Milford chronicle., 1958-01-10
CHANCE FOR TAX HIKE


1t seems strange, but there is today spec
uation about a possible tax increase, even
though only few months ago most OF the
tax speculation concerned a tax reduction
The changed prospect is a result of the
changed defense and security pictures.
Spending for defense next year is cer-
tain to rise by several billion dollars. Some
feel defense spending should be increased by
at least eight billion dollars in the coming
fiscal year. While it may not be increased to
such an extent, even an increase OF four or
five billions will be felt in the U. S. economy.
A study by the National Planning Asso-
citation indicates that even if defense spend
ing is stepped up by as much as ten bill
lion dollars, in the next two or three years,
the economy can probably shoulder such a
burden without the necessity for increased
taxes
The privately supported research body
believes the expectable economic growth OF
the nation, plus business stimulation re-
sulting from increased outlays for defense,
and resulting higher tax collections, would
enable the government to pay the higher
defense bill without unbalancing the budget.
We do not share this view, entirely, al
though we believe that taxes should not be
increased. Even if the economic growth of
the country and higher taxes resulting from
stimulated business do not enable the gov
spending, it would be advisable to incur
some degree of deficit spending in one of two,
of the next two or three years, to obtain max
imum security for this country and its Allies
Moreover, we are in favor of limited con-
trolls which probably become necessary If
defense spending is increased by eight or ten
billion dollars. These controls would not
affect many items, but where purchasing
was limited a price freeze would be neces-
oy,I CHI frnn
when it passes legislation limiting the pub
lies purchases. The country cannot afford
another round of imitation, especially infa
tion which makes rich men of those in the
defense industry field.
THE COURT UNDER FIRE
The ground swell of opposition to the
maneuverings of the U. S. Supreme Court is
increasing. Evidence of this is strong SER
les of editorials by the Indianapolis Star, in
Indiana, which are being circulated around
the country.
The cardinal principle and foundation
belief of the indianapolis Star (and many
other editors and jurists) is that:
l. The Supreme Court does not have
. power to make the supreme law of the
land" Moreover, it does not believe
that the Supreme law is whatever the
Court says it is.
2. In many recent decisions, the highest
Court has changed both the u. S. Con-
stitution and the law of the land
without authority.
3. Congress, under the power invested in
it by the Constitution, has the power to
limit, restrict and change the author
ity of the Supreme Court in order to
require it to conform to the Constitu-
tion and to law. 1t should do so.
These are the sentiments ably expressed
in the editorials of the Indianapolis Star, and
which are now being circulated to members
of Congress, editors, and to the Supreme
Court justices themselves by publisher Eu-
gene C. Pulliam.
A number of Americans believe that, on
the basis of numerous decisions in recent
years, the Supreme Court has actually be-
come runaway court" Most of its men,
bers are not jurists, or have had little judic-
ial experience, and therefore the departure
of the present U. S. Supreme Court from the
path of its predecessors becomes disturbing
and even alarming, and contrary to the best
interests of the United States.
@~ZoNS
NO SPENDING SPREE
1t is generally agreed that the federal
government should spend whatever must
be spent to- assure the nations defense and
keep it abreast of developments as we enter
the space age. Just how much spending that
ought to involve is matter on which there
is wide disagreement.
Americans for Democratic Action has
come forth with a proposal at the big spend
ing end of the spectrum. 1t wants the gov
ernment to invest an additional five to 10
billion dollars annually in "bold, far-reach-
ing programs" to meet the Soviety challenge
and, as a kind of bonus, to halt trend to-
ward economic recession. The ADA also
thinks an immediate tax cut OF up to five
billions would be good thing.
How tax cut of that magnitude is to be
reconciled with a substantial hike in spend