The New York herald., 1922-05-26

ing the committee withdraw It's plank
for repeal of the State Tax Boards
their support shall provide for a cash
bonus out of hand-and out of the
Treasury Of the Republican Admins
tration.
Most of them further favor specific
provision for raising the revenue to
finance the $4,000, 100000 scheme which
they hope to force the Republican ma
jority to impose on the people in the
form of taxes. Some of them declare
they will not support any bill unless
1t directs the use Of interest and prin-
cipal payments by foreign debtor ma
tions; o few will insist on the restora-
ton Of wartime excess profits and sur
taxes, reduced last year.
Might Make Mischief.
A survey Of the Democratic side Of
the chamber failed to reveal single
Senator really in favor of the McCum-
Der bill. 1t is admitted by some of the
Democratic Senators, however, that
they might help Mr.. McCumber get his
bill before the Senate and substitute
it for the tariff bill, for the twofoId
purpose of amending it and making
mischief for the opposition.
The Democratic policy, IL one is
agreed on, for the first time this ses-
sion will be decided in day or two.
Mr.. McCumber and his bonus asso-
ciates were confident yesterday that
the Democrats were really for the
bonus for the same political reason
which is responsible for most of the
Republican support.
They appeared to be greatly dis
tressed to-day to learn that the Demo-
Gratis We're not inclined to commit
themselves to any Republican pro-
posal without looking it over pretty
thoroughly and applying thick coat
of acid
There is little question that the
Democrats finally will decide on a
plan that will be wholly unacceptable
to the Republicans. Most of them
are inclined to insist that a bill re-
ceiving their support shall provide for
immediate payment out Of the Repub-
lican Treasury of the maximum of
bonus benefits to ex-service men in
the form of cash in hand
They assert this is what the SER
vice men want and "if the Republican
party is honest" such a measure
should be reported and passed with
out further delay This suggestion
naturally meets the approval of the
bonus element in the American Le-
gion, which is insisting that Mr.. Nc
,so+
make good their individual promises
or forfeit the political support Of
the soldier voters clamoring for money
down.
Republican Senators who favor the
bonus are greatly worried over the
unexpected increase in Republican op-
position. Their insistence that
bonus bill be reported. passed and sent
to President Harding despite his
clearly defined attitude, which they
admit is not encouraging. lacks the
ring Of sincerity with which 1t was
uttered a few weeks ago.
Sentiment In Reversed.
The change in Republican senti-
ment regarding the bonus has been
so pronounced that Senators oppos-
ing it express the opinion that If any
measure is finally agreed on and
passed there will be as many. IL not
more. Democratic votes for it as Re-
publicans.
The Democrats, whose sole ambition
is to put the Republican party in
hole" assert that IL the bonus Repub-
IN ell Nv
for the legislation on them there will
be few votes cast for 1t on their side
Of the chamber.
Senator's who believe the McCun-
Der bill will have to be abandoned ex-
pect a final effort to provide the bonus
will take the form Of paid up insur-
ance plan, as favored by Senator
Smoot. The Smoot scheme would cost
81, 900, 100000 at the end of twenty
years, as compared to $4,000, ,000, 900
under the McCumber bill.
The chief difference between the two
plans is that the Smoot proposal would
money on his certificate until ma
turity. The McCumper project would
give veterans entitled to $50 or less
their money on the spot ana enable
the others to borrow so per cent. Of
the value OF their holdings from the
banks--if the banks elected to take
them.
Most of the support for the paid
up insurance plan is that 1t would
not impose any burden on the Harding
Administration. but would hand down
the tremendous burden to the next
generation of taxpayers. This. 1t is
argued by the supporters of the Smoot
plan would save the face of the
Harding Administration" by the pro-
cess popularity known as passing the
buck" 10 some other Administration
to shoulder The device has become
the rule rather than the exception in
politics.