Evening star., 1948-03-20
COP. Gains Support
For Income Tax Cut as
Morse Falls in Line
by the Assoeiatsd Press

Senate Republicans gained re-
cruits today in their drive to cut
income taxes $4,000, 100000.
Announcement by Senator Morse
Republican, of Oregon, that he in
tends to vote for the bill left little
doubt the Republicans would line
up solidly for 1t. And more Demo-
Gratis pledged their support when
the showdown comes Monday.
The Senate agreed last night to
vote on any remaining amendments
and the bill itself starting at 5 pm.
Monday.
This agreement was reached after
Republican leaders had spent nearly
seven hours successfully fighting of
a series of Democratic proposals to
amend the bill.
"Will Of People" Morse Says.
Senator Morse's decision was con-
sidered significant. He was one OF
the two Republicans who last year
voted against the second COP tax
cut bill which President Truman
vetoed. And he also voted to sustain
the veto.
However, he told the Senate yes
terday that he now favors a re-
duction since 1t seems to be 'the
predominant will Of the American
people"
Senator LANCER, Republican OF
North Dakota, who Joined Senator
Morses vote last year, also has in
dicated that he plans to vote for
the $4,000 900 measure.
Several Democrats also spoke up
for the bill.
Senator George of Georgia, rank
ing Democrat on the Finance Com
mittee, told the Senate he feels "a
very definite moral obligation" to
vote for tax cut. He added:
II am willing to vote for this bill
even If war comes tomorrow and
we have to vote to increase taxes
again"
And Senator Byrd of Virginia took
the same position. IF future de.
Velopments require additional ex-
penditures for national defense OF
otherwise. will then support in
creased taxes" he said in a state.
ment.
Senator Byrd's Virginia colleague
Senator Robertson, also lined up ir
support of the bill. as did another
Democrat, Senator O'Conor Of
Maryland.
Connally Against 1t.
But Senator Connally, Democrat
Of Texas told reporter he will vot,
against the bill and to sustain s
veto. He said tax reduction now
can't be justified in view of the DOS.
sibility that extra billions may be
required for military preparedness.
Senators Lucas, Democrat, O
Illinois and O'Mahoney, Democrat
OF Wyoming also assailed the meas
ure.
Senator Lucas told his colleagues
the Republicans were trying to pusl
tax cut through "for political pur.
poses in an election year" Sena.
tor O'Mahoney said a section cut.
ting estate and gift taxes was de.
signed to "split a mellon intended
for the very wealthy families"
The House already has passed {
bill to cut taxes $6,5O0,OO 900. Sen.
ate COP leaders have said privatel,
they have assurances the House will
accept the Senate $4,SOO,000, ,00t
version when the two measures q
tn conference nayf uepk
The Senate yesterday rejected
Democratic amendments which
would have:
l. Revived the excess profits tax
The vote against it was So to 26
President Truman had proposed 6
revival Of this levy to offset an,
loss in Government tax revenues
2. Exempt $4,000 from taxation
in the case of small businesse
which put that much back into thei
enterprise. 1t also was defeated
So to 26.
3. Remove the Is per cent Fedora
excise tax on rail, air and bus fares
The vote was 81 to 13.
4. Made an inheritance tax Gu
provision Of the bill retroactive t.
1912. The vote: Is to SO.
S. Granted corporations a spe
cial $4,000 exemption. 1t was re
jected 46 to 81