The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1921-08-12
MR., MELONS PLANS

suggestion of higher taxes at any time
and on anything. The effort for econ
omy finds expression first, in COM
plant about high taxes, and public
opinion correctly places the blame for
many of our present business troubles,
on the oppressive taxation with which
all are burdened.
Consequently Mr.. Melons recon-
%mendations that higher taxes be placed
upon automobiles, upon checks, and
other things, is not popular. The
Democratic press is especially severe
in criticising the secretary of the
Treasury, and there is not a Demo-
cratic writer in the country but could
frame a better plan to run the finance
of the government, if allowed to do
so.
The reading public should remem-
her that Democrats have not qualified
to criticise anyone in financial mat
tiers: in the department of attending
to the Nations business. the Demo-
Gratis were so inefficient that the peo-
ple turned them out, and hence criti-
cisms that originate with them. are
biased political propaganda, that will
not bear scrutiny, and which is moi
worthy of controversial discussion.
The Democratic editors are hamper
ing the administration all they can,
not to help the country or the indi-
vidual citizen, but to make a failure
if possible of attempted reforms and
betterments required as the result of
Democratic misrule.
The reasonable attitude as to Mr..
MELONS suggestions, is to consider
that at most the financing of a los
ing business is not pleasant, but is
something that must be done.
This being admitted, the methods to
be followed to raise the revenue neces-
sary to pay the expenses of the gov
eminent, must be planned and tried
out by someone, and why not Mr.
Mellon? He was placed in the cabinet
by the President for this purpose; nc
is eminently qualified; he is used tt
handling large affairs and his abilit!
and success in this respect have givel
him national fame. He is the one mar
in the administration, above the other
very able men that surround the Presi-
dent, whose judgment should be the
last word in financial matters. If
such a man cannot handle the situa-
ton we have none that can, so why
carp and criticise and object?
The added tax on automobiles will
operate as such tax does at present
and simply add to the cost price. There
are some new lights being thrown
upon the whole question of the owner
ship and operation of automobiles
not the least illuminated among these
being the remarks of Governor Low.
den to the State Auto Association
at Helena last week. He stated, among
other things, that the first thing done
to put over the good roads program ir
Illinois was to double the tax on au-
tomobiles. A campaign of education
brought about the result, as it was
shown that twenty-five dollars con
tributed directly by the auto owner
for good roads was only a small item
when considered as a part of the eN
pense of the upkeep of his car. The
move in Illinois resulted in a yearl!
fund of more than $4,000, 900 which i:
being spent in road construction anC
maintenance. 1t is not radical to pre-
dict that it will continue to be more
expensive for the car owner in The
way of taxation. for some years tt
come; other economies will more thar
balance this and better roads and thu
release of other taxes, will work on
better things for the man who own:
and operates a motor vehicle.
AS to the tax of two cents on eacl
check, this is a source of internal rev
enue that is not new. 1t has been il
force at other times in this country
and it's operation can be studied, an
its wisdom or unwisdom determined
in Me light of experience. Mr.. Melloi
undoubtedly knew just what he wa
doing when he made the recommends
ton. The Montana bankers wer'
hasty in their opposition to the meas
ure proposed. The motive whicl
prompted them is not a worthy one
but apparently is based upon tn
purely selfish view that stamps OIL
checks would hurt their business.
If this is the reason, it probably
not a true one. The business of every
one having a bank account, has nov
become the wise habit of most of Us
and a very little education as to tn
effect of Mr.. Melons other recon
m~endations, for instance the one
take the tax from ice cream cone
and soda water, will show the oWne
of the bank account that he is ahea
considerable every day by paying
stamp tax and saving in what ii
kids spend at the confectionery stor
Mr.. MELONS suggestions to col
gress should be considered as comm
From a most capable source and mu!