Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-04-21

in the Presidents court plan, sit
down strikes and other problems of
national concern, do not overshadOW
the fact that before the end of the
present session. members Of Congress
must make a highly important de-
cision That decision is whether Fed
eral expenditures shall be decreased
or whether they shall be maintained
at present or even higher levels and
new taxes levied to provide the nee
eSsary funds.
Before this article appears, or
shortly thereafter, a relief message
is expected from the President which
will undoubtedly clarity the budget
and tax outlook. Strong pressure is
being exerted for curtailment of re-
lief expenditures. Equally strong
sentiment favors expanding relief,
and there is no small amount of pres
sure for curtailment of Federal ex-
penditures in all lines. There is vir
tually no sentiment for new taxes.
The present indications are that
the President will fix relief funds at
the lowest possible amount consistent
with the widespread national needs.
Thus, if the amount recommended ry
the President, is increased, it will be
due to the pressure exerted upon mem
bers of Congress by their constituents
the government expenses shall be low
cred or taxes increased is with the
American people.
Under the pressure of relief de-
mands, it is an open secret that "be-
hind the scenes consideration is be-
ing given to how new taxes may be
raised, should they be necessary. In
some circles there is even the sugges-
ton of a general sales tax, which has
been bitterly opposed in the post. In
other circles there are suggestions for
higher excise taxes. But all members
of Congress have clearly evidenced
their desire to do every thing possible
to make new taxes unnecessary
President Roosevelt has expressed
the hope that there will lbe no new
taxes levied. Nevertheless, relief needs
continue heavy and attention must be
given to farm tenancy and housing
legislation. AS l have said tax legis-
lation seems imminent, and new sour
ces of revenue are being studied
Excise taxes now in effect, includ-
ing the Federal gasoline tax, and a
score of other levies, are scheduled to
expire on June 80. Recommendation
have already been made that they be
reenacted for another temporary pc
riod, despite the admitted unfairness
of some of these taxes. However,
more optimistic memcers of the ma
tional legislature cling to the hope
that some way will be found to bring
down the expenditures and break the
log jam of legislation without raising
the already heavy tax burden now
imposed on our citizens
But with it ALL the fact remains
that if our citizens generally demand
large relief funds and other Federal
funds for new projects, they must
be prepared to pay the bill.
Thus, the expenditure and tax sit
uation in Congress is of serious con-
Germ. This is true despite the fact
that many thoughtful persons are be-
ginning to realize that governments
as individuals must find means of
living within the income" Any other
course brings a situation that may be
postponed indefinitely by heavy bor-
rowings and other Federal financing
but one which cannot be fully correct
ed until Federal expenditures are no
greater than the taxes collected.
The Presidents anticipated relief
measure will, of course, be on an in
dication of the future on relief and
taxes. When it is made public, it
should be studied by every person
concerned with the national welfare.
And individuals can do much by
much by frankly facing the situation
and realizing that the time has come
when, with recovery here and greater
improvement ahead, the Federal gov
eminent must economic as indivi-
duals have been forced to do to place
their affairs on a sound fiscal basis
It is obvious that every possible
means will be utilized TO prevent
wholesale tax legislation being thrown
into the already muddled congression-
n situation
Whether this effort will be success
full will depend largely on the devel-
tI,o Y,ovf thirty DAVIS