The morning call., 1894-04-14
THE WINE DUTIES.
c.. A. Wetnore Back From
Washington.
Is i'm Doubt as to the Passage of the
Wilson Bill by the Senate.
New Amendments.

Charles A. Wetmore has just returned
from Washington. where he has been en-
gagged in looking after the interests of
California wine-producers in connection
with the Wilson tariff bill. He is not over
pleased with the results thus far attained.
as far as the interests of this coast are con-
cerned. In his opinion the bill, as pre-
senied 10 the Senate, is too much OF pro-
lection measure to pass the portals of de-
mocracy, and he is somewhat in doubt of
its passage as ii now stands.
His reason for this belief is based on the
fact that the Democratic Senators have
become so divided on the tariff question
that q majority will never be found TO
defeat the prevailing feeling In favor of
measures tending toward protection. Mr..
Wetmore tends returning To the capital
shortly 10 frame certain amendments tosthe
wine-clause, which, he has reason 10 De-
lieve. will be accepted.
When seen yesterday Mr. Wetmore
spoke freely upon his observations while
at Washington and volunteered much in
forma ton which NAV be of some interest
to those affected by the proceeding Of Con-
gress in the present question.
.'The question is whether protectionists
who are not welded to parry interests will
=
strates that protective principles govern
both the Democratic and Republican par
ties" he said. "The difference is only as
to matters in detail. sectionalism and de-
gree, and therefore It is quest on whether
it is not now understood that protection,
more or less modified, is the accepted
national policy, partisan only with respect
to methods and limitations.
II believe that the massage of the Wilson
bill. as Ii stands now. will practically ter
inmate the popular agitation of free trade,
and cause some non-partisan measure 10
be adopted, such as the forming of tariff
commission, or separate body IN which
will ne vested full power 10 act in matters
affecting the tariff schedule.
whether the defeat Of the bill will re-
open the tariff fghton sharply defined lines
of free trade and protection l am unable
TO state, but If such becomes the case tte
Democratic party will be limited to con-
sistent free-trade following, which, how
ever. present Indications would lead me TO
believe would not be more extensive than
the single tax or the prohibition elements.
There is prevalent opinion at Wash
ing.on that the bill will receive its death
blow in the Senate, but in what way is not
stated Those who are looked upon as
competent authorities think differently,
holding that the Democratic party muat
pass a tariff bill, however little it may
QlHeT IIOW tDt hChlHic1 act. bUhu
90 empty handed before the people at the
coming elections.
"At all events, as regards wine, l hope
the Wilson bill, bad as 1t is, will pass, al
though would prefer to see few amend
msnts added which may better the inter-
ests of this coast. Il is all bad job, SO
let us hope for the better"
One of the principal amendments pro-
posed by Mr.. Wetmore is with reference TO
the double-tariff rates levied by France,
namely. the maximum and minimum
schedule, the former being q general tariff
applied to all countries, the United States
included. excepting those most favored
nations with which she has special treaties
of commerce. The latter is applied to
countries with which she has a special
treaty, and varies from 90 to 60 per cent
lower than the maximum. His ldea is to
insert clause which would impose the
same conditions upon those countries which
impose the double system upon American
expectations.
A pamphlet containing notes, relating to
existing laws ana proposed changes in the
tariff and internal revenue laws, mas been
forwarded to the Cham Der of Commerce in
this city for Endorsement, and is sign ed
jointly by Senators Perkins and White.
The matter has been referred to Hugh
Craig with the suggestion that the commit
tee on foreign commerce and revenue laws
prepare report on he subject, to be pre-
sented at the regular meeting of the
chamber on Wednesday next