The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1924-06-05


be considered an unfair imposition in
the form Of asdouble-tax. There were
Republicans and Democrats in these
states who were absolutely sincere in
their belief that s'this recognition
(the bonus) has long been due to
those who sacrificed themselves while
others reaped profits at home during
the war; The Bonus bill is now a
law and has met with general approx
al by former soldiers and their
friends.
Everywhere the demand for tax
reduction grows more insistent. 1t
is said that President Coolidge has
been advised to approve the pending
tax measure as matter of policy
The suggestion has been offered that
his message should bring forcefully
to the attention of Congress and the
public, his objections to certain fea.
lures of the proposed revenue meas
ure. He has been asked to condemn
the publicity of tax returns provision
which allows every citizen the right
to examine the tax accounts of his
neighbours personal affairs. 1t is
likely that special bill repeating
|
the next Congress in event the Reve-
nue. bill becomes a law and the re-
sentiment against this amendment is
sufficiently strong to assure its re-
peal.
The appeal from the agricultural
regions for legislation which will
stimulate farm life and provide fed
eral relief to farmers, brings Con-
gress face to face with a real prob
lem. They must enact some meas
ure of this character before return
ing to their districts and the time is
all to short. No agreement has been
reached on agricultural bills and
leaders on both sides are in a quand-
ary. Representatives in the Senate
and House from states where agricul-
ture is the dominating industry, fully
realize that it would be folly to quit
without making good their promises.
The McNary-Haugen bill which has
been the headliner as a relief meas
ure, has met with difficulties and
has been re-drafted several times to
overcome legal obstacles. Even it's
foremost supporters admit it is faul-
ty but argue that it is for an emerg
ency and allowances must be made
under these circumstances. A COM
promise measure which would meet
the approval of tht Administration
and cover essential features of the
McNary-Hau bill has been sug-
gested but little hope is held out
for it's consideration prior to the
Cleveland Convention. No doubt a
plank favoring some form of farm
legislation will be Incorporated in
the party platform. AS one advocate
of farm legislation said this week in
the debate, "the farmers attention is
focused on Congress. He is already
impatient. Promises can not deceive
and will not satisfy the man behind
the plow." And, politicians are franz
ing their schedules accordingly.
Organized labor is also giving
Congress something to worry about
with demand for enactment of the
Howell Barley bill calling for the
abolition of the Railway Labor
Board. The child labor amendment
is another source Of concern for leg
islative leaders. The general propo-
sition has been endorsed by the Pres
ident but the difficulties center
around the age limit for the employ
ment of minors. Unless pressure is
brought to bear this proposal will UNI
doubtedly go over to the next session.
If Congress decides to close its
activities for this year, the Presi-
dent will have an opportunity to ex-
ercise the "pocket veto" on import
ant bills. The Postal Salary bill
calling for additional expenditures of
at least $80,000,000 from the Treas
ury, it is said, is slated for this fate
as the Administration regards is as
untimely in view of the universal de-
mand for lower taxes which are made
possible by economy in federal expen-
ditures. The Salary bill gives in
creases to more than $4,000 postal
employees averaging $500 EACH Ac-
cording to- the opponents of the
measure, it is designed purely as a
''vote-catcher" during a campaign
year and Congressman have pledged
their votes accordingly.
There are some who profess to
note clever political strategy in at
taching the Borah amendment to the
postal bill requiring the publication
of campaign contributions and ex-
penditures. The story is current
that legislators will tkill two birds
with one stone," that is, vote increas-
es to postal employees and attempt to
set themseles right with the public by
supporting a rider designed to puri-
fly politics" Knowing the attitude
of the President will bring a veto to
the salary provisions, the amend
ment will pass out likewise and their
conscience with the contribution is
sue will be satisfied.
Though President Coolidge men,
toned the world court proposition
in his Memorial Day address, it il
expected that that proposal will be
left to another Congress. Both
parties are willing that the voters
should discuss the issue before the
elections, as the question of inter-
national relations is something to
handle with care.
~ 81