The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-06-10
SENATE TALKS THRIFT.
Progress in Disposition of the Protec
ton Measure.


In the Senate on June 9 the schedule relat-
ing to metals was taken up Mr.. Jones re-
viewed the dissolution of the steel-rail com.
biaation. This reduced the price Of steel rails
so per cent, he said, and why should law
protect prod who could, by combination,
dohble their prices steel rails? lie spoke
also of the effect Of this combination and that
wire nails, in raising the price to American
consumers while the same goods were being
sold at lower prices to foreign consumers. IT
was condition, lie asserted, which should
arouse tho people from ocean to ocean, until
they stamped to pieces these combinations.
A discussion arose OIL paragraph l25 relating
to hoop, baud aud scroll iron, including the
bands used in baling cotton. Mr.. Vest
pointed out that the Mckinley rate was 10
cents, the Wilson bill made cotton ties free
and the Senate bill now proposed to maize the
rate z. 10 cent per pound. Cotton was SO de-
pressed that the restoration Of doty WINS not
warranted, Mr.. Vest said. Mr.. Mills Of Texas,
also opposed the rate.
Mt. BACON, Of Georgia, called on the com.
mittee 10 explain the distinction between the
wheat growers OF the North and the cotton
growers Of the South There was no response,
and Mr.. Vest offered an amendment to strike
cotton ties from the dutiable list. The amend
ment was dsfeated-yeas, 81; nays. 2S-and
the paragraph was agreed to as reported.
contest arose over tin plate in paragraph
100. The House rate was one and one-half
cents per pound; Senate rate, A. 10 cents. MI
Vest moved amendment reducing the rate
to 2-10 cents. He characterized the proposed
rate ~ "indefensisIc and outrageous" What
| ever had been the condition of the tin.plate
| industry, he said, it was now on its feet.
Mr.. Gray, Of Delaware, followed in the same
| line, saying this tin-plate rate was one OF the
fragrant features Of the bill. 1t was wanton
| ievying of tribute he said. not for the sake Of
| raising revenue for the Govern mcnt, but
purely for the benefit of special industry.
Mr.. Jones, of Arkansas, said association
| of tin plate manufacturers had been formed,
and had advanced rates on their goods while
| refusing to advance the wages of labor.
Mr.. Vests amendment on tin plate was dis
agreed to-yeas. 81; nays 80.
In the Senate on June 3 Mr.. Tilman Is. CO.
| came forward with another phase of the pro-
posed sugar investigation, closing with q
motion to discharge the Committee on Con.
tngent Expenses from further consideration of
the resolution recently offered by him to IN
vestigate the alleged speculation in sugar
stocks. The motion contemplated an immedi-
| ate vote by the Senate on the sugar investiga-
| ton resolution, and was made because the COM
mittee had not reported. After considerable
| debate the motion was withdrawn.
The Tariff bill being taken up Mr. Jones
criticized the paragraph relating to penknives,
razors, etc, asserting that there could be no
possible justification for the high rates, unless
| it be found in the evident determination to
force the American people to buy the expensive
knives Of American manufacture by rendering
it impossible to secure the cheaper articles.
| Mr.. Vests substitute for the paragraph fix
ing 20 per cent as the maximum rate was lost.
Mr.. Jones offered an amendment limiting
the rates to 80 per cent. ad valorem on the
articles in the first half OF the paragraph, in.
clsding razors. IL Was defeated. The para.
graph as amended by the Finance Committee,
| was then adopted.
contest was made on paragraph 165
| (screwsl. In the course OF the discussion n r.
Foraker fOhio) entered the debate for the
| first time, aud answered soma Of the objections
made by Mr.. Vest aud Mr.. Gray on the pro-
posed rates. He said the mani facture of screws
| WIS extensive in Ohio, and he knew the rates
to be absolutely necessary to carry On The
| business. For the last four years, he said, the
| Wilson rates were such that the factories had
run 1T loss rather than stop business and lose
the American market.
Mr Vest moved reduction OF the rates
throughout the grades Of screws, his rate,
| being substantially those of the present law
His amendment was rejected.
In the House. ON the Same day. Mr.. Terry
| of Arkansas, read long resolution recitine
the deep interest the people had in the Cuban
question, the passage Of tho beligerency reso
luton by the Senate the necessity for its due
| and orderly consideration by committee o.
the House, and concluded with declaration
of the sense of tho House that the Committee
on Foreign Affairs should be Immediately ap
pointed.
Mr.. Payne IN. Y, r. made the point of order
which the Speaker sustained. Mr.. Terry ap
peaied. Mr. Payne moved to lay on the table
aud the motion was carried.
Mr.. Payne said the Republicans have conf
dence in their Executive. They are willing L
trust him TO take care of the Cuban question
But he must be given time to examine thu
situation. He declared that the Republican,
TO man stood by the Speaker. We have sa