Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-15
IT'S OUR FIGHT

The Democrats II Congress nave
dashed themselves to the Garner tan
bhl and jumped overheard into the
political sea. II is their choice to
take chance on u leaky, illcon-
s:ructed float than 10 stay on board
a non pa rtisan craft.
The administration bill is not a
political bin for the reason that the
principles on which It was framed
are those which have been recog-
nlzed to be correct by Democratic as
we'll as by Republican authorities.
Not only has the present secretary
Of the treasury made use OF the
knowledge Of actual conditions which
have been available to him. but the
Mellon bill comprises essential
features which previously had been
endorsed by two secretaries OF the
treasury under President Wilson
and the principle By President Will
son himself, who told congress:
there Is i point at which in peace
time high rates Of income taxes dis
courage energy, remove the In
cent!vc for new enterprise, ehcour-
age extravagant expenditures and
produce Industrial stagnation.'
The Journal has previously al
lJdcd to the plain, matter OF fact
illustration OF the working of these
principles, given by President Cool
idge. Again we would call attention
TO these: also to the Presidents fiat
declaration. In his New York ad-
dress, that the Garner bill Is a
partizan measure. Here Is what he
said:
You have heard much OF the
Garner plan. Brought forward to
have something different. it purport-
cd to relieve the greatest number
OF Taxpayers. II gave not the
slightest Iced to the indirect effect
Of high taxes. or to the approach
ing drying up OF the source OF
revenue and consequent failure of
the progressive income tax, or to
the destruction of business initiative.
1t Is political in theory. When the
effect OF its provisions was esti-
mated. II meant a loss Of revenue
beyond any expected surplus. 1t 10
impossible in practice. The people
will not be misled by such proposals.
1t 10 entirely possible to have a
first class bill. ! want the coun-
try to have the best there is. | am
for It because 1t will reduce taxes
on all classes OF income. | am for
1t because It will encourage bust
ness. 1 am for il because 1t will de-
crease the cost of living. | am for
at.,ntf
cially. and morally sound.
But the people must understand
this Is their fight They alone can
win It. Unless they make their
wishes known to the Congress with
out regard to party this bill will
not pass. | urge them to renewed
efforts"
There you have 1t, voters and tax
payers. 1t Is your fight, The Presi-
dent can survive its defeat. He Is
not responsible for mongrel con-
sress. The voters are responsible
for that. We believe President
las come TO the executive job who
believes he can best serve his party
by hrst serving his country and that
he is doing the very best that an
honest. fearless. able man actuatcd
by patriotic purposes may do.
WIN we get back Of him? II so
the way to do 1t, the only way. is
to tell our representatives in con-
sress what we expect of them in this
matter. Already they are reading
an extensive poll of the country
made by the Literary Digest show
ing the people to be three TO one for
tho Mellon bill. Emphasize II by
writing the congressman.
And do il now.