The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-07-22
The Report on Tariff Bill is
Formally Read.
AND HIDES ARE TAXED
VEST ON EFFORT TO TAX BOOKS
AND PERIODICALS.
STRENGTH OF PARTY IS IN IGNORANCE

The House Discusses Resolution That Has
For Its Object the Securing Of
Larger Markets For the Sale
of Tobacco.
Washington, y. c., July 21.-The Sem
ate concluded the formal reading of the
sariff conference report today.
The debate was spiritless in the main
Early in the day Mr.. Jones (Arkansas)
made a contest against the conference
committee on the ground that it has ex-
,aa,1s,s its authority an 50 amending the
paragraph relating to printing paper as
10 place retaEatory duty against the
countries paying an export bounty on
wood pulp. His point OF order was de-
hated at much length, and nnali!
vas owerruled by Vice-President Hobart
This removed the only obstacle thus Tar
encountered by the report The reciproci-
" amendment. and the abandonment or
the stamp tax on bonds and stocks, devei-
oped much criticism.
When the amendment relating to hides
was reached. Mr.. Allen (Nebraska) asked
why the conferees had provided draw
back OF duty on leather exported, made
from imported hides.
Mr.. Aldrich explained that the House
lad insisted on the proviso and he felt
that the drawback was payable under the
law without reference to this provision.
He thought about 100000 to $3.50, 900 of
revenue would be obtained from the duty
on hides. and probably half Of this would
be paid in drawbacks.
Mr.. Alien (Nebraska) spoke against
the bill as a whole. and incidentally re-
ferred 70 the present coal strike, con-
trasting il with the promises of pros
rerity. The strike would be arbitrated,
he said, and arItrated in but one way.
namely. in favor Of the coal baron and
against the miner. and il the miner pro-
tested he would be met with the baton
of the policemen or the bayonet Of the
Tin soldier.
Mr.. Teller and Mr. Vest criticised the
hide amendment. L ney were replied to by
Mr.. Aldrich.
The conference amendment emitting
from the free list scientific books and
periodicals., brought out a sarcastic
speech from Mr.. Vest. The derided De-
uocracy had in the Wilson bill placed
paintings. statuary and scientific books
on the free list, thus comforting a bene-
fit on all our people by inviting to this
country the best productions Of art and
science. Now, however, the G. o. F., the
party Of culture, refinement and progress,
took the backward track and attempted
TO exclude these articles.
The reciprocity amendment occasioned
lengthy debate. Mr.. Teller inquired why
the President had been restricted to two
years in making reciprocity treaties.
Mr.. Allison explained that it was de-
sired to have our commercial relations
definitely established within a reasonable
time. 1t was believed this could be ac-
complished within two years.
Mr.. Teller said his first thought was
that the committee were afraid to trust
the next President.
Mr.. White criticised the provision that
reciprocity treaties shall be approved
by Congress"
Congress had the power to raise or
lower duties without waiting to approve
a treaty and he declared that this pro-
vision would arouse criticism on the NEIL
tai ability Of the Congress enacting it.
Mr. Allison explained that Congress
had no means of negotiating with foreign
governments so that treaty was essen
tial before any reciprocal plan of tariff
reduction could be executed. The con-
ference amendment striking out the Sem
ate provisions for a stamp tax on bonds
and stocks, also led to discussion. In
answer to inquiries Mr.. Allison said the
point had been raised that an excise tax
must be levied on class OF articles as
a whole while the Senate amendment eX-
pressly excepted bonds of building as
sociations and other classes of bonds.
This objection was felt to be well taken
and the bond provision was abandoned.
Mr.. Allen declared that this was an
other humble submission to the money
power.
Mr.. Morgan asserted that there were
many reasons beyond the one assigned
for the abandonment Of the bond tax.
The main influence was the favoritism
shown to capital. 1t was this fayOrit-
ism which was making converts to the
Populist party.
Another influence was the Sugar trust
which had been instrumental in having
the bond tax abandoned, as it would
effect the tremendous stock transfers OF
the trust.
The formal reading Of the conference
report was completed at 5:25 O'Clock
and the Senate at once went into execu-
tive session, adjourning soon after.
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Washington, July 21.-When the
House met to-day Mr.. Evans, Republi-
can, Kentucky, from the committee ON
Ways and Means reported joint reso-
buttons requesting the President to make
such investigations as will elicit all the
facts in reference to the restrictions put
upon the sale of American tobacco in
foreign countries under what is known
as the ''regie" or governments contracts.
1t also authorizes the President to enter
into negotiations with governments of
those countries with view to obtaining
a modification or removal of these res
trictions. The resolution was considered
and Mr.. Clardy, Dem., KY, explained