The Delta independent., 1923-11-02


ties is a good thing. Protectionists
are not all Republicans. There are
yet in America many disciples Of that
able Democratic statesman. Samuel ].
Randall N. J.. Enter.
prise.
LITTLE LEGISLATION NEEDED
Washington. Oct 29.-(special cor
respondence). Reports that come TO
Washington from different sections Of
the country indicate a desire that
Congress shall do little in the way Of
legislation at the coming session.
The last Congress enacted more con-
structive legislation than any other
in history, particularly legislation de-
manded by the farming interests. and
1t is felt that the industries of the
country should be given opportunity
to adjust themselves to present con-
ditions without being harassed by
changes or threatened changes.
The transportation problem is one
of the most important before the
country today. There are some who
would make this a subject OF legisla-
tion. but the more general opinion is
that no legislation whatever is need
ed. The only complaint is that re-
garding freight rates. particularly on
wheat. There Is no charge that the
railroads are earning an exorbitant
profit. In fact It 10 generally ad-
mitted that the profits are too small
to invite money into railroad inves-
ments. But though there Is no COM
plaint that the railroads are earning
too much, farmers want freigh rates
on wheat reduced and rates on some
other commodities raised to make up
for the reduction on grain. All this,
however. is a matter Of administra.
tion under the Interstate Commerce
Commission and requires no legisla-
ton
Taxation Is another important sub
ject discussed by the public. and lead.
ers in both Legislative and the ad-
ministrative branch OF the Govern
ment are considering whether legisla-
ton on that subject should be under.
taken at the coming session. There
is no dispute as to the desirability Of
reducing taxes. There is NO doubt,
however. whether 1t will be practic-
able to make a reduction during the
coming season. 1t is deemed certain
by many that a bonus law will be
enacted and whatever the nature OF
the bonus a material increase in pub
lie expenditures will be necessary. II
bonus law Is to be enacted there
Will be an increase rather than a de-
crease in taxation. Those who be-
heve that bonus law win be passed
discourage any effort to revise the
tax laws. It is admitted that under
the present scale Of Government ex-
penditures a very material reduction
could be made In income taxes both
for large and small taxpayers. Secre-
tary Of the Treasury Mellon. who is
opposed to a bonus law and who
seems to assume that no such law
will be passed. is working on a revis.
ion downward Of income tax rates.
Members Of Congress who are Of
the internationai1st turn OF mind and
who believe that the United States
should do something for Europe"
will probably have measures to pre-
sent proposing something definite In
the way OF extension Of Federal aid
to nations across the Atlantic. What
these measures will be is as yet un-
known but there seems to be a gem
eral view that Legislation OF this kind
should not be passed. It is felt that
encouragement OF the idea that Eur
ope can look to America for support |
will retard rather than hasten the re.
turn Of European industries to the
paths of peace.
Although Democrats for purely part |
isan reasons are still attacking the |
Republican tariff law and will per- |
haps urge changes in the tariff rates,
there is q general feeling throughout |
the country that with practically all
industries operating at full capacity
and more Jobs available than there
are men TO Eli them. reopening Of
tariff discussion would do much harm
and could certainly do no good. II
ID felt that with prosperous conditions
In most lines Of industry, the less
OF agitation for legislation
The better will II be for the country. II