South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-02-18

vioe-chairman OF the LeRion's legis-
lative committee. and Richard Jones.
representing the Veterans Of For
eign Wars, provoked the protest OF
Mr. Garner and his appeal that the
house step in and prevent the re-
publicans meeting in secret with
witnesses favorinR the measure,
without admitting democratic mem
bers 20 listen. an least. 20 the DELHI
erations.
How far sentiment was swinging
20 the sales tax as a means OF rails
ing revenue for the bonus. as adj
vocated by Pres't Harding. was tho
subject OF amending discussion
among members. il was evident on
al sides however. that the repub-
hcans were determined 10 put the
hili through the house, regardless
OF what might happen 10 if in the
senate. In the event that che bin
is in shape for consideration By a
republican caucus within the time
Sc By Mr.. Fordney. leaders said &c
would he passed prior 90 March O.
There IS no power in tho house
n head of the soldier bonus now.
said republican leader. which
seemed 20 be the view n most mem
h'r insisting upon its early pass
age.
Democrats Opposed.
mocrats opposing The measure
!Esisted. on the other hand. that
objection 20 the sales tax WAS so
strong in come quarters that III that
plan was presented squarely IL might
b. defeated
But if the sales tax method is re-
sorted Co. Il was said Pres't Harding
would view with favor "a tev on pro
duction rather than ON SERIAL re-
tail sales The executive Has said
70 favor this form, 10 was said 40 the
white house. for 20 was. no believed.
the simplest form Of this tax and
would avoid problems OF exemptions
which would probably arise i'm case
a general retail sales tax was decided
on
Opposition to the sales tax pro-
posaL however was expressed i'm
several quarters Friday r. g. At
keson Washington representative OF
the Nau0nal Grange characterized
10 as designed 10 shift the burden
of taxation from those most able TO
pay Sc. 20 those least able To- pay"
and Samuel Gompcrs. president OF
the American Federation Of Labor.
declared it would work IAN injustice
upon the whole people"
Mr.. Atkeson outlined his views IN
letter 20 Chairman Fordney I'm
which he said the Grange had sug-
gested the excess profits tax for the
bonus and n that was found 20 be
inexpedient, "a tax should be levied
which viii not be added to the cost
Of living OF the millions with limited
incomes"
GOmpers' Views
Mr. Gompers gave his views i'm
formal statement In which ne said
that organized labor stands 100 per
cent for the soldiers bonus" but OPP
poses any form Of retail. sales or
consumption tax to raise revenue TO
pay the bonus or for any other pur-
pose. The bonus, he said should
have the approval of congress. but
10 create a sales tax would be 10 turn
q measure or justice into an imposi-
ton and an injustice upon the whole
people"
labor recognizes in the proposal
20 attach the sales tax to the sol
diers' adjusted compensation bill"
said Mr.. Gompers. "a subterfuge in
tended either 90 defeat the bonus.
or 20 create a feeling Of resentment
against the veterans Of the World
war by placing the burden upon
those least able 10 bear IL. and by
permitting the escape OF those who
prOhteered reIentlessly during the
period OF the war ana since the
war
Rep. Macarthur republican. Ore
Gon. issued n statement Friday night
declaring that although he voted
for the soldiers bonus bill which
passed the house two years ago. he
could not vote "for a similar meas
ure now" Conditions are now diff
ferent. he added and the American
people cannot stand the additional
burden at this time