Books by "Joseph Hodges Choate"
8 books found
The Life of Joseph Hodges Choate as Gathered Chiefly from His Letters
by Joseph Hodges Choate, Edward Sandford Martin
1920
"For many years Mr. Choate's family and friends had begged him to write his reminiscences. He invariably refused to entertain the idea on the ground that, in his opinion, such sketches could be of no value to any one. To the many requests of publishers, editors, and biographers, he likewise - with a characteristic lack of vanity - turned a deaf ear. In the spring of 1914, however, - when he was in his eighty-third year - the convalescence and inaction consequent upon the first severe illness of his life, prompted him to begin the dictation of these papers. They were casually and intermittently composed, with no idea of publication in mind, and only intended for the eyes of his immediate family. On occasions weeks and even months passed by without his giving them a thought. The papers are here printed literally, just as he dictated them to his secretary. Mr. Choate made no use of notes in preparing them ; he consulted no books, and he never even corrected the manuscript. Had he done so, he would undoubtedly have made many verbal alterations - and perhaps excisions - in the text. He began the sketches with slight interest, but, as they developed, he became more absorbed in the task and looked forward with a good deal of pleasure to going on with it. After the celebrations incident to his eighty-fifth birthday, he went back to the work with renewed zest and had started on the chapter entitled "Marriage" when there came a break in our diplomatic relations with Germany. From that moment - February 3, 1917 - nothing could induce him to continue his task. His mind seemed to harbor but one thought, the thought of the Great Cause and of the part which he longed to have his country play in it. Caroline Sterling Choate. Naumkeag, Stockbridge, Mass., October 16, 1917." -- prefatory note, pages v-vi.
Why do critics want to pull up the income tax by its roots? Why do we have an income tax altogether especially if its principles are no longer workable and the tax no longer serves its intended purpose? Or are the roots, in fact, still viable? This compelling book seeks answers to those questions in long-forgotten archives of tax history. Drawing on rare records from Congress, Richard J. Joseph demonstrates how the idea of relating taxes to individuals and businesses evolved during 1893-1895, leading in 1894 to enactment of the first American income tax legislation. That initial law, he notes, was intended to create a permanent and a fair "ability-to-pay" system. With an eye for detail Joseph explores ways in which it would serve as a model for future revenue. He explains how global and domestic changes have rendered it passe'. And he shows how much of that early lawdespite its swift demise in the case of Pollock v. The Farmers Loan & Trust Companyinforms our current federal taxation system.
We remember Abraham Lincoln for many things, but without his ability at persuasion, we would remember him for nothing. It was that ability that brought him first to national prominence and the White House, and then through the most difficult four years that any president has ever faced. This book focuses exclusively on that ability, looking first at Lincoln’s history of persuasive efforts, from the poverty-stricken boy who stood on tree stumps to repeat sermons, through the young state legislator and congressman, courtroom lawyer, rising national politician, and ultimately president,and then at what made him so effective: his personality and intellect, his credibility and clarity, and his masterful use of fact, logic, and emotion. It is a remarkable story.