The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-07-05
BUYING DESTRUCTION

htul DtIs u the tlOuNo w dg . dhu
Means Committee predict that
taxes will be imposed on soft
drinks, furs, cosmetics slot ma
chimes and race track pari-mutuel
betting to raise the 100000 600
still needed 10 reach the total tax
goal of SS,5000O0.0O0.
Some consideration will be given
TO imposts on electric light bulbs
and nou.industrial production of
gas but most committee members
believe that strong opposition will
block taxes on these commodities.
This last phase of the tax writ
ing began after the committee
voted a long list OF new and in
creased hidden taxes which will
bring defense costs home to pur-
chasers Of necessities and Injuries
alike.
Biggest single revenue raiser APP
proved by the committee was
$J-a-ycar use tax which must be
paid by operators of automobiles,
yachts and auplsnes. This is ex-
pected to net the federal Treasury
Sl60.000. 600 annually. 1t will hit
every motorist ali. Therein lies
the chief objection. Why should
$25 ialopies and 100000 yachts
be taxed the same amount? The
only answer seems to be that the
yacht owner pays more through
other channels.
In addition TO these luxury taxes
there is TO be a five per cent levy
on candy and chewing gum, 10 per
cent on monographs and records.
10 per cent on trunks and other lug
gage, 10 per cent on sporting
goods, 10 per cent on musical in
struments, FIVE per cent on all tele.
phone bills. five per cent of bills in
cabarets, 10 per cent on jewelry,
watches and clocks. 10 per cent on
Photographic apparatus. two cents
per 1000 on ma.ches. a S15-a-year
use tax on all bowling alleys, bill
Lard and pool tables, and FIVE per
cent Of amount paid for travel.
One surprise is the decision OF
tobacco from the new tax list.
They also voted against levies on
bank checks, insurance premiums,
lease of motion picture films, cof-
fee, cocoa, tea, sugar and fuel oil.
Existing federal taxes which are
70 be raised include automobiles,
three and half per cent to seven
~
TO 417 cents pound to FIVE to nine
cents a pound, distilled liquor. up
81 a gallon: wines and cordials,
from six TO 30 cents a gallon to Is
to SIS cents gallon. depending N
the alcoholic content. refrigera.
tors, 5lz to 10 per cent; playing
cards, II TO 13 cents a pack: and
safe deposit box rentals from II
10 90 per cent.
The committee has also voted to
lower mptions-which would
have the effect OF boosting levies-
on long distance telephone and
telegraph bills, on admissions TO
theaters and other places. OF
amusement and on club dues and
AAAlidNiDAi les
All OF this. according 10 fiscal
experts. will raise an additional
S132, 100000 in excise taxation.
Previously the committee voted to
increase income and corporation
taxes by s2.i6S. 100000 and to raise
estate and gift leyies by s113.7OO,-
900
These changes will provide So.
315.4Qo000 in new taxes voted to
date. but this is far short Of the
defense fund appropriated. IN
spite OF new taxes We shall see
another ten billion dollars or more
added to our national debt this
year. Next year, If tn war con.
tinues, the deficit will be still biz.
ger. Tha, is war, or rather a
minor consideration in war. No
matter how poor nation appears
to be. there is always a way to
raise money for war
II only We could create such
enthusiasm in peace time for things
constructive We might begin to
approach the plane Of living We
imagine when We speak OF civlliza.
ton. We boast of our civilization.
but are We as civilized as We try
to tell ourselves We are2 II 20.
minds us Of The comment. Civil.
zation is great thing. Why
doesn't some nation try it,"