The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-06-26

BEER AND BANK CHECKS.
VIII be Dodged in the Tariff Bill and
Tea Must Bear the Burden.

Tea Must Bear the Burden.
Washington, June 26.-The Repubn-
can tariff managers are very hopeful
of being able to complete the consider
alton of the tariff bill in the senate next
Wednesday, a result which will bring
the end in the senate within the pres
ent month They are led to this con-
clusion 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
a conclusion. They generally place it
q week further on, or about the 1th or
Sth 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, gyp-
sum, 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
present fixed on lead and iron ore, with
the intention of making changes in con-
ference. The rate on Canadian coal
will probably be advanced to 81 cents
per long ton.
The advocates of a higher rate on
lead are apparently ready to meet their
opponents half way in conference and
accept a rate of IA cents. The fin
ance committee has practically decided
to abandon the proposed tax on bank
checks which at one time was so ia
VOrably considered, and also the in
crease of A cents a barrel in the beer
tax and the change in the tobacco
tax.
There is some difficulty in the judi
ciary committee in agreeing upon the
form of an anti trust amendment, but
all the probabilities point to the incOr-
pOratiOn of the Pettus proposition di-
rected specifically at the sugar trust,
and of very little more. 1t is expected
that the reciprocity amendment will be
ready for presentation by next Tues
day. The present indications are that
1t Will make provision for negotiating
reciprocity treaties, but that there will
be a requirement that they shall be
submitted to the senate. The necessity
for subscribing the revenues will render
1t impossible that provision should be
made for the free admission of dutiable
articles under reciprocal agreement
that maximum percentage for remis-
sion will be specified. The rate of re-
mission most favOrably considered now
is 20 per cent
There will probably be objection to
retention of the house provision for the
continuance of the Hawaiian reciproci-
ty treaty, but the finance committee
viii favor such an arrangement and the
probabilities are that the Republicans
will support it sOlidIy pending action
upon the annexation treaty. The ac-
ton of the committee in Withdrawing
It's amendments to the sugar schedule
pAODSD4y WOu4Q nave LnG erect OF leaV-
ing the provision in force without fur
Their effort to that end, but there is nc
probability that someone will offer an
amendment that will open up the entire
question.
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 nee
essary to bring the revenue up to
the requisite amount
The expectations is that the bill will
not be long in conference. The pros
pective house cOnferees have been in
touch with the senate managers from
the beginning of the consideration of
the bill in the senate and have already
1t is stated, practically concurred in
many of the changes which have been
made.
Both the senate and house managers
VIII agree upon the necessity for as
early an agreement as possible
senator Aldrich is expected to return
in time to act with the senators in the
conference. He is looked for on Sun
day,