The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-19
The HOUSE VOTES
TO REDUCE DUTIES
On Products ofthe Philippines
Brought Here.
A FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE
Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee Leads This---The
Senate Committee Will Report Favor
ably the Eight Hour Bill as
Now Amended,
(By the Associated Press.)

Nby the ASSOCldlGu 1feSS.)
Washington, d. c., Dec. 18.--The House
today passed the bill to reduce the duties
on the products of the Philippine Islands
coming into the United States from 755
per cent of the Dingley rates (the pres
ont duties) to 25 per cent of those rates.
The discussion of the bill was accom-
panied by considerable maneuverinE on
the Democratic side to secure test votes
upon various amendments designed to
lower the tariff barrier still further and
record vote was forced upon motion
to re-commit with Instructions TO report
bill providing for absolute free trade
with the islands. The division upon this
proposition was on party lines with the
exception of Mr.. Mccall (Rep., MassD
who voted with the Democrats
The discussion of the Pure Food bill.
which has been made continuing order
until disposed of, was begun. Mr.. Tomp-
kins (Ohio), and Mr.. Adamson (GaD,
opened the debate respectively for and
against the bill. Mr.. Gardner (Mass.)
opposed The bill. Mr.. McCalPs resolution
calling on the State Department for the
correspondence in the Venezuelan en-
the session. Mr.. Hit (Ill), for the Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs, reported the
DeArmond and Mccall resolutions calling
upon the Secretary of State for the facts
with relation 70 claims of Great Britain
and Germany against Venezuela and gen.
orally for a statement of the diplomatic
situation with reference to the Monroe
Doctrine.
hn 1aH hat hA
Almond resolution lie upon the table,
and the Mccall resolution which called
for, all the spoldence in the case,
be adopted.
MIR. Richardson (Tenn.), asked why italy
and other European countries which were
figuring in the controversy were not
named in the resolution.
Mr.. Hit replied that he was advised
that the correspondence was similar in
each case. The recommendations Of the
committee were agreed to. The House
TIN went into committee of the whole and
took UP the consideration of the bill re-
ported by the Ways and Means Commit
tee yesterday, to reduce the duty on ar
tices the growth and product of the
Philippine Archipelago, from rs per cent
of the Dingley rates (the present tariff
to % per cent.
Mr.. Payne explained the bill The
Philippine government, he said, needed
revenue and for that reason it was i'm
practicable to totally abolish the duties.
Mr. Richardson (Tenn.), said he be-
lieved any duty was unjust, unconstitu
tional and un-American, but he favored
any reduction He gave notice that he
wold vote to re-commit the bill with in
| hoa I1l
as to provide for free trade with the is
lands.
Mr.. Mcclellan IN. ", recalled the fact
that General Wright, vice-Governor Of
the Philippines, in a hearing before the
Ways and Means Committee, expressed
the opinion that the free importation of
Philippine products would best subserve
the interests of the islands.
Mr.. Swanson (Va) also argued in favor
of free trade with the Philippines.
The bill was further discussed by Mr..
DeArmond (Mo.). Mr.. Ball (Tex0, Mr..
Crumpacker Ind), and Mr. Greene (Po).
All amendments were voted down in COM
mittce of the whole. In the House, Mr..
Richardson moved to re-commit the bill
with instructions to the committee to
report it back amended so as to pro-
vide for free trade between the United
States and the islands. The motion was
defeated.
The Pure Food bill was then taken
up. Mr.. Adamson (Ga.), opposed it in an
extended speech, taking the ground that
the States could adequately deal with
the situation. He said he believed thor
oughly in the protection of the public
against fraud, but he did not believe in
imposing the task upon the Federal gov
ernment No one could contend, he said.
that a State could not punish common
cheats and swindlers if they deceived in
that they sold one thing and delivered
another.