the handicap Of the Wilson promise OF extension Of tim
to European debtors.
It is clear that the Republican platform makers had Al
almost prophetic vision.
Nevertheless the Republican administration Is putin
forth every effort reduce expenses and prepare the wa
for reduction OF taxes later.