The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-01-05
TARIFF REVISION
PLANS UNDER WAY
President and Secretary of the
Treasury Are Looking Into
the Matter.
BY w. w. Jermane.

Washington, Jan. 5.-Those who were
instrumental in discouraging an extra
session for tariff revision next spring
have realized all along that their next
session Teu5 ct es Prey ha1e oped
things would come to such pass that
before congress adjourns President
Roosevelt will assure them of his in
tentlOn not to call an autumn session.
Therein they have been discouraged
thus far.
The president has told callers recent
ly that his abandonment of a spring
session must not be interpreted as an
abandonment Of any extra session. He
is much imbued with the idea that re-
VISION is necessary, and occasionally
takes the subject up with men compe-
tent to speak about the industrial and
business situation.
Secretary Shaw has asked various
customs officials to express to him their
opinions about articles in various
schedules which could well stand lower
rate Of duty. 1t is not known whether
this is at the request of Mr.. Roose-
welt, but it is probable the secretary
would not take such a step without the
president approval.
Tariff Expert in Council.
Within a few days T. S. Sharretts
New York, who. is recognized as
the leading tariff expert in this
country, has been here in consulta-
ton with the secretary. The two dis
cussed revision matters and Mr.. Shar-
retts also talked with senators who are
members of the finance committee. At
ter returning to New York Mr.. Shar-
retts began to emphasize by interviews
and statements in trade papers there,
that the tariff could be revised at the
! long session of congress beginning next
! December, and that in the meantime
plans for scientific revision along speci-
fled lines could be prepared by mem
bers of the house and senate commit
tees. .~. -.
Certain senate leaders are represented
as displeased with the activity of Sec
about tariff revision. They say Mr.
Shaw, as an official, has no business
to take up the subject at all except as
to its administrative features.
House Members Angry.
i On the other hand, the republicans
OF the house ways and means com
mlttee are resentful of the action OF
Senator Aldrich and other Of the sen
preliminary questions affecting revision
The next tariff bill, say these repub
licans, will originate with the hous,
committee, as the constitution provides
The advice of senators is conceded tt
be good, but that does not mean tn,
: senate can dictate at the start VIVA
. the bill is to be. Neither does TIN
house committee sanction the idea O.
joint commission meeting during tn
summer to frame some measure, which
as matters look now, may be broache'
before long.
While Secretary Shaw has been gath
ering data as to what schedules coul,
, well be modified, few senators hav
> been quietly looking into the whole rev
; enue question, both industrial and Gus
: toms. When the tariff is revised, i
; at all, during the next two years O
: the next four years, it may be tina
, the internal revenue rates and. the Gus
; toms administrative act of 1890 will
: be overhauled. There are some VIII
J favor making the work as thoro as pos
sible if it is to- be entered upon. tn
y deficit in the treasury receipts and tn
i growing expenditures Of the govern
3 ment will furnish an excuse for tn
), most thoro revision IN many years.
e Business Interests Favorable.
t The president continues to hear fror
e important business interests that ar
= Wiling TO nave revision come speedily
: Some Of these are indicating that
: cut in schedules will not material
q affect them, and therefore they thin
Y it wiser to yield to whatever popula
h demand there may be for tariff legi
lation.
y If they can be assured of what
|. technically called "scientifc trea
n ment' of the schedules, the infuenc
> of many industries will be consistent
:, for revision. Some interests strongl
T prefer the preparation Of a bill by
y joint commission Of the members {
the senate and house committees.
= It is believed that any revival of sth
! agitation for tariff revision will be a
e tended by more or less shrewd polite
in connection with railroad rate legi
: lation. There is fine opportunity fl
trading pro and con between opponent
and advocates on the two questions.