Evening journal., 1897-06-25
FOR A TAX ON HIDES.
Republican Senators. In Caucus
Sustain Finance Committee.
SENATOR PETTIGREW'S AMENDMENT.
Wants 60 Tax All Articles That Are Made
by Trusts-senator Gallery Speaks
Against Protective system.
Resolution of Regret.

Washington, June 25-The Republic
an senators have decided in caucus by
a vote OF % TO IL to sustain the action
of the finance committee in placing
duty upon hides. but did not pass upon
the question of the amount of the duty
TO be imposed. The committee was also
sustained in the rate fixed upon i'm
ported wrapper tobacco. The only 9TH
er disputed questions considered were
watches and watch jewels, and upon
these the finance committee was re-
versed, tl,e house rates being accepted
on watches and watch jewels being
made free. The caucus was held in the
marble room of the senate and was
well attended. While the discussion was
spirited at times. the meeting was with
out especial incident.
The greater part of the time was CIV
en- TO the proposition to fix a duty on
hides. Senator Lodge led the contest
against the action of the finance COM
mittee in taking hides from the free
list and was seconded by Senators
Hoar, Platt. Spooner and others, while
Senators Nelson Allison, Warren and
Gear spoke for the duty.
Mr. Lodge contended that the duty. if
imposed, would not be of any conse-
quence as a revenue item and that it
would add nothing to the farmers re-
turns on his cattle, while il would have
the effect of greatly injuring the indus
try of leather manufacture. which had
grown to immense proportions under
the system of free hides. He said that
the exports Of leather goods amounted
to S20,OO0,0O0 per annum and asserted
that If a stiff duty should be imposed
the industry would be greatly checked.
For the Benefit of the Farmers.
In reply the western senators claim
ed a direct benefit to the farmer from
the duty and asserted that he was as
much entitled to the protection II would
give as were the manufacturers to the
assistance they would receive from 9TH
er duties. The vote was on the genera
proposition to impose a duty without
regard to rates. The fixing of these, II
was understood, should be left to tbs
finance committee, but the expressions
were so general in favor Of the ad valo
rem rather than the specific system
that the committee probably will fee
itself instructed to substitute this sys
tenn for the IL cents a pound rat'
originally agreed upon. There was als'
general expression against any in
crease upon India tanned goat anS
sheep skins. which the manufacturer
regard as a substantial victory.
The debate on the tobacco schedul'
was confined to brief speeches by Sen
ators Hawley and Fairbanks. Tn
finance committee had originally fxe'
the rate on unstemmed wrapper tobac
co at s1.50 per pound in opposition 4
the house rate of 50 per pound.
The representatives Of the leaf grow
ers Immediately began a contention 70
the restoration of the house rate, whic
was resisted by the smaller manufac
turers, Particularly of the wester
states. The finance committee yielde
to the growers TO the extent of advanc
ing the rate to Sl.75. Senator Hawle
represented the growers in their effort
to secure a 81 rate. and Senator Fair
banks the manufacturers in their at
tempt to hold the original finance com
mittee figures. The caucus decide
without division to stand by the com
promise rate of S1.75.
There was only one vote raised in op
position TO the proposition to return t
the house schedule on watches and 1
addition to admit watch jewels free &
duty. The finance committee fixed
uniform rate Of 40 per cent en watches
while the house provided a compoun
duty. It is to this compound systeI
that the senate returns.
The questions Of reciprocity, trusts
Hawaii. sugar, beer. tea and interni
revenue were not discussed.