The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1933-11-10

Garner and taxpayer particularly
stressing the existing tax levy which is
nationwide in it's confiscatory applic-
ton!
Earnestly and vainly do seek for that
Stabilizing element in our American
citizenry which has carried this be-
loved country of ours through so much
of travail since the Declaration was
signed in 1776. Despite the fact that
so many thousands of our smaller gov
ernmental units have so materially re-
duced their local tax levies, how greed
lily some of these same units now are
grasping at the offer of the government
to contribute 300 of the cost of ap-
proved public works. And the height
OF Inconsistency was reached a few
weeks ago when the mayors of one
hundred cities, in conference in Chi
cago, passed a resolution asking Con-
gress to pass a law which would permit
| them to declare state of bankruptcy
and thus invalidate their outstanding
bonds and certificates of indebtedness
This is indeed strange philosophy and
one which I, at least, find it difficult
to correlate in my own mind!
Have we not left the rocky shores
upon which century and a half OF
fundamentally sound government
coupled with like precepts of right
| Iiyrir, no
erected almost impregnable fortresses
of financial and economic stability, and
are we not now-upon uncharted seaS?'
This, perhaps, would not be so alarming
| if our destination was definitely known
and the objective which we desire to
attain more clearly outlined!
| Do you not feel, as I do, that what
civilization needs is more civilization
of more uplifting Spiritual character?
We all have distinct recollections OF
the Great War to End War, and yet at
| this present moment practically every
so-called civilized nation is utilizing
it's resources in preparation for another
war-predicted by Lloyds to occur with
in the next eighteen months! Must
this occur-are we so weak and lacking
in unity of purpose that we cannot
avert such an overwhelming catas-
trophe?
| Statistics tells us that in Great
Britain alone two millions of men have
spent every year since the signing Of
the Armistice on November IL, 1918
in working to pay England's Interest
charges on her war debts; and during
various nations of the world have ex.
pended gross total of fifty billions Of
dollars on ornaments and in prepare.
ton TO ranother gigantic struggle. L
ton for another gigantic struggle. I
f1ict such as that of 1914-1918 will bring
not only complete financial ruin ane
desolation to the world, but it will alst
mark the end of what we recognize a.
Christian civilization. Truly we are il
need of a new philosophy.
Do you agree with me that what oul
country and its citizenry need at thi:
particular moment is mental Stabili
zation as well as an economic one? Art
we not somewhat confused because O.
for solving what is, after all, but 6
simple mathematical problem-that O.
regulating both our private and public
budgets in proportion to our income
Can there be any definite, worthwhile
solution until we view our perplexitie;
in a more individually sane manner
and look for permanent relief within
the scope of our own activity rathe1
than from governmental assistance il
either funds or egiSlation-Some o.
which has the conmendable and altru
istic purpose of taking from the ricl
to give to the poor, but which, in tn,
last analysis, breaks down the creates
of all American principles-indiv
initiative and ownership?
/ I am trying to avoid any discussion
of partisan governmental theories il
presenting my review or summary O.
existing mental bewilderment and econ
omic conditions, which, again assert
are due in general to acts of our citi
zens as individuals. and solely within
their control, and I trust that no on,
among my listeners will interpret m.
words in manner other than the spiri
Iof helpful citizenship which prompt.
their utterance.
A certain Minnesota congressman
who likes to be known by number
rather than by name, in recent adj
dress in my home city, declared witt
considerable emphasis that Presiden
Roosevelt said to him that she CRoose.
velt) might be the last president of The
United States" I gravely question the
accuracy of that statement insofar a.
it would present the president in seri.
Gus rather than a ocular mood. I pre-.
fer to believe that our president, with g
constructive American background, vel
holds fast to the faith and trust that
a Nation such as ours, with it's century