Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-11-23
congressman Showing
Caution in Consider
alton of Proposed
Measures Mellen's
Statement Has Gre
ated Demand for Tax
. Cut = Many Strong
for Soldier Relief.

Washington, Nov. 22-Congression-
al leaders, irrespective Of party, are
proceeding with caution in their con-
stderation of tax revision and the re-
lated question Of a soldiers - bonus.
Among the many conflicting opinions,
only one stands out-that precipitate
action of either proposal is to-, be
avoided.
In the opinion Of practically all Of
the leaders. Republican, Democratic,
and Republican Progressive, Secre-
tary Melons announcement that the
national tax bill can be reduced by
approximately 1928, 600, 900 has stirred
such a general demand for tax re-
duction that congress will be obliged
to enact some sort of a revenue
measure. But tax cut at the ex-
pense of the soldiers bonus Is GER
tain to meet with determined opposi-
ton in both houses.
Suggestions are already being put
forward that neither of the two pieces
of legislation need be sacrificed at the
expense of the other. Pointing out
that the bonus bill vetoed by Presi-
dent Harding called for an expen-
diture of only $4,000 0O the first
year, proponents of bonus argue
that 1t is possible to enact that meas
ure and at the same time make a
den.
Rnfnrn A.
nlteiy on either subject, most leaders
at the capitol await tomorrow eve
ning-a definite determination of how
the senate and house are going to
line up on the organization votes and
the delivery of the first annual mes
sage OF President Coolidge. These
Two things must of necessity be i'm
portant factors in the final legislative
pans, certainly so far as the Repub-
hcan organization is concerned.
Ihere is an impression at the can
ltol that the president will devote n
considerable portion of his message
10 tax reduction and his recommen-
cations are expected to follow in gem
eraI the plan recently outlined by
Secretary Mellon. The executives
position with respect to the bonus
remains a subject of speculation,
some White House callers have
gained the impression that his atti-
tude is not unlike that of President
Harding, but even they are uncertain
whether he will present any recon-
mendations as to soldiers compen-
sation.
Inc chlef concern of administ ration
leaders with respect to tax legislation
rs as to what sort of a bill could be
put through Congress. Most of them
are inclined to favor the Mellon pro-
gram. but they are not at all certain
tnat IL can be translated into legisla-
.iun. Inc progressives among the Re-
puDlIcans In both the House and Sen
a.e are planning definite programs of
tnelr own and the Democrats ara
known to favor some revision Mans
winch are not included in the Mellon
proposal.
Inc uncertainty as to what kind of
a measure might eventually come out
OF the legislative hopper caused a num-
per OF Republican leaders to suggest
before Mr.. Mellon made his announce-
ment that it probably would be unwise
10 open up the tax subject at the com.
ing session. Some of them still are of
this opinion and there is now talk of
an attempt to bring the conservatives
In the republican and Democratic
va a LdA pTOBrdHs
While they are. in favor of tax reduce
t'on. several of the new senator's from
the west have gone on record against
any plan that will eliminate the sou
diers' bonus. Senator Shipstead. Far
mer-Labor. Minnesota, declared TO-DAY
against tax reduction II Il means the
death OF the bonus. while Senator
Wheeler. Democrat. Montana, said he is
Tor the bonus above evcr3thtng slse.
Senator Shipstead and other sena.
tors. among them some high in Repub-
lcan party councils, believe It is pos
sible to make reduction in the rev.
enue bill satisfactory to the country
and at the same time enact soldiers
compensation legislation. This, view .
also Is entertained by many members
or the House. and efforts to arrive at
such compromise program already
are being put forward. While bonus
advocates claim a safe majority in
both the House and the Senate, they
are not overlooking the certainty of
strong opposition, particularly In the
senate. Opponents in that body are
lining up for fight and they fore
cast much more determined opposition
than there was at the last session at
the time when it was generally under
stood that President Harding would
veto the mea sure