The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-07-02
SAVES MONEY TO THE SOUTH.
COTTON BAGGING AND TIES PUT ON
THE FREE LIST.


More Provisions to Be Acted on
Before the Bill Is Ready For the
Final Vote.
Washington. July 1.-The finance com
mittee suffered several unexpected re-
verses during the progress of the tariff
bill to-day, being defeated on three i'm
portant votes. Cotton bagging was pIac-
ed on the free list by vote of 30 to Is
and cotton ties also by a vote of % to %.
The duty on white pine lumber was re-
duced from 50 to 81 per thousand, the vote
standing 80 to 81.
The amendment on pine occasioned the
greatest surprise, and led to a general
breaking up of party lines on both sides
of the chamber. During the early stages
of the debate the duty on lumber, includ-
ing pine, was placed at 49, after a pro-
tracted contest. To-day Mr.. Teller return
ed to the contest and moved to place
white pine lumber on the free list. The
amendment was defeated by the close vote
of 80 to 49, four republicans-Messrs Ba-
ker, Carter, Hansbrough and Quay-join-
ing with the democrats, populists and sill
yer republicans in the affirmative, while
three democrats-Nessrs. Bacon, McEn-
cry and Martin-voted with the repubn-
cans in the negative.
Notwithstanding this close vote, Mr.
Mantle moved to reduce the rate on white
pine from 50 to 81. and this was carried
by majority of l. Two republicans
Messrs. Baker and Carter-voted with the
democrats in the affirmative, and three
democrats-Messrs. Bacon, McEnery and
Martin-with the republicans in the neg
alive.
The bill was now completed, with the
exception of the reciprocity section and
some comparatively minor paragraphs
Much progress was made to-day in
clearing up detached paragraphs hereto
fore passed over Only three of these
coal tar, potash and tea-remain. With
these, the reciprocity and brief internal
revenue and administrative provisions are
all that is left of the bill to be disposed
of before the final vote is taken
The tariff bill was taken up promptly.
Mr.. Allison reported back the amendment
TO the ooal paragraph offered by Mr..
White yesterday, allowing a drawback of
duty on coal used in American vessels
between Atlantic and Pacific ports of the
United States. The original amendment
was modified by the committee to omit
the eoastwise trade. The amendment
caused much debate, and several senators
urged that it 20 over, Mr.. Wellington
saying he regarded it as a blow to the
entire coal trade.
Mr.. Vest interposed the statement that
democratic senators were being asked
when they would permit the tariff bill to
pass, when, as a matter of fact they We're
making no obstruction. Now, however
said he, the coal paragraph was brought
up again and was to go over. 1t was de-
cided to go on with the amendment
Mr.. Allen of Nebraska proposed a fur
Their amendment allowing the drawback
on coal, not only to vessels, but to inhab-
itants of the United States.
''Does that mean free coal?' asked Mr..
Clarke.
Yes, free coal,' said Mr.. Allison, who
argued that the people were as much en-
titled to the benefits of free coal as were
the owners of vessels.
Mr.. Plat of Connecticut said that this
was not a question of free coal, but sim
ply of giving the American vessels the
same advantages enjoyed by foreign YES
sells. While there was quite a sentiment
for free coal in his part of the country,
yet he always believed the coal industry
care of congress.
''But should not the people receive the
care of congress?" asked Mr.. Allen.
Mr.. Platt answered that by fair protec-
tion of the industry, no consumer suf-
fered one penny.
Mr.. Allen and Mr. Clarke were involved
in a sharp personal colloquy concerning
the formers reference to pauper labor in
the coal mines.
Mr.. Clarke indignantly resented the inn
piled Insult to the coal miners and Mr..
Allen disclaimed any such purpose. The
discussion branched off to the condition OF
the miners of Wyoming Washington,
Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Mr.. Allen asserted that coal miners were
the lowest paid laborers in the country
and contract labor laws were defled by
the importation of pauper miners from
abroad. After further debate, Nj. Allen
amendment was rejected, and the commit
tee amendment to allow drawbacks 70
American vessels was agreed to without
division.
Mr. Spooner of Wisconsin gave notice
of a comprehensive amendment, peovid-
ing for the assignment of three general
appraisers TO make an investigation 81 all
questions relating to the tariff, the condl-
ton of the industries which are affected
by the tariff, the condition of Industries
abroad which compete with American m
dustries, the difference in labor cost mere
and abroad; also to make an analysis OF
the schedules of this tariff bill with a
view to correcting any inequalities that
may exist. The result of the inquiry IS 20
be reported to the Secretary Of the Treas
ury and congress.
The proposed amendment putting cotton
baggine on the free list was then consid-
cred at length. Mr.. Pettus OF Alabama
had previously given notice Of an amend
ment as follows: Cotton bagging Tor cor D.,
ton, gunny-cloth and all similar material
suitable for covering cotton composed
wholly or in part Of hemp, fax jute or
1ute butts"
MIR. Pettus spoke In support OF A. saylhs
he desired 10 avoid a party contest anu
expected to secure republican votes.
Mr.. White moved TO extend the amehu,
ment TO burlaps and grain bags made oil
burlaps.
The debate was protracted and in the
main technical u..,..
Mr.. Mantle Of Montana and Mr. Wnlte
supported the amendment. and Mr. Per
kins opposed II.
As finally amended. the proposed para
graph Is as follows: "Bagging for cotton
gunny-coth and similar fabrics. suitable
for covering cotton, composed OF slnsl'
yarns made Of jute. jute butts or hemp.