The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-10
PHILIPPINE TARIFF QUESTION
MORE DIFFICULT TO HANDLE THAN At
FIRST SUPPOSED.
Secretary Root Holds a Conference
With Republican Leaders on this
Subject-Prospects of n Bitter
Struggle over the Settlement of
This yexed QuestiOn-Secretary
Relief of Cuba.

Washington, December 6.-An impor-
tant conference was held at the war de-
oartment today in regard to the legis-
lation necessary to meet fiscal condi-
tions in the Philippines as a result OF
the recent insular decision OF
the supreme court. There were
present Secretary Root, Senators Lodge
and Platt, of Connecticut, and Repre-
sentatives Payne and DalzelI.
During the afternoon Senator Spooner
called at the war department and talk
ed with Secretary Root about the leg
tslative necessities of the Philippines.
1t appears that the problem presented
is not as easy as was supposed when
it. was thought that a single JOINT res
olution could be put through congress
within a few 6ays to continue practical
w existing tariff rates as to Philippine
exports and imports.
Some II embers of the ways and means
committee see difficulties growing out
of the existence Of an export tax in the
islands, and there is much apprehension
that the issue may be made a party
one, with the result that there will be
a bitter struggle. at least in the SEN
ata. # not in the house. before salts
factory legislation can be held.
1t is the expectation. however. that
after hearing from all of the leaders
Secretary Foot will be able to perfect
a plan Of acton by Tuesday. when the
house next meets.
1t is learned that in the course Of the
conferences tCday. Secretary Root toob
advantage Of the opportunity to talk
freely with his callers about the press
ing needs of Cuba and to urge early ac
ton uTon legislation along the line re
commended in his last annual report.
A moverle mt is on foot among the
republican Members Of the ways and
means committee to incorporate re-
| ciprocity feature in the Forthcoming
| Philippine tariff bill. AS roughly out
| lined in the informal talks thus far had
| among members of the committee. the
! reciprocity provision would recite them
| when the Philippine commissioners re.
auce the duty on certain designated ar
|
raI ious goods easily marketable in the
| Philippines, then the president Of tn
| United States shall hv proclamation
grant stated reductions of duty or
! Philippine sugar and other product.
| shipped to this country. This reciproc
ity provision would be along the lines 0
that provided in the Dingley act, where
| by President Mckinley, by proclama
! ton, made Tariff reductions.on on limited
number of articles, without the forma
| jity of a treaty.
| A reciprocity provision on the fore
| going lines was discussed at the meet
ing of republican members Of the com
mittee last Friday Afternoon, and re
ceived very favorable consideration, al
| though action was deferred until the re
assembling Of the republican member
on Monday.
Chairman Payne probably will call ;
meeting of the full committee on Thurs
| day, by which time the republican
! draft of Philippine bill may be read!
although no definite understanding ol
| this point has been reached.