The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1938-01-20
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It is plain matter Of fact and of
comparatively recent history that
the Supreme Court at times has
been something of thorn in the
4 side of the New Deal. Backed by
constitutional guarantees of perpe-
tuity, and with its members beyond
the reach of politics, at least until
a vacancy occurs, the court has
had the last say, over the heads of
Presidents and Congresses. Thus
it happens that the resignation of
Mr.. Justice Sutherland takes on a
pregnant meaning. 1t is not to be
supposed that the appointee to re-
place Mr.. Sutherland will be a Re-
publican or a person unfriendly to
Administration policies. Such con-
duct could hardly be expected from
the opposing political party, if it
held the balance of power; and so
it appears that the so-called liberia
lizing of the Supreme Court is like
ly to go on, by the mere operation
of Time, even though it could not
be brought about by direct legis-
lation enactment
In the Senate, the question is to
lynch or not lynch, with that body
divided along non-partisan lines,
the anti-lynching bill being a nut
left over from the last session for
new hammers to crack. In the
House Rep. Ludlow afforded ser
ious business by proposing reso-
luton to limit the power of Con-
gress to declare war in the alb
sence of a referendum, thereby cur
failing the power of the Executive
under such circumstances. It got
the axe, and the old order still pre-
walls. The views pro and con are
represented by the statement that
the American people have the right
to vote on so momentous ques-
ton, and that, upon the other hand,
Presidents and Secretaries of State,
present and to come, should not be
embarrassed in times of emergency.
AS matters now stand, and until a
new legislative Daniel arises to
more perfect judgment, there will
continue a minimum amount of
embarrassment by referendum
votes on the question of declaring
war.
The distribution of income tax
forms goes forward, accompanied
by an instruction sheet, which al
though intended to inform the un-
enlightened would give the tradi-
tional Philadelphia lawyer head
ache. Probably there is some good
reason, and perhaps many, for so
much red tape, but the average
head will continue to swim when
told to see Schedule A but not de-
duct the amount of Schedule B un-
less provided for by the act Of 1884
subject to the amendment of 1887
and provided for as set forth in in
struction Is. Compared with exis-
ting methods of collection, those of
the old tax gatherer, who simply
said $76.42 were grateful relief
Neither Republicans nor Democrats
have done much to lift the con-
fused tax payer above the fog, but
as has been stated already, pre-
sent methods must be good, for
some good reason, and we shall get
even though we continue to be
our income tax papers in somehow,
haunted for the next year or two
by the fear that all may not be
well One statement is plain and
may be relieved upon: furnish a
duplicate of your tax return or pay
SIS extra.
The general attitude of the fe-
deral government toward business
large and small, seems to be in
need of little more shaking down
The President sometime ago sadop-
ted friendly tone and proposed sun
dry measures, including housing
plan of large scale, as an aid to
business. This was confirmed by
his his jackson Day Dinner speech
but the reassuring foundation thus
laid was fully confirmed by those
further down the scale in power
Thus there was created an uncer-
tainty which, to say the least, did
not promote economic certainty
That the President still regards the
problem as of major Importance is
evident from the fact that he has
called five recognized business
leaders for conference at the
White House. That effort is being
made to put the quantity known as
business upon it's feet seems GER
tain. There must be much tall
back and forth, corresponding
amount of legislation and some
concession in all quarters, but ou'
of it all, it is to be hoped, will re
suit condition in which thing: