The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-08
THE WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
TiRIFF REi TSTON, III T No EXTRA
SESSION or CONGRESS.
Tarln Schedules Ia he Examined During
Recess so as to Agree Upon Bill to
lie Presented 10 the Next Congress
No Rate Legislation This session.

lie Presented 10 the Next Congress
No Rate Legislation This session.
WAsHISOToN, Jan President Roose
welt learned to-day with a great deal Of
qualification from Senate and House lead
ers he had called into conference that his
desire for adjustment of tariff schedules
would probably be gratifed. But it was
made clear 10 the President that an extra
session OF Congress in the spring for this
purpose was out Of the question.
The sentiment of a majority OF the Sena
tors and Representatives who attended
the conference was that there must he no
hasty or III advised read justment, and the
upshot OF the discussion on the subject
was tentative understanding that the
schedules should be examined during the
legislative recess by Republican members
Of the Senate Committee on Finance and
and the House Committee on WAYS and
Means, acting separately and not jointly,
as had been proposed. with the object OF
agreeing upon a tnriG bill to be presented
to the Fifty-ninth Congress when 1t assem-
bles in regular session next December, or
perhaps at a special session TO be held IN
the autumn
The main object OF the President in calling
for advice from the group Of Republican
Congressman who ordinarily determine
legislative programmes was 10 secure
zone idea OF the trend OF sentiment among
them on the subject of tafih revision,
Interstate commerce legislation was dis
cussed also. but not at great length, and
while what was said Indicated feeling that
the question of the revision Of railway
rates required attention at some time in
the near future, il was made evident that
no such legislation should or could be
attempted at the present short session of
Congress
Other important matters Of legislative
concern notably the deficiency in the Treas
ury and the necessity OF meeting this EN-
barrassment by keeping down appropia-
tons To the lowest figures consistent with
the proper administration of the Govern
ment were talked over in a general way
When the conferees left the Presidents
offices after session lasting less than two
hours it was with the understanding that
there should be further conferences with
Mr. Roosevelt before any legislative pro-
gramme was mapped out.
At the outset the President in his usual
frank and characteristic way, made IL APP
parent To the legislative leaders that he
had not called them into council for the
purpose Of forcing upon them any views
which he might entertain with regard TO
the tariff and other matters OF importance
requiring the attention Of the Congress. His
position was that he desired to be guided,
not 10 dictate and this attitude made it
obvious to the men gathered about him at
his invitation that there was not the slightest
prospect Of u break between the executive
and legislative branches Of the Govern
ment. Naturally. the utmost harmony
prevailed
While there was no lineup by the con-
ferees upon one side or the other in the
tarf discussion. Speaker Cannon. Senator
Platt Of Connecticut. Representative Dial
zell of Pennsylvania and Representative
Grosvcnor of Ohio indicated pretty strongly
that they believed necessity for a readjust-
ment Of the Dngley schedules had not
arisen.
1t would probably be erroneous to say
that the five other Legislators who attended
the conference took a dramatically OPP
posite view, but these five made it plain
that they regarded it as advisable for Con-
gres4 TO give some attention to the tarif
in the near future not. however. until
must tdl tiul anu CONSCIENTIOUS 'AAAAAAAaT
ton of tho subject had been made and
every precaution taken to prevent agita-
ton that might result in injury 10 the bust
ness interests OF the country. These five
men were Senator's Allison. Aldrioh and
Spooner Representative Payne OF New
York. who is chairman Of the House Com
mittee on Ways and Means. and Represen-
tative Tawney Of Minnesota, who is mem
Der Of that committee.
There were indications that some at
least, among these five believed with Messrs.
Cannon. Platt. Dalzell and Grosvenor that
the material necessity for tarii revision
was not apparent but in Wow OF the sent-
rnent that had been created throughout
the country for resdjustment Of tho Ding
ley schedules-a sentiment that did not
arise from public dissatisfaction, but from
sudden and unexpected agitation-it was
advisable to meet the wishes Of the people
and grant to them the concessions which
seemed TO be desired.
Evidently this view prevailed IN the end
and there appears TO be little doubt that
those leaders who have hitherto been re-
garded az unalterably opposed TO readjust
ment for some time TO como at least will
work in harmony with their more moderate
colleagues TO frame new tarin schedules
that will meot the approval OF the country,
with the least or, il possible without any
disturbance Of business.
In the course OF the discussion some
attention was given to specific schedules
which would probably come within the
scheme OF revision. but the most that can
be said is that the iron and steel schedules
we're those which came in for tho greatest
share 81 consideration.
,JERSEI,S STATEHOI- SE"TNFtIR.,