The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-06-26
TARIFF 7INKERIBG.
Republicans Trying to Patch
Up the Last Differences Be-
tween Rival Robbers.

Il
WASHINGTON, June 26, 1S97.-The Re
publican tariff managers are very hope
ful Of being able to complete the consid-
Grafton of the tariff bill in the Senate by
next Wednesday night, result which
would bring the end in the Senate within
the present month They are led to this
conclusion because the Republicans have
adjusted most of their differences and
see their way clear to the settlement of
others. The Democratic leaders do not
concede the possibility of so early cpn-
clusion. They generally place it week
further on, or about the 7th or 9Th of
July, but admit that the ,end may come
by Saturday of next week
OF the problems still unsolved by the
Republicans, lead-ore, coal, iron-ore,
gypsum, tallow and few chemicals are
giving the most trouble, but there is no
doubt of an adjustment on all of these
which will hold the full party vote. The
disposition is to hold to the rates at pres
ent, fixed on lead and iron ore, with the
intention of making changes in confer
ence. The rate on Canadian coal will
probably be advanced to 67 cents per long
ton.
The advocates of a high rate on lead
ore apparently are prepared to meet their
opponents half way in conference and
accept a rate of IL cents.
The Finance Committee has practically
decided to abandon the proposed tax on
bank checks, which at one time was so
favorably considered, and also the in
crease of A cents a barrel in the beer
tax and the change in the tobacco tax,
indeed, it appears more than. probable
that all the changes i'll the internal reve-
nue. laws proposed by the bill will be
abandoned.
There is some difficulty in the Judiciary
Committee in agreeing upon the form OF
an antitrust amendment, but all the
probabilities point to the Incorporation of
the Pettus proposition directed specifical-
ly at the sugar trust, and of very little
more. 1t is expected that the reciprocity
amendment will be ready for presentation
by next Tuesday. The present indications
are that it will make provision for the
negotiation of reciprocity traits, but
that there will be a requirement that they
shall be submitted to the Senate differing
in this respect from the reciprocity pro-
vision of the Mckinley law The neces-
sity for subscribing the revenues will
render it impossible tfat provision should
be made for the free admission OF dutia-
BILE articles under reciprocal agreements,
but that maximum percentage for re-
mission will be specified. The rate of re-
mission most favorably considered now
There probably will be objection to the
retention of the House provision for the
continuance of the Hawaiian reciprocity
agreement on sugar, but the Finance
Committee win favor such an agreement
and the probabilities are that the Repllb-
licans will support it solidly, pending ac-
ton upon the annexation treaty. The ac-
ton of the committee in withdrawing its
amendments to the sugar schedule prob
ably would have the effect of leaving the
provision in force without further effort
to that end, but there is no probability
that some one will not offer an amend
ment that will open up the entire ques-
ton.
With the question once opened there
is 4iable to be considerable debate, which
in view of the pendency of the annexa-
ton treaty is liable to trench upon the
executive privileges
The Democrats also expect to discuss
hides, chemicals, lead-ore, coal and va
rious othr qustions at considerable
length and it IS on; this account tha they
put the date of conclusion So far beyond
that fixed by the. Republicans.
The question of the duty on tea is
again receiving the attention of The COM
mittee This was practically abandoned
at one time, but since it has been found
necessary to let the beer tax go and to
forego the tax on checks, it is thought
that the tea duty may be necessary to
bring the revenue up to the requisite
point. The inclination of the committee
are still against the tax, and if kept in
it will only be on account of the neceS-
sity for so doing. The committee is now
having computation made that will de-
termine this matter.
The expectation is that the bill will
not be long in conference. The prospee-
tive House conferences have been in
touch with the Senate managers from
the beginning of the consideration of the
bill in the Senate and have already, If is
stated, practically concurred in many of
the changes which have been made
Both the Senate and House managers
will agree upon the necessity for as early
an agreement as possible, and working
in this spirit, they will not split hairs.
Senator A1drich is expected to return
conference. He is looked for on Sunday.