Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-29

double taxation II a natlOnal DOnuS
should be voted by Congress. The
money paid out in taxes for the bon
us would not be returned to those
states by the soldiers and sailors re-
ceiving the bonus. New York state
has paid out S45, 900, 900 for a soldiers
bonus. 1t furnished 10 per cent. Of
| the soldiers during the war. but it
pays 20 per cent. of the income tax.
Not counting what 1t has paid out
of it's state treasury for bonus,
New York state will be inequitably
| treated if it's citizens are compelled
| to pay 20 per cent of the national
soldiers bonus, of which its citizens
receive only 10 per cent. Pennsyl-
| vania pays II per cent. of the in
| come tax, but it's citizens would re-
| ceive only per cent. of the bonus.
Massachusetts pays 6 IL per cent.
Of the income tax, and her soldiers
| will receive only per cent. of the
bonus. Illinois pays 9.53 per cent. of
the income tax, and her soldiers
would receive sc per cent. of the
bonus. California pays Sc per cent.
OF the income tax and her soldiers
would receive SO per cent. of the
bonus.
The states that have voted bonuses
to their soldiers are: Illinois, Iowa,
Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts.
Michigan. Minnesota, Missouri, New
Hampshire. New Jersey. New York,
North Dakota. Ohio, Oregon, Rhode
Island. South Dakota. Vermont.
Washington, Wisconsin,, Colorado
Montana and Pennsylvania.
How can the representatives of
these states vote for bonus that will
, force their taxpayers to pay double
| taxes for the benefit of soldiers in
other states which have refused to
pay their soldiers?
Are % states to be overtaxed in Or
DER that 26 other states may escape
taxation for a bonus?
There is glib talk of Congress pass
! ing the bonus bill Overwhelmingly"
over the Presidents veto. The same
talk was INDUCED in when President
Harding courageously vetoed the
bonus bill. 1t did not pass over his
! veto. The House repassed the bill
but 1t knew very well that the Sen
ate would not muster a two thirds
vote against the President. As usual,
the House attempted to show the
solder boys that it's heart was with
them, but that a cruel President and
a heartless Senate defeated the bill
If the House had been put to the
naked test of passing the bill over
tlc Neto, Wthout reference to the
Senate, the final vote for the bonus
would have shrunk considerably.
Members can fool their constituents
easier than they can fool the Presi-
dent. They will run counter to the
mite House when they think il is
SAFE, but they will avoid a standup
tiGht. The reason for this is found in
the lack or courage among man,
members. as compared with the
courage which such men as Warren
harding and Calvin Coolidge possess
anu exercise when necessary.
president Coolidge and Secretary
Mellon tell Congress hat tax rcduc-
non is Impossible if a bonus bill is
passed. The country demands tax
rcductlon. Congress is under the eve
OF the public. No subtcrfuce will
meet the situation. 1t may he nos
slpie Tor Congress to reduce taxation
ana at the same time grant a bonus
whicn VIII be acceptable to veterans.
put this seems improbable If there
IS doubt it should be resolved in
FAVOR OF tax reduction. which in :.
true sense is bonus to everybody.
including veterans.
congressman should reflect that no
bonus that would be really service
able to individual veterans can he
provided without running into the
nllilons. The soldier boys would NOT
thank Congress for an inadeouo r.
nonus, but the taxpayer. on the other
hand, would feel keenly any incIease
Of his burden.