The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-06-30

Washington, June 29.-The Repul.li-
cans are having great difficulty in decid-
ing upon an antitrust amendments To
their tariff bill for the reason that there
is no purpose to frame practical provi-
sion, Senator Hoar, who has been strup-
Cling with the problem as chairman IF
the Judiciary committee, took OCCASION
TO day to point out to the Democrats
some OF the obstacles he has discovered
In the way to any satisfactory restric.
ION. Mr.. Hcar devoted his address en-
tireiy to the Democrats, taking UP his
position on that side of the chamber and
talking in II manner almost confidential
directly to Senator's Gray, Lindsay and
Pettus. The easy solution of the problem
to be found i'll removal of tariff duties,
promptly suggested by Senator Lindsay.
did not shit Mr.. Hoar, and with growing
lll'humor he declared that the Republic
can party intends to protect all forms of
American production against foreign
competition, even if the trusts have to be
given - share OF the benefits.
Mr.. Hoar's speech can probably be
taken as fair definition of the Republi-
can position with regard to the monopo-
lies the protective system have created.
They do not profess to be friendly to the
trusts, nor do they defend them, but when
the proposition is made to strike down
their power in the only way practicable
In connection with tariff taxation they
promptly reject it. 1t is thought probn-
Die some sort of an amendment, which
Will not he effective and which is not in
tended to be, will be added to the mems
ure. AT present the effort seems to be de-
ESoted to showing that the adoption of a
provision directed mt the trusts, if it does
not work hardship to innocent persons.
Is Objectionable rs making the revenues
n nd
this argument made by the Democrats is
that the Republicans do not want to re-
strict the trusts and are therefore Great
ing difficulties which could be otherwise
easily overcome.
Members on both stiles of the chamber
perceive that the question of trusts is
likely to occupy much mora important
position in the political developments of
the next few years than ever be fore. The
trusts are becoming more numerous and
more powerful, and the feeling against
them is not only more intense, but is fos-
tered and strengthened by the agitation
of both the tariff and the silver cues
tions. Opposition to the trusts forms a
common ground upon which Democrats
can meet, and those of both factions who
favor harmony believe the trust issue
may he hade very prominent in the next
general campaign. The Republicans have
no desire to be placed in the attitude of
upholding these institutions, which both
parties condemn, but they will not, ap-
parently, avoid such position at the ex.
penae of their cherished tariff scheme. Ii
is therefore thought that the so-called
anti trust amendment, which, it is said.
will he added to the bill will be for the
purpose only of placing the Republicans
on record as opposing trusts in the alb
stract.
The caucus rule had the effect to-day
of securing the adoption of the duty on
hides without II murmur of discomfort
from those Republican Senator'S who are
known to be opposed to it. This was one
of the difficult questions that cor fronted
the managers of the bill. and its settle
ment places the measure much nearer
its final passage. There is no telling
how much time may be taken up IN a
discussion Of the antitrust propositions
already submitted and those yet to come,
but the Republican leaders are still
hopeful of .passing the bill this week.
There are likely to be few--objections
from the Democratic side to the items In
the blil not yet agreen TO.