Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-28

While Congress is expected to solve
the Federal deficit problem. and the
preliminary debates give promise Of a
spirited discussion, both political parties
in the closely divided houses are ex-
hibiting a desire to avoid responsibility
for measures which are likely to- de-
crease their own popularity or increase
that of their opponents. The editorial
comment of the country is as divided
as the legislators themselves, the points
Of dispute being whether the new taxa
ton, generally held to be necessary.
shall take the form of increased in
come taxes; If so, whether it shall be
applied to the higher incomes or to all
grades of incomes, or whether sales
tax on Injuries and semi-luxuries might
not prove fairer to everybody. some
hold that long-term borrowing with
accompanying governmental economies,
would make increased taxation unneces-
sary. A disposition on the part OF lead
ers of the various factions to approach
the subject as of national scope and
eliminate politics is suggested as
highly desirable basis for legislation.
Recognizing that mo matter what the
ultimate outcome of the oeIberatlons
is, 1t will be unpopular" the columbus
Ohio State Journal sees both Repub-
lican and Democratic leaders planning
their strategy and seeking to shit the
blame onto the shoulders OF their OPP
ponents." However, for Congress TO
attempt to play either for private az
vantage or to public preJudlce Wouta D :,
poor craftsmanship and poorer poltlcs,
in the opinion of the Miami Daily
News. which advises that that body
should be expected to face its nscal
problem in a spirit of broad states
manship." The Cleveland Press holds
that democrats who want their party
to mean something and to LEAD VIII
forego questionable advantages tnat
might be gained by playing politics WIN
taxes. and will set about preparing an
intelligent and liberal program
X X
The Yakima Daily Republic offers
the Judgment: Pew If any Congress-
men have the courage to tell the ma
iority of their constituents that they
must bear their share OF the burdens OF
government; politicians fear tnaC AN, any
such frank statement would de1eat Unem
for reelection, and they may be rlghG
because the people have been spolleo
so long by being relieved-or seemingly
relieved-of the duty of paying 1or thelt
government that they might resent
another and more candid policy. Notn-
ing is more conducive to good govern
mer1t than a knowledge on the part Oh
the people that they, themselves, are
paying the bill" 4.
Pointing out that "all the people. In
the long run must bear the cost OF
government" the Cincinnati Ttmes-Star
holds that they will have to snow
the lawmakers that they are Interested
in public finance, if they are to nave
any sort of protection from the TAX
spenders." ,..
"Long-term borrowing, plus drastic
economies, not incompatible with tne
maintenance of essential pubic SerV-
ices" contends the Chicago Daily News
would meet the requirements OF tne
present and prospective Federal sltua-
ton. But the adoption of a formula
barring new taxes, or the restoration
of old taxes, presuppoSes courageous
craftsmanship Too many members OF
Congress prefer the easier but dena"
Qoeic plan of taxing the rich by up
ward revision of income and inheritance
taxes. and the whole inSurgent group,
which may hold the balance OF power
in the Senate, i5 committed to pro-
gram Of frank class legislation. IN
flexible opposition to such a program
is expected by few experienced obserV-
ers. Still. 1t would be gratifying were
moderate Republicans and level-headed
Democrats to unite in support OF
revenue program emphasizing public
economy"
Quoting Senator Smoot, chairman OF
the Finance Committee, as believing
that the President should LAY the
needs of the country before Congress,
but recommend no specific plan," the
salt Lake Deseret News argues: If
the Chief Executive reports the con-
dition and needs of the country with
out a specific plan, Congress will, it
would appear, be more likely to COM
promise for the best interests of the
country" The Charleston wv. Va
Daily Mail thinks, however, that sit
remains to be seen whether such pro-