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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19439, 27 October 1925, Page 8

BACK TO THE WALL

RIGHTING SPEECH BY M. CAILLAUX. FINANCIAL POLICY OUTLINED. WILL RESIGN IF NECESSARY. PARIS, Oct. 25. NI. Caillaux, in a speech at Chateau Duloir, in his own Department of Sarthe, outlined the financial policy, namely, firm opposition to a capital levy, forced consolidation of a short term debt or reduction of interest and rents, but a policy of progressive taxation severely hitting opulence, a pitiless taxation of luxury, and special but moderate taxes on all forms of wealth, with a reduction in expenditure. He declared that they wcnld get out of the wood slowly. It was impossible to restore the finances in a few months. M. Caillaux concluded in a fighting spirit, clearly referring to the possibility of his imminent resignation. Ho declared that he would be only too glad to return to tho ranks. Ho always would bo a devoted servant of France. Ho suffered and doubtless would suffer many trials. He awaited fresh crowns of thorns in his forehead, which was still bleeding, but, like an old oak in a forest of Sarthe, which lightning struck but had not felled, he stood upright for the defence of the public finances and defence of the Republic against reactionaries and against feudalism.

Referring to war debts, M. Caillaux said that ho was confident that a settlement would be reached before many months.