The times., 1897-06-20

mittee's information was from an exper,
in the Treasury Department.
Mr.. Allisons motion prevailed, and
then the Senate proceeded to consider
the duty on floor mattings.
Mr.. Vest uttered protest to the rate OF
cents per square yard on mating not
exceeding in value 10 cents per yard, and
cents duty on all mating valued over
10 cents Mr. Vest called attention 10
the fact that In addition to the specific
duty, there was an ad valorem duty of IS
per cent on all mating with cotton warp.
Mr.. Jones explained that under the Nc
Kinley. bill these goods were on the free
list. This continued under the Wilson bill
and now it is proposed to tax mating full J
100 per cent On their value. Mr. Allison
said the Senate had reduced the House
duty from cents to cents on the lower
grades He admitted, In replying to O
question propounded by Mr. Teller, that the
lower grade mating was not nanufac-
tured.
Mr.. Mantle said the protectionists had
Sla;gned TO favor a tariff law to protect
the agricultural interests Of the country.
There was close connection between
the japanese and Chinese mating indus
try and the agricultural interests of this
country. Mr.. Mantle pointed out that
Japan and China brought the mattiDgs 10
shis country at the low rate only because
they were enabled to carry back from this
country large shipment Of flour.
He explained that unless the importa-
tion of mating was permitted this country
could not induce the foreign countries
mentioned to purchase this flour which
they took with them al little cost when on
the return trip.
Mr.. Jones brought up the linen schedule
again, and created discussion by reading
letters reflecting upon the sincerity of
Mr.. Davis, who yesterday exhibited samples
of linen purported to have been spun from
Minnesota flax, which it was asserted
was fully equal to the Irish product,
Mr.. Davis was absentfrom the Senate today,
and Mr.. Jones said he very much regretted
1t.
He said 1t was only Just If an effort at
fraud had been made to exposeit. He read
his letters from Belfast, Ireland, to the
effect that the Minnesota flax shipped 10
that country was still in the warehouse,
and none had ever been spun, much less
woven. Some OF it which was examined
was found to be of an inferior quality
TIE samples, 1T was claimed, were what
had been sent out as what might be made
from the Minnesota flax.
Mr.. Petugrew accepted the challenge
of the member from Arkansas and defended
the flax exhibition made by the Senator
from Minnesota. II have seen a letter.
declared Mr. Petugrew 1T stated that
the flax sent from this country was fully
. ~ IL T&
and the threads much larger; also that
the specimen was an excellent example
OF it's quality, which was. no doubt, due
to the virgin soil of Minnesota"
Mr.. Jones did not respond further, and
the Senate proceeded to the cunsidera-
ton OF a melton made by NJ Vest to
strike out the duty on mating. He wanted
it on the free list. Apparently, the Repub-
licans were not anxious to retain the
duty. Mr.. Vest called for the ayes and
nays, and, for the second time during the
discussion OF the tariff bill n the Senate,
tNe minority was successful The vote re-
suited in % opposing the duty, and %
In It's favor. Thereupon, mating was
placed on the free list.
An effort was made by Mr.. Jones to
nave the Wilson rates substituted for the
proposed duty On oilcloths for floors
Nh Jones claimed that the present pro-
posed duty is fully 40 ger cent above
the value of the oilcloth.
MI Vest made the announcement that
he had discovefed new trust, the oil
cloth trust A new trust scheme was in
vogue. 1t WIS clearing house in which
the various firms were interested They
received the profits pro rata, This clear-