Evening star., 1940-05-29

&$$$ 1lOW plOlllpGlllS
~ the heads of the
Government to
Charles G. Ross. call for tax bill
In this, an election year. The Gov
ernment has walked up to the fact
that the country has no desire to
be coddled
In respect to taxes, the thinking
of the country, as shown by edi-
torial expressions, polls of public
sentiment, letters to Congressman,
has forged ahead of Congress, the
same way that it did in the matter
Of prohibition.
1t was suggested in this space the
other day that Congress should start
forthwith on the preparation of a
new tax measure, with a view to
final action in January, in time for
the new rates to be applied to the
March Is collections on 1910 income.
In view Of the nearness of the two
national conventions and the eager
ness of Congressman to get into the
campaign, this appeared to be the
most that could be hoped for Per-
haps it still is. 1t was not made
clear yesterday whether enactment
OF the proposed new taxes would be
completed at this session. But if
Congress will buckle down and vote
defense taxes before adjournment
OF this session, so much the better.
Must Raise Debt Limit.
In any case the s45 900 900, 900 debt
limit will have to be raised, and
there is no reason for delaying this
part of the program.
1t has long been part of the text
book of politics that a tax increase
should not be voted in an election
year. This year, however, is one
in which the usual political max
ims-or many Of them-are of no
| account. AS there is no reason in
good government why the tax ques-
| ton should not be settled at once,
so the country may know its pros
pective liability as soon as possible,
so there is no good reason even in
politics.
Both Democrats and Republicans
have voted whole-heartedly for the
defense program. There is no issue
between the parties on that score.
Likewise, the taxation issue this year
Is cancelled out by the national
emergency. The urgent necessity
for higher taxes is present; 1t is
recognized by both parties as
necessity that has got to be faced
sooner or later In the present
realistic mood of the country, there
can be no political gain or loss to
either party from a square facing
of the financial facts, however un-
pleasant they may be, without de-
lay.
Sailing May Bring Reaction.
To the contrary, it appears that
if any political issue arises out of the
tax question at this time, it will be
an issue due to the stalling tactics
OF one party or the other. Until
the Democratic leadership came out
yesterday with plan of action, the
Republicans had the makings of a
possible issue. In the House last
week several of them worried the
majority with a demand for action
at this session. Now that the Demo-
Gratis have decided to carry the ball,
the minority will have every right
to make what political capital it
can out of any retreat, and the
Democrats, conversely, can demand
that the voters rebuke obstruction
ist tactics by the Republicans.
That's the politics of the situation
that has been created by the sudden
decision of the Democratic leaders
to catch up with the sentiment Of
the country. Until a day or so ago
1t was their disposition to do noth-
ing that might prevent adjourn
ment by the middle of June. Mr..
Roosevelt had presented his defense
program, with no word as to the
means of financing it, and the con-
gressional leaders were looking for
ward, in the customary elecion-
year manner, to passing along the
tax issue for final settlement in the
next session. This plan has been
upset. To what extent remains to
be seen, but at least we shall see
this session begin to tackle a prob
lem that has been far too long put
aside.
Credit for Republicans.
The change in tactics deserves to
be bracketed with the commenda-
tory way in which Congress is
pushing the defense program to
speedy enactment. Whatever the
reason for the change-and think
the prodding of the Republican
House minority ought to pe given
part of the credit for bringing it
about-it augurs we'll for new real.
ism in dealing with the fiscal prob
lens of the country. It Is a change,
moreover, that accords with the
sound principle of putting our de-
fense expenditures, to the fullest
practical extent, on a pay-as-you-
60 basis.
Unless all signs are at fault, this
is the principle by which the coun-
try wants the Government to be