The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-20
SECRETARY MELLON MAKES THE ISSUE
Houston Post)

The political skirmishers have been telling us just what is to happen next year. The Republi- can propagandists have decided that the nomination and election of President Coolidge is a fore gone conclusion. Some of the Democratic propagandists tell us that McAdoo's nomination merely awaits the assembling of the con- vention. Chairman Hull has been cautious enough to avoid an ex- pression of a partial nature, so he says the Democratic nominee, whoever he may be, will be elected.
 Neither side has mentioned the vexatious questions to come up before congress and which may easily break either of the old par ties.
 The mild-mannered secretary of the treasury, the ablest economist connected with the administra- tion, has given the country stir by suggesting that congress will be able to reduce income taxes by s323, 900, GOO if no new extraordi- nary expenditures are made. And right there he precipitated an is- sue that may render worthless all the forecasts of the political prophets of both sides. It is said the president favors the reduction, and certainly 99 per cent. of the income taxpayers favor it. But that reduction can not be effected ff fha d1 al ho vocates are met, and these de- mands are insistent. If the bonus advocates win in congress. higher taxes will be necessary, and then what will President Coolidge do?
 The secretary has not only pointed out a possibility of tax reduction. but he informs, congress and the country that it can be made effective for the new year, if congress will but enact the leg islation to revise the rates as suggested by him. He has placed the matter before the lawmaking body sQuarely. and presumably with the presidents approval and backing. What will the answer of congress be? Reduction and no bonus, or bonus and further in- crease of taxes? The answer to this question may not be of mo- ment to the political propagan- dists, but it Is of great importance to the president, the congress and the people. If the Republican majority in congress can effect the reductions recommended by Secretary Mellon in time to apply to next years tax payments. Cool idge will not only have his fight for the nomination won, but he will have an advantage that the Democrats might find it difficult or impossible to counteract, as it would reach millions of voters di- rectly. And 1t would relieve the pressure upon the larger mass that bears the burden of all taxes at last.
 But if the Mellon proposal fails and the bonus advocates win. the administration may find many dif- faculties at every stage of next years campaign. It would be a fortunate thing for the country if so needful a measure of tax re- duction could be considered by congress on the basis of pure eco monies. but this is impossible. The prospect Is that it can not even be made a party measufe. On the contrary, each member will vote upon 1t according as 1t may affect his political fortunes, regardless Of the higher consideration of soupd public policy, or even of party welfare.
 Whatever may happen, Secretary Mellon has made an issue that may determine the result of the election of 1924 It is not sur prising that some of the Republi- can congressment are abusing him for'- submitting his proposal, be- cause they are quick to sense the embarrassment of such a choice as he presents.