Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-04
PRICE OF STEEL RAILS
ANOTHER TARIFF DISCUSSION IN
THE HOUSE.
Mr.. Williams Continues to Insist
Upon His Demand That
Quorum Be Present.

During consideration of the naval appro-
priation bill late yesterday afternoon live
~ discussion occurred between Mr. Bates
OF Pennsylvania, Mr.. Williams of Missis-
sippi. Mr.. Clark of Missouri and Mr.. Payne
of New York over certain statements made
by Mr. Bates in relation to the price Of
steel rails.
The discussion took on wide tariff
range a forerunner OF still further tariff
discussion as the session nears Its close.
The speakers, except Mr.. Foss, Mr.. Mey-
er of Louisiana and Mr.. Knowland OF Cali
forna debated feature of the bill, con-
tentlng themselves, under the latitude fur
nisheG by general debate with discussing
subjects in which they have a peculiar and
personal interest.
II is expected that general debate will
run today, the bill being taken up by Sec
lions tomorrow.
At TO the naval program carried in the bill
Mr.. Foss believed that IT would meet with
the judgment of the members of the House
He said that the highest naval opinion Of
the world, growing out OF the recent naval
conflict between Japan and Russia, was
that the battleship was the real fighting
ship. He referred to the Dreadnaught OF
the British navy and said: I'VE have pro-
vided in this bill for great battleship
more powerful than any afoat."
How many American harbors could the
Dreadnaugbt enter?' asked Mr.. Underwood
of Alabama
piled Mr.. Foss. and possibly some other
harbors. 1t has IS feet draft and l think
the New York harbor is about 40 feet.
''Well.' said Mr.. Underwood, 1T couldn't
protect or enter any of the harbors in the
southern or gulf states. 1t must neces-
sarily have large base of supplies"
1T would not be necessary for such
ship to enter any harbOr," replied Mr. Foss.
1T would protect the coast by meeting the
enemy at sea.
At this point Mr.. Williams, the minority
leader. raised the point Of mo quorum"
The chair held the point of no quorum
in order and there was a scurrying of pages
to committee rooms and lunch rooms to
bring in the absentees and a quorum was
obtained.
The building of a great battleship," said
Mr.. Foss in conclusion, means notice to
all the world that we propose to look after
our interests not only at home, but wher-
ever our interests may be-here or on an
other continent"
Again Mr. Williams suggested the alb
sence of a quorum. and the business of the
House stopped until the ab5entees were
brought in.
Debate on the naval bill had proceeded
listlessly for several hours, when suddenly
an exceedingly interesting colloquy occurred
during the address OF Mr.. Bates (Pa-). He
had been talking about the dumping pro-
cess which the democrats were using as an
example OF WhdI the IdrlH does Tor the IOr-
eign market as against the home market.
Then passing to the consideration of steel
rails, he said the price in England and
Great Britain was $3.50; the export price in
Great Britain SIS: in Germany the home
price was $50 the export price s24, In
France the home price was $31, the export
price $3.50: in the United States the home
price was $2S. the export price $3.50
He gave a reason for selling steel rails
in Canada and Mexico cheaper than in the
United States that they were sold under the
sharpest competition.
Mr.. Williams (Miss.), who had been listen
ing to the tariff speech of Mr. Bates sud-
denly asked for the authority that the Eng
fish sell abroad cheaper than at home
Mr.. Bates replied that the information
came from Mr.. Gary of the United States
Steel Corporation.
An interested Witness replied Mr. Will
Hams. L challenge the gentleman to give
me another witness. and II he can't do it
now to put ii In the Record later"
Then the name of Tom johnson of Ohio
was Injected N the debate Mr.. Clark
asked If the second largest manufacturer of
steel rails in this country. when sitting on
the moor Of the House as a member, had not
saiu that steel rails could be made at 80
d ton II you take off the tariff, and make
plenty OF profit to sell them at s16?'
Mr. Bates said he thought that was one
VI the eNtraVagant statements the gentle
man from Ohio loved to indulge in.
hi. fayne On. - said Mr.. johnson voted
Tor the Wilson tariff bill, and voted for II
Notwithstanding the fact that there was n
ia.se protective duty rails at that time
MT clark wanted to know who Mr. PAYNE
SAID voted for the Wilson bill.
In ms man Johnson" replied Mr. Payne.
. he voted against it," said Mr. Clark
and begged me on the floor OF tbis HoI,s n,
70 vote against 1t, and | wish to heaven T
mad daughter and appIause on tba 70
publican sidel INV