The Saint Paul globe., 1897-03-28

furnished fruitful topics for the men,
bers Fully two hours were spent in a
discussion as to whether the foreigner
or the consumer paid the tax. This
question bids fair to consume much
more time before the debate closes.
Mr. Bailey the leader Of the oppo-
sition, was absent almost all day, and
Mr.. Richardson and Mr. McMillin, Of
Tennessee, bore the brunt of the hard
fighting. The Democratic policy, so far
as it has been disclosed, seems to be
to attack the bill at every point, MAX
ing trusts the especial objects Of as
saults. The Republicans are trying to
advance the consideration of the bill
by refraining from debate, but they
are forced by the attacks Of the Cp,.,
sition to defend their measure. If more
progress is not made, night sessions
may be held next week.
Despite the admonition Of Mr. Ding
ley, just before the house adjourned
yesterday, to the Republican members
to be on hand promptly at 10 o'clock
this morning, to prevent possible de-
lays from the lack of a quorum, there
were only fifty-one members present
when the house met today. Mr.. Rich
ardson Oem., Tenn.) promptly blocked
proceedings, but the members streamed
in rapidly and in fifteen minutes
quorum had appeared. The ways and
means committee continued to offer
amendments from time to time, and
these were mostly adopted without op-
position. The rates on acetates Of
white lead was increased from three
and a half to four cents per pound; ;
in colors from two and a half to three
cents. In the course Of some remarks
on these increases, Mr.. Richardson de-
clared that the rates in twelve out OF
the fourteen schedules Of the bill were
higher than those Of the Mckinley law
Mr.. Dockery Oem., Mo- asked how
that statement could be reconciled with
Mr.. Dingley's statement that the rates
in this bill averaged between the rates
OF the present law and the act Of 1890
Mr.. Richardson replied that the com
parative statement did not support Mr.
Dingley's assertion. Mr.. Richardson
went through the schedules one by
one. If the wrath of the American
people was visited on the Republicans
for enacting the Mckinley law" he
concluded, what they will do to YOU
for the enactment of this bill in the
language Of the street boy, will be a
plenty" Democratic laughter)
DUTY ON HIDES.
During a discussion concerning rates
on hides, Mr.. Hopkins (Rep. Ill) said
there was no demand for such a duty
Mr.. Walker (Rep. Massl explained
that there were few hides imported ex-
cept those used for sole leather. so
that a duty on hides would be Of little
benefit to the farmers. If the duty on
hides would increase their production
in this country, the Republican side
would be unanimously in favor of such
duty.
With regard to trusts, Mr.. Walker
argued that great combinations neces-
sarily reduced the cost Of production
and consequently the price to the peo-
pie. Trusts were the natural outcome
Of higher civilization. He predicted that
eventually all the railroads in the coun-
try would be controlled by a single
corporation.
There was a sharp exchange of per-
sonalities between Mr.. Grow and Mr.
Vandiver Oem., MOI. The former was
explaining how the duty Of tin plato
had established that industry in this
country, and he and Mr.. Vandiver be-
came involved in personal controver-
sy over the question of, who paid the
tax arising from an increased tin plate
duty"
Mr.. Simpson, after remarking on the
conspicuous part played by Mr.. Grow
during the stirring days Of the war.
said that '1t was sad to see him now
the defender of trusts and combines,
whose purpose was to enslave th.
American people" Mr.. Simpson. refer
ring to the question of free hides. said
that a duty on hides would be of more
Importance to the farmer than all the
other duties in the agricultural sched-
ule. 1t would mean an increase Of 81
a piece on every one Of the 5,422, 900
hides taken from the cattle slaughtered
| last year.