The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-01-12
FORMAL PRESENTATION OF DE-
MANDS TO THE HOUSE TARIFF
COMMITTEE CLOSED.
WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS.
PRODUCTS FROM IVORY BUTTONS
TO COAL TAR GIVEN A
TURN.
CONFLICT OF FARM INTERESTS
Northwest Not I'm Accord on the Sub
Ject of Duties to Be Imposed ON
Foreign Fibers.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-THE formal
hearings by the ways and means COM
m1ttee OF the representatives Of the
various industries who seek to have the
tariff rates changed were concluded
today. The committee has held ses-
slons for this purpose during the past
several weeks, and in that time a. large
number of persons have appeared be-
fore it. The varied character of the
schedules today under consideration
brought large assemblage to the
rooms from all sections. The largest
delegation was that headed by ex-Sen-
ator Davis, Of West Virginia. who
asked for a higher duty on COAL
During the afternoon the dull cur
rent of facts and statistics delivered
by the speakers was broken by Mr..
Kraft, of New Jersey, who by his man
ner OF delivery, was vastly amusing
to the committee and spectators. He
explained that a Dutchman had a
right to speak three times to make
himself understood Mr.. Kraft said he
was one of the two manufacturers of
bucksk1n pianoforte action leather.
He asked that his industry be pro-
tected. He wished to have the duty
restored to 35 per cent.
A conflict Of interests affecting the
farmers of the Northwest developed
today before the committee. J. G.
Brady & Co., who have three flax mills
In Minnesota; the Minnesota Flax COM
pany, Minneapolis; Klumpf Bros, Of
Madison, S. D., and several other con-
Germs interested in flax manufacturing
favor a duty on all foreign fibers, in
Guiding sisal and MANILA. Warden
offer, or saltwater. in long state
ment, shows that the state has been
to large expense in putting machin-
cry to manufacture binding Irvine from
imported sisal and other fibers. Repre-
sentative Tawney says that the matter
is one of much Importance to farmers
and the question is whether a protect
i've duty that will KEEP out foreign
f1bers will not be Of such benefit to
the farmers who can raise large guam
titles Of flax in Minnesota as to COM
pensate them for paying slight ad-
vance in binding twine Mr. Tawney
would welcome any suggestion from
Minnesota fax raisers on the subject
Representative Kiefer, of Minnesota,
presented a petition from residents of
posed on potatoes and starch by the
Mckinley law be re-esta bMShed
The first speaker before the commit
tee today was Representative Corliss,
of Michigan, who asked for a duty on
fish and lumber. Ivory buttons was the
next subject and ]. Richard Smith,
Of Connecticut, asked a specific duty
Then there was sudden switch to
coal tar. N. S. Greenough asked for
a specific duty
for duties on wearing apparel brought
into the United States by foreign tour
lists. The present system worked to
the advantage of the rich, who were
able to travel abroad, Mr. Gruber con-
tinued. He would tax all clothing worn
by tourists entering the United States.
But it is necessary for persons to
wear clothing when they enter,'' said
Chairman Dingley.
Not if the fashions Of our swell din
ners in New York become prevalent"
Mr.. Gruber replied. He continued that
many rich people went abroad annually
to do their shopping, making money by
the evasion of duties.
Lucins Littaner, w. J. Curtis and
Charles E. Smith were heard on the
subject of gloves. Grape fruit, jewelry
and hat pins were next taken up to
be followed by remarks on rough
diamonds eypum rock, flower seeds ar d
asbestos. Musical instruments, anthra-
cite coal and slate pencils closed up
the day. Chairman Dingley announced
before adjournment that the formal
hearings on the tariff were now con-
c1uded