"WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MAJORITY MEMBERS"

REPUBLICANS TO REWRITE LEVY PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL TAX LAW

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 7, 1921, the Evening Star published a front-page story announcing that "the rewriting of the levy provisions of the federal tax law of 1918...will be begun by the majority members of the ways and means committee tomorrow."

The information had been provided to the Star by Chairman Joseph Fordney* who expects the task to be completed by the committee in ten days.

It is thought that the Republicans are planning to repeal the excess profits tax and replace it with an increase in the corporation income tax from 10 to 15 per cent.  A $2000 exemption allowed  under the present law will also be repealed.

*Joseph Fordney (1853-1932) was born in Hartford City, Indiana & served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (R-Michigan) 1899-1923.

SOURCE

"Task Of Rewriting Federal Tax Levy Begins Tomorrow," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 7, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Representative Joseph Fordney

R-Michigan

Bain News Service

Library of Congress Image

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ACTING SUSPICIOUSLY?

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2442

HOUSE SESSION MARKED BY CHARGES OF MEMBERS RECEIVING GERMAN MONEY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) One hundred years ago, September 24, 1917, "a tumultuous...session" of the United States House of Representatives followed the exposure of Count Johann von Bernstorff's* scheme to spend $50,000 "to influence the...Congress to prevent war with Germany."

Representatives Joseph Fordney (R-MI) and Patrick D. Norton (R-ND) demanded an investigation of the charge that several members of Congress had "acted suspiciously and that German money (had been) paid out..."

The Chicago Daily Tribune reported that the Wilson administration had found no evidence to support the charges.

*Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff (1862-1939) was born in London the son of the Foreign Minister of Prussia.  After growing up in England, he joined the Prussian Army & then was elected to the Reichstag.

JHVB served as German ambassador to the United States from 1908 to 1917. He returned home after President Wilson severed diplomatic relations with Germany in February 1917.


SOURCE

"German Naval Man Told Dewey Plan To Whip U.S.", by Arthur Sears Henning, Chicago Daily Tribune, September 25, 1917.

Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff

Bain News Service Photo (1908)

Library of Congress Image