Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-27
Two Major Changes Accepted
After Debate With Personal
Clashes-Rep. Mills Warns
of Possible Presidential We
to-Raise Tax on Cigarettes
Gift Tax Also Voted

Washington, Feb. 26.-Two major
amendments were incorporated in the
revenue bill today by the House amid
storms of debate involving a series of
personal exchanges. threats Of Repub-
lican organization leaders to vote
against passage of the entire bill, and
a warning from Representative Mills.
Republican, New York, Of the posi-
bility of d presidential veto.
The session ended in a row over re-
duction of the automobile taxes, final
action on these proposals going over
until Thursday. The House will de-
vote it's session tomorrow exclusively
to the Harding memorial service.
A gift tax imposing levies beginning
at i per cent. on total amounts of gifts
in one year in excess of $4,000 and
running up to 40 per cent. was voted,
191 to 65.
The tax on cigarettes was raised
from So to 81 per thousand by vote
of III to So.
A provision of the bill granting ex-
emption from the 10 per cent. theatre
and under withstood several assaults
to lower or raise this exemption.
When adjournment was forced an
amendment was before the House on
which both Representative Longworth,
the Republican leader. and Representa-
tive Garner of Texas, in charge of the
Democratic forces, said they under
stood general agreement had been
reached. This would provide for re-
peal OF the per cent. tax on auto
mobile trucks and wagons, the chassis
of which'sold for less than $1,000, and
for cut in half of the per cent. tax
on automobile tires and accessories.
The second extended row of the day
broke out at this juncture, Representa-
tive Clancy. Democrat, Michigan, rush
ing to leaders on his side with the cry
that he had been ''double-crossed' in
not obtaining time to speak. Repre-
sentative Garner took the declaration
as directed at him and rushed toward
Mr.. Clancy. when Representative Gar
rett of Tennessee. the Democratic
floor leader. interviewed.
Agreement had been reached to end
debate on the automobile tax subject
at O'Clock. Representative Clancy
had not obtained time to speak when
both sides to prolong the session re-
suited in a parliamentary tangle pro-
voking both noise and confusion. and
adjournment was decided upon as the
only way out. All speakers, however.
had declared in favor of some reduc-
ton in these taxes. Earlier in the day
Republican ranks were split by Il
sharp exchange between Chairman
Green of the ways and means commit
tee and Representative Mills of New
York, member of the committee,
during which Mr.. Green charged the
New York representative with "usurp-
ing the powers of the chairman" and
Mr.. Mills characterized Mr.. Green as
the nominal chairman Of the commit
tee, pointing to Representative Garner
as 1.-The actual leader"
Mr.. Mills declared he would not
vote for the bill as it has been amend
cd opposing the gift tax, and warned
that sit may never become law" Rep
resentative Garner Immediately dared
other Republicans to follow Mr.. Mills
in opposing the entire bill. and Repre-
sentative Treadway. Republican. Mass
(Continued on PAGE 9-Col. 81