Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1922-04-28
FARMERS ARE
AGAINST BONUS

farm bureaus which are affiliated
with the national organization, hav-
ing membership exceeding 1900
900. Sentiment among these ON
cials was 2 10 / against the bonus.
Directly related to the proposed
raid on the national Treasury and
taxpayers for the benefit Of able
bodied ex-service men is the sales
tax. President Harding suggested
that this form OF taxation be en-
ployed 10 finance the bonus scheme
He is still OF the same mind. The
promoters OF the agricultural bloc
In the Senate and House have vigor-
ously protested against the adoption
Of the sales tax on the theory that
It was wholly unpopular with the
farming elements Of the country.
Here again the leaders OF the
agricultural bloc seem TO be out of
touch with their constituents. Re
cent developments have indicated
that as the farmer studies the sales
tax proposition he becomes more
convinced that II is not the eco
nomic ogre that his self-appointed
representatives in Congress have
sought to make Il appear.
Turning 90 Sales Tax.
There Is still a great deal Of op-
position 10 the sales tax plan--prob-
ably vast majority OF farmers ac-
cepting the appraisement OF Il by
leaders OF organizations with which
they are affiliated-but the prejudice
against the sales tax. nevertheless
seems TO be decreasing. not only as
an adjunct to the bonus proposal.
but for general economic reasons
which the farmers OF the country are
beginning to understand.
II IL not probable. OF course.
that the leaders of the agricultural
bloc will abate their opposition to
this form OF taxation for the present.
But there is considerable Justihca-
ton for the statement that the
farmers are beginning TO think seri-
ously about the sale stax for them
selves and will eventually come
around TO an appreciation OF its
merits.
The attitude OF the agricultural
bloc on the tariff Is most confusing
to most OF the farmers OF the coun-
try. Senators and Representatives
on the Finance and Ways and Means
committees agree that the tariff
bill now under consideration by the
Senate contains generous provisions
for the protection OF the farmer.
The fact is the farmer was given the
best OF II all around.
Discussion OF the measure in the
Senate. however. shows that while
the farmers Of the country are gen
orally satisfied with the concessions
already granted. the active leaders
Of the agricultural bloc are still
for greater benefits for
certain privileged groups. largely
made up OF rich and influential cor
porations and individuals.
AS soon as the hard-headed farm
ers back home" began to think for
themselves this majority was routed
and the Administration plans for
the armed branches Of the national
defense won impressive victories
The Senate is soon TO take up the
army and navy programs after the
tariff is disposed Of and there will
be a recrudescence Of small army"
and small navy" sentiment among
the leaders of the agricultural bloc
in that body.
4 close canvass OF the Senate IL
said to have indicated the same re-
suit as obtained in the House largely
because of the views OF the real
farmers OF the country. who are for
neither small army" nor a
small navy"
The manifestation OF genuine ag-
sentiment on the bonus,
he tariff and the sales tax, and for
he army and the navy. is given as
/ reason for the apparent loss OF
DrC stige OF the so-called leaders q Z
he agricultural bloc. Suspicion OF
he motives of some of these
esders is reflected among the
ank and file of the agricultur-
SITS in Congress in the cloakrooms
" the two houses. reactions from
he manifestations back home" are
aid to have convinced subordinates
n the bloc, and there is rather more /
approval OF the policies favored OF
he Administration than those pro-
laimed by the leaders OF the bloc
That the majority Of the bloc |
eaders are still urging passage OF
he bonus for political reasons. can
lot be disputed. but until the /
finance Committee succeeds in pro-
Iucing a bill which will stand a
nance of securing executive ap-
the exast extent OF their in 4
uence cannat be determined. The /
finance Committee appears to be
.ivided.
This was developed at a confer |
nee of the Republican members Of |
he committee today. when Senator
moot broke from his colleagues and !
efused pointblank to indorse a /
modified House plan which is 4
ponsored by Senator Capper /
hartman McCumber candidate for
e-election) lined up enough sup
.ort in the committee to discard the
Ian of Senator Smoot for paid
ID insurance policy without an i'm
Mediate cash value.
But he has not succeeded in de
clipping practical scheme for
arrying out the demands Of the &
american Legion that the gratuity
sought shall be negotia-
lie. Senator Shoots plan would .
ost $500 100000 under a sinking F.
und arrangement. at the end OF
wenty years. The cost OF the bill
avored by the McCumber combina-
ion will be about $1,000. 100000,
a. tba Houca hill