The New York herald., 1922-05-27

vituperative comment have been IN
dulged in. Prejudices have been created
High Government officials, United
States Senators and Representatives
have been importuned and, to a certain
| extent, abused for opposition to or lack
of interest in the soldiers cause. Ma
tional ingratitude for loyalty and sacri-
flee has been charged. Legislation has
been proposed. amended. discussed AMI
halted. Because of this situation feel
ing of unrest and resentment has arisen,
and the effect upon the natural progress
of efforts to return to the normal condi-
tions of peace and industry has beer de-
pressing.
| THE people Of this country, for the
present at least. cannot afford to pay
! or appropriate the large bonus for SOL
dfers which has been suggested The
burdens of taxation resulting from the
war are already too heavy to carry
without materially and adversely af-
fecting the full return to prosperity.
"One who follows the published fig
ures or who by personal inquiry and OBJ
servation Is familiar with the facts must
be convinced that because or the heavy
taxes this country Is not reaping the
natural benefit of It's opportunities. We
! need not be respondent; nor, on the 9TH
err hand, would 1t be wise to shut our
eyes to unfavorable facts or symptoms.
Former soldiers, like all others. need
opportunity to work in any and ali lines
of employment and, to continuously fur
nish this chance, courage and capital
should be given to industry. The load
of taxation ought to be lightened, not
| increased. Enterprise has staggered
under this burden. 1t would not De diff
| cult to break its back These are not
| idle words. They are a solemn warning,
| not only to soldiers. but to- every one
who is at present seeking what Is neither
| reasonable nor patriotic also to any
who claim from the Government what
II is not able to pay without increasing
the national debt. thus adding TO the
| taxes and impeding the legitimate
progress of the army of industrious men
and women.
Shared by People ms n Whole.
"We must bear IN mind that in the
payment of pills or the receipt OF bene-
| fits the people as a whole finally share
in the results. even though there may he
| temporary gain or loss TO individuals.
Therefore / do not hesitate to say
that if and when there is paid bonus to
soldiers the amount should be pro-
vided by n species of taxation which Is
universally distributed. More than this.
1 think. in accordance with principles
already referred TO. all taxes should be
assessed and collected in proportion to
benefits derived and the ability to pay.
This is represented by the possession of
property or the expenditure of money.
THE fairest method of taxation ID
found In the sales tax. so-caned. 1t is
the most easily, cheaply and certainly
collected. 1t has been found in other
countries to be practicable. satisfactory
| and successful The tendency is to make
I persons more economical and saving.
The sales tax Is just because 1t leaves
to every one the opportunity, to decide
what the amount shall be over and
above actual necessity. 1t is less difficult
to collect than large amounts and works
less hardship to honest people because
1t is so widely distributed.
IT verify believe with a fair sales
tax business would be better. the coun-
try would be more prosperous. individual
| opportunity increased and every one
| made happier.
| 'It is hardly necessary, IL proper, to
refer to possible legfsation relating to
the payment or cancellation of the sums
due our country by foreign nations. For
| the good of both creditor and debtor
all honest debts should be paid II pos
sble. though a generous and humane
creditor will always be liberal In extend
ing the date or payment in times Of
urgency"
| Mr.. Gary was reelected president OF
(, the institute and Messrs. King, Schwab
and Topping were reelected vice-presi-
dents. Edmund A. S. Clarke, president
of the Consolidated Steel Corporation,
was elected treasurer to succeed Ed
ward Bailey.
| Eight hundred steel manufacturers,
| dealers an foundry owners were at
the Commodore last night for the BAN
quet which closed the meeting of the In
stitute. Judge Gary was toastmaster.
Field Marshal Earl French was the
guest of honor Speakers were John ;.
Unger. research expert OF the Cornegie
Steel Company. and Willis F. McCook,
president of the Pittsburgh Steel Com
many