Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-26
COOLIDGE Determined TO
BARE CROOKED DEALINGS IN
LEASING OF OIL RESERVES
FAVOR REMOVAL TAX
ON THEATER TICKETS.
UP TO so CENTS.

Washington, Jan. 25-Tax reduc-
ton amounting to s1oS,ooo.ooo annu-
ally and affecting more than twenty
industries We're agreed upon today
by the house ways and means COM
mittee in its first major decisions on
tine revenue rate.
The rate changes. repeating some
of the miscellaneous or nuisance
taxes instituted during the war,
We're effected by partisan votes
in committee and included some
suggestions of both the Mellon and
Democratic plans.
Taxes on theatre admissions of
fifty cents or under and on bever-
ages were repeated anC the levies on
jwelry and produce exchange sales
were cut in half. Previous agree
ments to repeal the taxes on tele-
grams, telephone messages. leased
wires and candy were confirmed.
The committee consideration OF
the income rates thus brought near
er, President Coolidge appealed to-
dav for non-partisan support of the
Mellon bill. He let 1t be known
that he considered the prospect for
a substantial agreement on its pro-
visions as brighter and that he be-
lieved credit for the bill. If enacted.
should go to whoever votes for It,
regardless Of political affiliations.
The Democrats, however, contin-
nod fhntr ott Of ioI 4.
the Republican proposal for a corn
promise agreement in committee on
tho income rates, Representative
Garner of Texas. ranking Democrat
on the ways and means committee.
reiterat.ng that his party was unit
ed for the Democratic plan.
Republican leaders sought today to
mend differences within the party on
the question of whether the majority
members should write a separate bill
or seek n compromise in committee
with the Democrats. The question will
be taken up by the steering committee
tomorrow. Representative Longworth.
Republican floor leader, he'd his
ground for n compromise agreement
today despite the Democratic attitude,
declaring the only hope of obtaining
any Immediate action on the tax legis-
lation on the floor lay in a non-parti-
san measure worked out in committee,
Secretary Mellon renewed his cor
respondence with Senator Couzens Re-
publican. Michigan. in defense of his
recommendations for reductions in the
surtax rates to a maximum OF Is per
cent. The secretary again asked Mr..
Couzens II the present surfaces had
not impclled him to invest largely in
tax-exempt securities. but did not an
swer the Michigan senator's demand
that he disclose how much the Mellon
tax would reduce the secretary's taxes
In it's revision of the indirect tax
rate schedules. the committee left a
balance of about $4,000. 900 which may
yet be cut in these levies.
Other taxes repealed included those
on hunting, bowie and dirk knives. liv-
cry and livery boots. hunting garments,
yachts and motorboats.. carpets and
rugs, trunks and valiscs. purses and
pocketboolts. portable lighting fixtures
fans and theatre seating. Taxes on
produce exchange sales and on bowling
and billiards were cut in half.
The committee agreed to cut by one
half the tax on all jewelry made chiefly
OF precious stones or metals, and
watches whose wholesale price ex-
ceeds $50. Watches of less value and
other jewelry would be tax free.