Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-05-15
TEXAS DAILY PRESS LEAGUE


The United States Chamber Of Commerce, after an
unsuccessful fight to secure . greater reduction IN
federal taxes, is now directing its attention toward
other forms Of taxation with the idea Of securing a
general reduction in municipal, county and state taxes
throughout the United States.
The move would be a laudable one if II were based
upon a more economical and efficient expenditure Of
public funds rather than a general tax reduction. The
organization will secure the active cooperation OF
millions of taxpayers. but these same taxpayers will
insist upon their respective cities, counties and states
e~xpending approximately the same or a greater amount
year after year.
The charge that the eleven billions Of dollars the
American people pay annually in taxes are a heavy
burden upon industry and national development are
not borne out by the facts. The major part Of this
tax money is going into public works-new highways.
paved streets, schools, buildings, sewer and water
systems-all of which are very important factors in
every phase Of national development.
1t is true that part Of the enormous tax funds are
not wisely expended. but the progress of the nation
the past ten years would indicate that dishonesty or
inefficiency in the handling Of public funds are COM
p~aratively rare. Efficiency has reached a high plane
in the handling Of public funds and the American peo-
pie are doubtless receiving As great value in such ex-
pcnditures as in their personal expenditures. or
course, there are the exceptions to the rule. There are
numerous localities overtaxed; others in which high
taxes are paid with little or nothing to show for them,
~ h~hNs"'F NfNohAAkt AhF M pau ny lt HhhlnN
are invested in greater comfort, more convenicnces and
greater prosperity for the people.
Taxes are essential TO national and individual prog
ress and prosperity. They are, in fact. the basis Of
our civilization. Government is merely cooperation,
and taxes provide the finances for collective advance
ment. The individual can do very little toward inn
proving conditions in a municipality, county. state or
nation, but by working collectively progress and dc
, yelopment can be intensified.
We cannot expect 70 build highways, pave streets.
provide water and sewer system, wonderful systems of
national, state and municipal parks. huge public build
ings, the finest school system in the world and the
myriad of other essentials to modern civilization with
out paying the bill therefor. These are the basis Of
American prosperity; they are the monuments to that
spirit of progress which has amazed the world and
given America the premier position among nations. A
progressive people. a progressive government and ma
tion-wide cooperation in promoting national progress
is the real power that is turning the wheels Of Ameri-
can industry, and in the final analysis il is the taxes
the American people pay that have created this condi-
ton. The United States has become the greatst CO.
operative nation in the world. and to maintain this CO.
operation for the benefit Of the entire nation enor-
nous funds are required, practically all Of which,
however, are being invested in the development OF
future wealth and greater national prosperity.