The Washington times., 1904-09-25
TOBACCO STAMPS
CAUSE MUCH TALK
Lively Hearing Before As
Sistant Secretary Taylor.
PRESIDENT TO REVIEW CASE
Independents Uphold Recent Armstrong
order-Samuel Gompers Speaks
for Labor.
PRESIDENT TO REVIEW CASE

and resulted in some spicy verbal ex-
changes
Not only were differences of opinion
developed between representatives Of
the trust interests and the 'inde-
pendents," but even between the officials
themselves. The hearing lasted nearly
four hours. in which time a dozen Of
the most prominent men in the tobacco
trade in America gave their views.
Origin of Controversy.
The subject under discussion was the
order framed by Acting Secretary Arm
strong few weeks ago. on the strength
OF representations made to the depart
ment. and issued by him with Secretary
6haw's approval. The order was to print
new labels for cigars imported from
Cuba. retiring the pink label which now
marks he imported trust-made goods,
and substituting for it plain blue
stamp resembling the usual internal rev.
enue stamp.
Official orders were issued for this
much Of the plan, and 1t was intended.
when the new stamps were furnished.
TO Issue an additional order 10 the Gus
toms division to have the new stamp
affixed TO the bottom of the cigar box
instead of around the end as at pres
ent.
Trust Makes Complaint.
These changes impelled the trust in
terests 70 complain TO the President that
the removal OF the pink label would in
1ure their business, as 1t had come to
be regarded by the public as a standard
OF excellence in Havana cigars.
The independents replied to this yes
terday by declaring that the trust, by
its argument on this point. virtually
claimed the United States Government
as partner. and needed the pink Ia
befs protection 20 run it's business sue
cessfully. The Independents said they
asked only fair field and no favors.
and that IL the labels were made uni
form with the internal revenue stamp.
as contemplated by the Armstrong or
der. they would be contented to have
the rival kinds Of cigars sell entirely
on their merits
Extent of Progress Made.
The hearing yesterday came about.
therefore, in consequence OF the com
plant of the trust, the interposition of
the President directing the matter to be
held In allegiance until a full and free
hearing could be held for all interests
affected. and the order Of Acting Sec
rotary Taylor temporarily suspending
the Armstrong order until the whole
matter is reviewed by the department.
When the subject had been threshed
over at great length yesterday, and
when everyone so desiring had spoken
Mr.. Taylor adjourned the hearing and
assented to the request OF the independ-
ents for an early ruling by the depart
ment.
Steal March on Trust.
the Independents. headed by Samuel
Gompers. OF Washington. in his capacity
of first vice president Of the Cigarma-
kers's International Union OF America,
called at the White House and obtained
from President Roosevelt assurances
that he would take up personally. with
out delay. the controversy between their
interests and the so-called trust in
terests.
A stenOgraphic report OF the hearing
was taken and Will be placed in the
Presidents hands tomorrow morning
He will then review the case personally.
considering such recommendations as
may be made by the Treasury officials.
Three Officials Interested.
An interesting incident of the contro-
versy is that all three Assistant Secre-
LlEiGE OF the utRaA AllAtllA nave Dttn con-
cerned in some way with the develop
ment OF the case AS shown at the hear
ing, Mr. Armstrong framed the order;
Mr.. Keep issued It to the stationery and
engraving division for execution, and
Mr.. Taylor suspended its going into ef-
feet. until. as Acting Secretary. he
could look into the subject matter Of
the case
This puts Mr. Armstrong and Mr.. Keep
IN support OF the order, and Mr.. Taylor
practically opposing It. The last named
official assured all present however, that
he was only seeking information and
had not the least bias in the matter.
He termed he hearing a 'free-for-all."
and said he would remain al his desk as
long as zone wished TO be heard.
Half Hour Wasted.
Mr.. Taylor thereupon called o. the in
dependents 20 state their objections.
This came rs a surprise 10 them. Fin
ally a response came from Morris
Wise, OF New York city, counsel for the
Cigar Manufacturers Association OF
America and the Havana Cigar Manu-
facturers' Association Of the United
States. comprising all the independent
cigar manufacturers Of the country.
He said they had no complaints Of any
kind 10 make: that they merely wished
the order OF Assistant Secretary Arm
strong 10 remain in force He did not
see Why the Independents should take
the offeEse, he said, since the ruling OF
Mr. Armstrong as acting secretary was
now the law.
Mr. Taylor said the speakers last
statement was made In error.
This brought the matter up 70 Mr..
Armstrong, who declared he had told
Secretary Shaw about the plan. that the
latter had approved Il in detail and that
The officiaI correspondence on this point
would speak for itself Mr.. Keep assent
ed 10 this.
Not a Closed Episode.
well. the present acting secretary
did not know II. said Mr.. Taylor, re-
ferring 70 himself. we must have some
basis 20 talk on.
III was so decreed by Mr.. Armstrong"
said Mr. Wise, and We regard # IS a
closed episode"
Wei. it's not closed" said Mr.
Taylor. ITS just opened"
This sparring for position continued