The Wilmington Morning Star

NEW TAXES DISCUSSED

The seriousness of the American situation may be partially estimated by the fact that leaders in both parties in congress are polling their members on a proposal to levy some form of new taxation to meet a part of the defense program before adjournment-with an election just ahead.

If any sizeable section of the population has failed to grasp the full importance of the emergency, this ought to bring conviction. America is indeed in peril of what is happening in Europe, and the surrender of his armies by the Belgian king brings it nearer. Whatever interests Americans have, whatever they have at stake in private enterprise, the time has come to submerge them all in the tremendous task of providing adequate national defense. This cannot be shouldered aside by any other consideration. America must be made safe.

If it takes more taxes to do it, the taxes should be levied and willingly paid. We have this job to do. Even if it takes our last dollar, we must do it. What would it profit us, in the final extremity, to withhold anything only to have our all taken by the aggressors?

The emergency defense program which the President has called for is to cost a great deal of money. There is no reason to suppose that, large as the total is, it will be enough. But it will get the United States started toward defense and pave the way for a completed job. It all must be paid for. We, the people must pay the bill. We must. There is no choice, no alternative but surrender of our national life and all it stands for.

There might be complaint of the form chosen to meet the bill. The tax method might be open to dispute. That must be left to the future. The one thing we cannot dodge is that money must be forthcoming for defense.