Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-01
PUT ON FREE LIST
senate's Action Regarding Cotton
Ties and Begging.
NEARING TEE END Of TARIFF DEBATE
Representative Settle Attacks the
Attitude Of House Republicans.
THEN TAKEN

The near approach of the completion OF
the tariff bill was referred to in the OPEN
ing prayer to the Senate today by Rev
Hugh Johnston, who said: I'VE recognize
Thy hand in this work of commercial legis-
lation now near completion in so short a
period of congressional history. We thank
Thee for the courage. the disinterestedness
and the generosity exhibited by senators
and representatives. and that party interest
and feelings and local interests have been
subordinated to the expressed will of the
majority in this legislation
The tariff bill was taken I'D PROMPTLY.
At the outset Mr.. Teller Cody made in
quiries as to the reports that an antitrust
amendment would be brought in. This was
most important matter, he said and there
should be ample time for the consideration
Of it.
Mr.. Allison said he did not know what
disposal was to be made of the subject, as
no action had been taken by the finance
committee.
MIR. Teller said it had been reported about
the chamber that such an amendment had
been considered in caucus. He urged that
1t should not be brought in at the last mo-
ment for vote, "as that will not he done"
he added with positiveness.
Mr.. Allison gave assurance that TO such
hasty action would be taken.
Mr.. White CaD remarked that he
thought the entire antitrust subject had
been dropped.
THE trouble with the senator (White)
and myself" answered Mr.. Teller lis that
we are not members of the republican eau
Gus; and are therefore somewhat in the
dark"
On Mr.. Allison's motion the paragraph
of the free list relating to paintings and
statuary was struck out. these articles
n win hnn YlIo fhn 1pr foI 10 list
Paragraph AL, cocoa mating. was
considered. and motions by Mr.. Jones
(Ark) to lower the duty. were rejected, the
paragraph being agreed to as reported.
MIR. Allison reported back the amend
ment to the coal paragraph offered by Mr..
White yesterday allowing a drawback of
duty on coal used in American vessels en-
gagged in foreign trade and In the trade
betWee Atlantic and Pacific ports of the
United States. The original amendment
was modified by the committee to omi. the.
cOaStWSe trade.
The amendment caused much debate,
and several senators urged that 1t go over,
Mr.. Wellington (Md) saying he regarded
it as blow to the entire coal trade.
MIR. Vest (Mo) interppsed the statement
that demo cratic senators were being ask
ed when they would permit the tariff bill
to pass. when, matter Of fact, they
were making no obstruction. Now. how
ever. this coal paragraph was brought up
again, and was to go over.
1t was decided to go on with the amend
-nent. 81 Z.
Mr.. Allen CNeb) proposed a further
amendment allowing the drawback on coal.
not only to vessels, but TO inhabitants of
the United States" .
Does that mean freef.coal?" asked Mr..
Clarke Wyo) 90
Eyes. free COAL" "'answered Mr.. Allen
who argued that the people were as much
entitled to the benefits of free coal as were
the owners of vessels. !
Mr.. Plat Comm stated that this
not question of FREQ coal but simply
one as to giving American vessels the same
advantages enjoyed by foreign vessels.
While there was quite a sentiment fer
free coal in his part of the country, yet he
had always believed the coal industry of
the United States should receive the care
of Congress.
"But should not the people receive the
care of Congress-? asked Mr.. Allen.
Mr.. Platt answered that by fair protec-
ton to American industry no consumer
suffered one penny.
Mr. Allen and Mr. Clarke were involved
in a sharp personal coloquy concerning
the formers reference to pauper labor In
the soal mines.
Mr. Clarke Indignantly resented the i'm
Piled insult to the coal miners. and Mr..
Allen disclai,ned any such purpose.
The discussion branched Off to the con-
dition of the miners in Wyoming, Wash
ington. Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Mr.. Allen asserted that coal miners were
the lowest paid class Of labor In the coun-
try and that the contract labor laws were
def1ed by the Importation Of pauper miners
from abroad.
After further debate Mr.. Aliens amend
ment was rejected. and the committee
amendment allowing drawbacks to Amer!-
vessels was agreed to without divi-
sion.
Mr.. Spooner Wis) gave notice Of a COM
prehensive amendment providing for the
assignment Of three general appraisers to
make an investigation of all questions re-
lating to the tariff; the condition of in
Il, ,y0hn fn1 hyy n rif
the condition of Industries abroad which
compete with American industries; the diff
ferences in labor cost here and abroad;
also to make an analysis of the schedules
of this tariff bill with a view to correcting
any inequalities that may exist. The re-
suit of the inquiry is to be reported to the
Secretary Of the Treasury and to Congress.
The proposed amendment placing cotton
bagging on the free list was then con-
sidered at length. Mr.. Pettus CAla) had
previously given notice of the amendment
as follows: "Bagging for cotton. gunny
cloth and all similar material suitable for
covering cotton. composed wholly or in
part of hemp, flax. jute or jute butts
Mr.. Pettus spoke in support of the
amendment, saying he desired to avoid
party contest. and expected to secure re-
publican votes.
MIR. White moved to extend the amend
ment to burlap and grain bags made of
burlap.
The debate was protracted and in the
main technical. Mr.. Mantle CMont.) and
Mr.. White supporting the amendment and
Mr.. Perkins (Cal) opposing it.
AS finally amended the proposed para
graph is as follows: "Bagging for cotton.
gunny cloth and similar fabrics, suitable
for covering cotton, composed of single
yarns made Of jute. jute butts or hemp:
plain woven fabrics, bags and sacks Of
single jute or hemp yarns, by whatever
name known, and 4urap and bags for
grain made Of burlatp."
In this form the afnendment was agreed
to-3O TO Is. The affirmative vote was dem
ocratic. and Messrs, Alien. Cannon, Heit-
field. Kyle. Mantle and Teller. The mega
tive vote was republican throughout, with
the exception Of Mr. Jones (NevD
The Senate also adopted the tariff amend
m ment placing cotton ties. on the free list
The vote in detail was substantially the
same as the previous vpte.
Charcoal 600 was struck from the free |
list.
When Mr.. Gray desired to have coal tar
CO5) go over Mr.. Jenss of Arkansas re- !
marked that the democratic senators want |
ed speedy advent Df prosperity.
I'VE might dispose Of this bill today" |
remarked Mr.. Jones with apparent earnest |
ness 81
If the Senate wants to pass the bin to- |
day there will be no objection from this |