The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-06-27
TARIFF TALK TO EHD
THREE DAYS MAY FINISH THE
LONG DEBATE IN THE
SENATE.
DEMOCRATS DOUBT
THIS.
THE OPPOSITION LEADERS THINK
ANOTHER WEEK WILL BE
FOUND NECESSARY.
Proposed Tax on Bank Checks and
an Increase on Beer Will
Not Be Pressed.

WASHINGTON, June 26.-The Re
publican tariff managers are very hope
full of being able to complete the con-
sideration of the tariff bill in the SEN
ate by next Wednesday night. a result
which would bring the end 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 settle
ment of others. The Democratic lead
ers do not concede the possibility OF so
early a conclusion. They generally
place it a week further on, or about
the 7th or Sth of July, but ad-
nit that the end may come by Saturday
of next week. OF the problems still I'M
solved 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 DISPOSE
zion is to hold to the rates fixed on lead
and iron ore, with the intention of MAX
ing changes in conference. The rate
on Canadian coal will probably be ad-
.vanced to 81 cents per long ton. Ad-
apparently willing to meet their OPP
ponents half way in conference and &C
Eept a rate of IA cents.
The finance committee has finally de-
cided to abandon the proposed tax on
bank checks, which at one time was
so favorably considered and also, A
cents per barrel beer tax and the
change in the tobacco tax. Indeed, it
appears more than probable that all the
changes in the internal revenue laws,
proposed by the bill, will be abandoned.
There is some difference in the judiciary
cOnmittee in agreeing on the form Of
an antitrust amendment, but all in
dicatiOns point to the incorporation of
the PettuS' proposition directed speci-
fically at the sugar trust and Of very
little more. 1t is believed that the re-
Eiprocity amendment will be ready for
presentation by next Tuesday. The
present indications are that it will make
proviso for negotiation of reciprocity
treaties, but that there will be a re-
Quirement that they shall be submitted
to the senate, differing in this respect
from the reciprocity provision Of the
Mckinley law.
The necessity for subscribing the rev.
enues will render it impossible that
provision should be made for the free
admission of dutiable articles under
reciprocal agreements, but that a max
1mum percentage for remission will be
specified. The rate of remission now
most favorably considered is 20 per
cent. There will probably be objection
to the retention of the house provision
9 10 Of IIorr Ito
reciprocity agreement on sugar, but
the finance committee will favor such
an agreement, and the probabilities are
that the Republicans will support it
6Olidly, pending action upon the an
neXation treaty. The action of the
EOmmittee in withdrawing it's objec-
tions to the sugar schedule will prob
ably have the effect Of leaving the pro-
Vision 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-
tipn. The Democrats. expect to discuss
gides, chemicals, lead ore, coal and
EariOus other questions at considerable
length, and it is on this account that
they put the date of the conclusion so
far beyond that fixed by the Repub-
licans.
The question Of the duty on tea is
again receiving the attention Of the
committee. This was practically aban-
dOned 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 the tea duty may be
necessary to bring the revenue up to
the requisite point. The inclinations of
the committee are still against the tax,
and if kept in, it will only be on ac-
count Of the necessity for so doing.
The committee is now having a com
putatiOn made that will determine this
matter. The expectation is that the
bill will now not be long in finishing.
The expression Of senators and mem
bers upon the necessity Of an as early
agreement as possible and working In
this spirit will not split hairs. Senator
Aldrich is expected to return in time